Walking With Grace - Dandenong Ranges Outdoor adventures

Let’s keep the adventure rolling with Part 5 of our 72km Dandenong Ranges Trail series! This leg takes us from Baynes Park Reserve, Monbulk to Belgrave and back—a beautiful 16km return journey through some of the most enchanting sections of the ranges.
🕘 Meetup Time & Location 10:00 AM at Baynes Park Reserve, Monbulk (next to Monbulk Aquatic Centre)
🥾 Trail Highlights

• A peaceful mix of narrow creekside paths shaded by tall gum trees and tree ferns
• A short section on road before transitioning to wide bush tracks
• A steep descent into Belgrave (and a solid climb on the way back—bring your legs!)
• Plenty of great lunch spots in Belgrave to relax and refuel before the return leg

🎒 What to Bring

• Water
• Jacket
• Long sleeves and trousers (recommended for bush protection)
• Sturdy walking shoes

This walk offers a satisfying blend of terrain and scenery, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of challenge with a rewarding break in the middle. Whether you're chasing kilometers or just soaking up the serenity, we’d love to have you along.
Let’s hit the trail together—see you there!

### 🙏 About Walking With Grace

We’re a community of walkers who seek more than just steps—we walk with intention, with openness, and with grace. Whether you come for the nature, the fellowship, or the quiet moments in between, you’ll find a space to breathe, belong, and be.

### 🥾 About Club.Hiking.org.au

We’re proud to be part of Hiking.org.au, a national hub for outdoor enthusiasts across Australia. It’s a space where we share our adventures, discover new trails, and connect with fellow hikers. Whether we're conquering rugged peaks or wandering scenic bush tracks, every trail has a story—and we’re here to walk it together.
View photos from the walk and upload your pictures, you can also download the route or send it to your strava account for when you want to revisit the route. https://club.hiking.or.au
Because adventures are meant to be shared

# 🌿 Picnic, Hike & Swim at the Peninsula Tunnels

Join us for a relaxed, nature‑soaked afternoon exploring one of the most atmospheric pockets of bushland near Reefton. This meetup blends slow adventure with good company: a picnic under tall gums, a scenic riverside hike, and a refreshing swim in the Upper Yarra River.

✨ What You’ll See & Experience
We’ll begin at the Little Peninsula Tunnel Picnic Area, where the forest opens into a quiet clearing beside the river. The air here always feels cooler — eucalyptus drifting on the breeze, the soft rush of water echoing through the valley.

From there, we follow the river downstream along a narrow, fern‑lined track. Expect:

• Sunlight flickering through tall mountain ash
• Mossy boulders and deep green undergrowth
• The river curling around smooth granite bends
• Birdsong bouncing between the ridges

At the stepping‑stone crossing, the river widens into a shallow, sparkling stretch. On warm days, the stones sit just above the waterline — perfect for hopping across or pausing to cool your feet.
We’ll climb the northern spur, a gentle ridge that rises above the valley. As we gain height, the forest opens into glimpses of the river far below, the light shifting through the canopy in that magical late‑afternoon way.
At the top, the ridge offers a quiet, breezy traverse before we descend toward the Big Peninsula Tunnel, a striking piece of gold‑era engineering carved into the rock.
The return walk follows the opposite bank, giving us a whole new perspective on the river — calmer, slower, and perfect for a swim. There’s a sheltered pool near the end where the water is clear, cool, and incredibly refreshing after the hike.
We’ll finish back at the picnic area for snacks, drinks, and a relaxed wind‑down.

## 🎒 What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimmers + towel
• Picnic food or snacks to share
• Water (at least 1–1.5L)
• Sunscreen & hat
• A light jacket (the valley cools quickly)
• Optional: trekking poles, camera, river shoes

## 🌤 Difficulty

Moderate. The track includes uneven ground, a shallow water crossing, and a steady but manageable climb.

## 🌐 About Our Community

This event is part of club.hiking.org.au, a free online community where you can download GPX files, share your outdoor adventures, and connect with other hikers who love exploring just as much as you do. It’s a friendly space to learn, plan, and get inspired for your next trip.
Because Adventures are Meant to be Shared!

## ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer

This is a social, community‑led outing rather than a guided or professionally supervised activity. By attending, you accept responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing. The route includes uneven ground, a shallow river crossing, and natural hazards typical of bush environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and support others in the group as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together.
Our volunteers will be carrying first aid supplies, emergency radio equipment, and satellite navigation/communication devices. These are available to assist the group, but they are not a substitute for personal preparedness. We also recommend having active ambulance cover whenever you take part in outdoor activities.