Walking With Grace - Dandenong Ranges Outdoor adventures

Join Jade for a gentle, scenic loop through the beautiful RJ Hamer Arboretum, one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most peaceful and atmospheric landscapes. This walk blends rolling forest views, quiet tree‑lined paths, and the calming presence of tall gums, Japanese cedar, and soft green ferns.

## ✨ What You’ll See & Experience

From the moment we step onto the trail, the arboretum opens into sweeping views across the valley — layers of forested hills, shifting light, and the soft silhouettes of distant ridgelines. The track winds through a curated collection of trees from around the world, each section with its own character:

• Japanese cedar groves with cool, shaded air
• Fern‑lined pockets where the forest floor glows green
• Towering eucalyptus and mountain ash rising overhead
• Open grassy slopes offering panoramic views of the Dandenong's

It’s a walk that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple beauty of moving through nature together.
We’ll walk at a steady, social pace with plenty of time for conversation, photos, and taking in the scenery.

## 🥾 Terrain & Difficulty

Distance: ~8km Difficulty: Moderate Australian Walking Track Grade: 3 Terrain: Well‑formed paths, gentle hills, some uneven natural surfaces Estimated Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels with regular breaks and regroup points.

## 🎒 What to Bring

• 1–3L water
• Snacks and/or lunch
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Weather‑appropriate layers
• Optional: hiking poles, small first‑aid kit, camera

## 👕 What to Wear

• Moisture‑wicking top
• Quick‑dry shorts or leggings
• Hiking boots or sturdy runners

## 📍 Meeting Point

RJ Hamer Arboretum Carpark 10 Chalet Road, Olinda
Start Time: 10:00 AM Please arrive 10–15 minutes early so we can begin together.

## 🧭 GPX & Route Maps

This event is part of club.hiking.org.au, a free online community where you can download GPX files, explore route maps, share your outdoor adventures, and connect with other hikers. GPX for this walk will be uploaded there.

## 🌦 Weather & Safety

We walk in most conditions — mist, sunshine, cool air, or light rain — as long as it remains safe. If strong winds, storms, extreme heat, or track closures arise, we may modify or postpone the event. Updates will be posted on the Meetup page.

## ⚠️ 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 may include uneven ground, slippery surfaces, and natural hazards typical of bush environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and look out for one another as we move through the terrain. Our volunteers carry first‑aid supplies, an emergency radio, and satellite navigation/communication devices, but these are not a substitute for personal preparedness.

## ❤️ About Walking With Grace

Walking With Grace is a faith‑inspired, non‑profit community that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our walks are community‑led, volunteer‑run, and centered on connection, kindness, and enjoying nature together. Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.

## ✨ RSVP Etiquette

If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we can make space for others on the waitlist.

## 🌟 We Look Forward to Walking With You

Every walk is a chance to reconnect — with nature, with others, and with yourself. Whether this is your first event or your fiftieth, we’re grateful to have you with us.

Monday is Labor Day a public holiday and the forecast is a warm 30°C, so we’re heading to Lysterfield Lake for a slow, relaxing day by the water. Expect shade, swims, shared food, gentle conversation, and the simple joy of spending time outdoors together.

### 🌿 What You’ll Experience

Lysterfield Lake is one of Melbourne’s most peaceful summer spots — calm water, grassy banks, tall gums, and plenty of space to unwind. We’ll set up near the beach‑access picnic area, where you’ll find:

• Shaded lawns perfect for relaxing
• On‑site BBQs and picnic tables
• A calm, designated swimming area
• Plenty of room for floating, paddling, or lawn games

Bring whatever helps you settle in — a floatie, a book, a paddleboard, or just yourself. This is an easygoing, social day with no fixed schedule.
If the weather ends up cooler than expected, we’ll simply swap water time for a gentle walk around the lake, keeping the day relaxed and enjoyable.

### 🥾 Activity Options

• Swim, float, or paddle in the lake
• Join in on lawn games
• Relax in the shade with good company
• Enjoy a picnic or BBQ lunch
• Take a casual walk if the weather cools

### 🎒 What to Bring

• 2–3L water
• Picnic lunch or BBQ items
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Bathers, towel, something to float on
• Picnic blanket or camp chair
• Optional: paddleboard, inflatable, lawn games, book
• Weather‑appropriate layers

### 📍 Meeting Point

Lysterfield Lake – Beach Access Picnic Area After entering the park, take the first left and follow the road all the way to the furthest carpark. We’ll set up on the grass near the swimming area.
Start Time: 11:30 AM onwards (Arriving a little early helps us secure a good spot.)

### 🌦 Weather & Safety

We’ll go ahead in warm or mild weather. If conditions become unsafe — storms, extreme heat, or strong winds — we may adjust the plan or postpone. Updates will be posted on the event page.
Swimming and paddling are at your own discretion. Please stay within designated swimming areas and be mindful of your comfort and ability in the water.

### ⚠️ 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. Natural environments may include uneven ground, slippery surfaces, and changing water conditions. Please bring suitable gear and look out for one another.

### ❤️ About Walking With Grace

Walking With Grace is a faith‑inspired, non‑profit community that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our events are community‑led, volunteer‑run, and centred on connection, kindness, and enjoying nature together. Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.

### 🧭 GPX & Route Maps

This event is part of club.hiking.org.au, a free online community where you can download GPX files, explore route maps, share your outdoor adventures, and connect with other hikers.

### ✨ RSVP Etiquette

If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we can make space for others on the waitlist.

# Dandenong Ranges Trail - Mt Evelyn to Lilydale Lake & Return - 13km - (Easy Terrain / Moderate Distance)

# 📍 Meeting Point

Mt Evelyn Memorial Gardens
Wray Crescent / Birmingham Rd, Mount Evelyn VIC 3796
Google Plus Code: 698H+66 Mount Evelyn, Victoria

Time: Meet at 9.45am for a 10am depart

# 🥾 About This Walk

This is a relaxed, social flat walk on the roads / paths / Mt Evelyn Aquaduct Trail. We’ll take our time, enjoy the scenery, and create space for conversation and connection. Everyone is welcome — whether you’re building fitness, seeking community, or simply wanting a peaceful moment in nature.

# 📏 Distance, Grade & Difficulty

Distance: 13km
Grade: 2-3
Difficulty: Easy: flat terrain, moderate: distance.
Estimated Duration:
3-3.5 hours (2.5 - 3 hours walking, plus 30 mins break at Lilydale Lake)

# 🌿 What to Expect

• A friendly, inclusive group
• A steady, social pace
• Regroup points along the way
• Time to enjoy nature, wildlife, and conversation
• A supportive environment for all experience levels

# 🎒What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• 1–2L water
• Snacks or lunch
• Weather‑appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen / hat
• Optional: hiking poles, camera, extra layers

# 💬 After the Walk

We often grab a coffee or snack afterwards — you’re warmly invited to join if you’d like.

# 🧭 GPX / Route Map

GPX file will be uploaded after the hike

# 🌦 Weather & Safety

We hike in all conditions — rain, shine, mist, or cold — as long as it remains safe to do so. If weather conditions become unsafe (strong winds, storms, extreme heat, or track closures), we may modify or postpone the walk. Any updates will be posted on the event page.

# ⚠️ 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 may include uneven ground, shallow water crossings, slippery surfaces, and natural hazards typical of bush environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and look out for one another as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together as a group.

Our volunteers carry first‑aid supplies, an emergency radio, and satellite navigation/communication devices. These are available to support 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.

# ❤️ About Walking With Grace

Walking With Grace is a faith‑inspired, non‑profit community that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Grace, for us, isn’t a requirement or a doctrine — it’s a way of moving through the world with gentleness, kindness, and openness. Our hikes are community‑led, volunteer‑run, and focused on connection, wellbeing, and enjoying nature together.

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. Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.

# ✨ RSVP Etiquette

If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we can plan well and make space for people on the waitlist. We use a three‑strike policy for no‑shows, so please message us or update your RSVP at least two hours beforehand.

# 🌟 We Look Forward to Sharing This Adventure With You

Every walk is a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple gift of being outdoors together. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another adventure, we’re grateful to have you with us.
Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.

#

Join as Jade leads us on a fern‑lined journey through towering eucalypts, gentle valley views, and into the quiet majesty of the East Warburton Redwood Forest. This 15km out‑and‑back adventure begins at the Warburton Trails Adventure Centre (71 Donna Buang Road, Warburton 3799), which backs directly onto the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail.

From there, we follow the peaceful contour of the aqueduct all the way to the Redwoods and return the same way. Expect lush green ferns, tall mountain ash, and rolling peaks and valleys that make this route one of Warburton’s most scenic and calming walks.

The O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is known for being one of the most gentle, well‑graded tracks in the region — wide, mostly flat, and easy underfoot — making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels while still offering a rewarding distance.

## 🥾 Terrain & Difficulty

• Australian Walking Track Grade: 2–3
• Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
• Terrain: Wide compacted gravel and firm dirt, gentle undulations, occasional debris, soft/muddy patches after rain
• Redwood Forest: Natural earth, uneven in places, can be muddy in winter

## 🎒 What to Bring

• 💧 3L of water
• 🥙 Snacks or lunch
• 🤠 Hat and sunscreen
• First aid kit (optional)
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Electrolytes (optional)

## 👕 What to Wear

• 🥾 Hiking boots or sturdy runners
• 👕 Moisture‑wicking clothing
• 🤠 A hat

## 📍 Meeting Point

Warburton Trails Adventure Centre Carpark
71 Donna Buang Rd, Warburton 3799
Please note: The carpark is gravel and has potholes.
We have exclusive access for the weekend join us for the camp after

## 🌦 Weather & Safety

We hike in all conditions — rain, shine, mist, or cold — as long as it remains safe to do so. If weather conditions become unsafe (strong winds, storms, extreme heat, or track closures), we may modify or postpone the walk. Any updates will be posted on the event page.

## 🌙 Want to Keep the Adventure Going?

We have full access to the Scouts Centre, where you’re welcome to join the group and stay overnight. see the full details on the meetup event here
Cost: $40 per person for the night

## ❤️ About Walking With Grace & Our Hiking Community

Walking With Grace is a faith‑inspired, non‑profit community that welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our hikes are community‑led, volunteer‑run, and focused on connection, kindness, and enjoying nature together.
This event is part of club.hiking.org.au, a free online hiking community where you can:

• Download GPX files
• Share your outdoor adventures
• Connect with other hikers
• Discover new trails and inspiration

Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.

## ✨ RSVP Etiquette

If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we can plan well and make space for others on the waitlist.

## 🌟 We Look Forward to Sharing This Adventure With You

Every walk is a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple gift of being outdoors together. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another adventure, we’re grateful to have you with us.
We look forward to sharing this experience with you — the conversations, the views, the quiet moments, and the joy of walking side by side.
Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.

⚠️ 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 may include uneven ground, shallow water crossings, slippery surfaces, and natural hazards typical of bush environments. Please consider your fitness and comfort level, bring suitable gear, and look out for one another as we move through the terrain. If conditions change or anything feels unsafe, we’ll adjust the plan together as a group.
Our volunteers carry first‑aid supplies, an emergency radio, and satellite navigation/communication devices. These are available to support 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.