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Details

A ridge‑to‑summit circuit linking Kalorama Lookout, Karawarra Gardens, Kyeema Track and Burkes Lookout — moving through tall forest, native gardens, historic tracks and sweeping views across the Dandenong Ranges. It’s a big day out with steady climbing, varied terrain and plenty of places to pause and take in the mountain air.

We have an easy version and will also have break out spots for those not wanting the full challenge (bus returns to start point)

## ⭐ Hike Overview

  • Difficulty: Hard AWTG Grade: 4
  • Elevation Gain: 617 m ascent / 612 m descent Distance: 12.92 km
  • Elevation Challenge Notes: Sustained climbing from Kalorama to SkyHigh, Steep sections on Kyeema Track
    Timing: 4–5 hours (3-4PM)
    Sunset: ~5:15 pm

## 🌄 Walk Description

We begin at Kalorama Lookout, stepping straight onto the Ngurrak Barring Ridge Walk — a gentle start along the Ways of Seeing trail, moving through open ridgeline forest with glimpses across the valley. The track leads us into Kalorama Memorial Reserve, where the forest deepens and the ridge narrows.
A short, leisurely wander through the Karawarra Native Gardens offers a calm pause among curated native plantings before we continue onto Hands Road and Thompsons Track.

These forest corridors feel peaceful and sheltered, with tall eucalypts overhead and soft leaf litter underfoot.
From here we link a sequence of historic and management routes — Luxury Track, Old Coach Road, Old Mountain Road and Fireline Track — each with its own character. The forest shifts between open woodland and denser gullies, with occasional breaks in the canopy revealing the mountain’s height.

Climbing steadily, we join Observatory Track and then Kyeema Track, passing the Kyeema crash memorial site, a quiet and reflective point on the mountain. The ascent continues toward Burkes Lookout, where the forest opens into one of the most expansive views in the Dandenongs.
A final push brings us to SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, where we’ll take a break and explore the summit gardens. After resting, we descend via Trig Track, winding back down through cool forest until the ridge returns us to Kalorama Lookout.

## 🎒 What to Bring

  • 1–2 L of water
  • Lunch + snacks
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Weather‑appropriate layers
  • Walking poles (optional but helpful on steeper sections)
  • Personal medication (e.g., asthma, allergies)

## ✔️ Requirements

  • A reasonable fitness level
  • Ability to walk 12 km with sustained uphill sections
  • Confidence on uneven and occasionally rocky terrain

## ❤️ 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.
We are 100% donation powered. If you are able to a small donation helps us to keep leading new hikes and walks.

## 🕒 Timing

  • Meet: Kalorama Lookout (exact meeting point will be confirmed in the event details)
  • Start: Please arrive 10 minutes early for introductions
  • Duration: Approximately 4–4.5 hours including breaks

## 🌐 GPX & Community

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. The GPX file for this walk will be uploaded there.

## 🌟 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.

Related topics

Events in Kalorama, AU

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