Adventure in Suburbia

# 🌿 Mount Evelyn Meander –| 10 km | 200 m gain | Grade: Moderate

Step into the varied beauty of Mount Evelyn, where linked trails, forest pockets, and quiet easements weave together into a journey of adventure. See the hidden parts of Mount Evelyn as we traverse changing landscapes as we move: grassy easements open into rocky sections, small roads giving way to forest shade, and the winding trail beside Olinda Creek offering moments of cool stillness. It’s an unhurried, social meander through a place full of small surprises,

## ⭐ Hike Overview

***Distance: **10 km
** *Elevation Gain: **~228 m
***Grade: **Moderate
** *Difficulty: Moderate — mixed terrain, some hills, narrow forest sections
*** Terrain: Linked Mount Evelyn trails, easements, forest, small roads, shopping strip, Olinda Creek trail
*** Facilities:
*** Toilets: Available in Mount Evelyn
*** Water: **Bring your own
*** Food: **Lunch available for purchase in Mount Evelyn

• Step into the varied beauty of Mount Evelyn, where linked trails, hidden forest pockets, and quiet easements weave together into a journey of adventure. This walk showcases the lesser-known sides of the area, traversing a shifting landscape where grassy easements open into rocky paths, quiet roads give way to deep forest shade, and the winding Olinda Creek trail offers moments of cool stillness.

This 10 km loop connects an eclectic network of trails around Mount Evelyn. We will move through open easements, quiet residential pockets, and lush forest tracks that wind gently along Olinda Creek, crossing over scenic footbridges.
The terrain is beautifully diverse. Some trails are wide and smooth, while others narrow into rocky, root-lined corridors. You can expect a few short, steep climbs on winding paths, and one short, steep descent down a wide grassy easement. There is also a 300-metre section of unformed terrain through dry bushland scrub, where we will need to step carefully around trees.
We will keep a relaxed pace with plenty of time to observe the landscape and local wildlife. (Fun fact: on the preview walk, we safely waited for a beautiful Copperhead snake to finish sunbathing on the path before moving on!)

There will be a fifteen to twenty minute lunch break at the Mount Evelyn Reserve where there are a number of picnic tables amidst green grass under huge chestnut trees and near to Olinda Creek. There is also a new playground (if you'd like to release your inner child). There is a toilet block located here also.

The last two kilometres are on pleasant easy tracks that wind down the hill to our starting point.

Whilst there is not a toilet block at the parking location, there is one along the way at our lunch spot.

## 🎒** What to Bring**

*1–2 L of water

• Snacks or money for lunch
  *Sturdy walking shoes
• Weather‑appropriate layers
  *Personal medication

## ✔️ Requirements

• Comfortable walking 10 km
  *Ability to navigate mixed terrain
• Willingness to pause at junctions and adjust pace
  *Confidence crossing a busy road with the group

## 🕒 Timing & Meeting Point

Meet: Corner of Francis Crescent and Birmingham Road, Lilydale Turn off Birmingham Road into Francis Crescent. Park on the right (lower level). We will meet on the left side of where the cars are parked .
Start: 11am Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Transport:

• Bus stop nearby on Swansea Road

## 🌱 Walking With Grace

Our walks are unhurried and grounded in presence — moving with awareness, kindness, and connection to the landscape and each other . Recce walks are especially gentle and exploratory, giving us space to notice details, refine routes, and enjoy the process of shaping a new hike

## ❤️ 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. Current page. Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared 🌟 We Look Forward to Walking With You Whether you’re joining to help mark out.... Because Adventures Are Meant to Be Shared.

## 🌟 We Look Forward to Walking With You

Whether you’re joining to help mark out the route or simply to enjoy a relaxed exploratory walk, your presence is appreciated .