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Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The steep terrain and tall canopy of the Silvan area of Dandenong Ranges National Park makes for an exciting mountain bike destination, hosting a combination of single trail and management vehicle tracks with opportunities for beginner and intermediate skill level.

The area has 13km of dedicated mountain bike trails and a significant management vehicle track network suitable for riding. The trails can be enjoyed individually, with friends or you can join a local riders club.

The mountain bike trails are managed by Parks Victoria with the support of the local club - Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers (YRMTB). If you’re interested in being involved in building new trail features or helping maintain trails, get in touch with Parks Victoria or YRMTB to volunteer.

Things to do

 
The view from the RJ Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

RJ Hamer Arboretum

Take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads of the Arboretum and take in the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley out to the Warburton Ranges and beyond.
A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket and woman wearing a cream knitted jumper turn and walk away from a lake in the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Garden) is host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around.
A man in a blue puffer jack walks towards a women with black hair wearing a cream jumper to join a picnic.

Doongalla Homestead

The Doongalla Homestead was established in the 1890s but destroyed by a bushfire in 1932. The remnant gardens and open lawn areas make this a great location for a family picnic.
The stunning view from the top of Kalorama Park in the northern section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Kalorama Park

Boasting spectacular views over Silvan Reservoir and the south-eastern face of the Dandenong Ranges, Kalorama Park is perfect for picnics, barbecues or simply relaxing whilst enjoying the magnificent surrounds.
Water cascades over Olinda Falls

Olinda-Falls

Starting at the Olinda Falls Picnic Ground, follow the Falls Track. After 300m, you will come to the top viewing platform across Olinda Creek as the steady flow of water cascades over the rocks. A further 140m leads to the lower viewing platform and a small bridge over the creek.
A sculpture looks over a walking path in the William Ricketts Sanctuary.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again.

How to get there

Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

If visiting by car, start your mountain bike trail experience from the Silvan Reservoir Picnic Area. Facilities include parking, toilets, picnic tables and barbeques. From the picnic area, head 500m south west on Stonyford Road until you access the Track 13 management vehicle track which will take you into the “Forest Flow” trail network.

Alternatively, park at RJ Hamer Arboretum and head east along Chalet Road to start at descending Blue Grade Huds Track.

Facilities

Toilets
Lookout
BBQ - Electric/Gas
Carpark

Need to know

Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Silvan Reservoir Park Closed

    The parks septic system has failed and the toilets are closed. Parks Victoria is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible, until then the park will be closed. Alternative Reservoir Parks nearby to visit include Maroondah Reservoir Park at Healesville and Cardinia Reservoir Park near Emerald. 

    Deer control - Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground and Stables Picnic Ground, Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Shooting operations for deer will take place from Monday 29th May until Thursday 1st June each night 
    Doongalla Picnic Grounds will be closed to the public during this period (also during daylight hours).

    Deer control, (Shooting) Night closures of Sherbrooke, Doongalla and Olinda

    Areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park will be closed between the hours of 5.30 pm and 6.00 am from Sunday 28th May to Thursday 1st June in order to control Deer via shooting.  Affected areas of the national park include Doongalla, Sherbrooke and Olinda, during this period members of the public are not permitted in the areas as highlighted on the map.

    Attachments: Shooting Operations Area Topgraphic (2,666KB)

    Sherbrooke Track resurfacing works

    Sherbrooke Trail - Upgrade & Maintenance Works
     
    Upgrade and maintenance works will commence Monday 22nd of May 2023 on  trails (see below) in the Sherbrooke Forest, these works will continue over the next five weeks.
     
    Please note that not all trails will be closed at the same time, and we’ll be working towards making the trails available over the weekends where possible. Segments of the car park will be made available as we progress through the works.
     
    The order of the existing trails below will be resurfaced in partnership with Parks Victoria to ensure the communities safety, and experience (depending on weather):
     
    1.       Sherbrooke Track
    2.       Ridge Track
    3.       Pound Creek
    4.       Wattle Track
    During the next five weeks the Sherbrooke Picnic Ground carpark will be closed off to the public, but the O’Donohue Picnic Ground will still be available. The sites will be signposted while works are underway. 

    Closures due to storm damage

    •      Valley Picnic Ground is closed to picnicking; visitors can use Boundary Road to access the park however         no vehicle access is permitted.
    •      Sections of Sassafras Creek/Menzies Creek walking track
    •      Wattle Track in Sherbrooke 
    •      William Ricketts Sanctuary
    •      Areas of Silvan/Olinda forest 

    Attachments: DR Storm Damage Works - Autumn 2022 Flyer (1,671KB)

  • Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Access changes during Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program upgrade works

    Works to upgrade facilities as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program have started.

    During works access to park facilities including, pathways, picnic tables, barbeques and playground equipment may be limited or closed.

    For more information about these upgrades please visit the Parks Victoria Project Page, or contact the Parks Victoria team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.
      

  • Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Olinda Falls lower viewing platform and creek crossing closed

    The Olinda Falls lower viewing platform and creek crossing is closed indefinitely due to severe damage from a fallen tree. All access to the lower falls is closed to the public.

  • Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Deer control works

    Parks Victoria are continuing deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This program will be taking place between the hours of 4pm and 7am on a number of nights throughout May 2023. These control works are being undertaken by accredited and authorised contractors.
    For public safety reason, various areas of the park will be inaccessible during the evening throughout this period.
    Please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.
    For further information please call 131963

    Mechanics Track Partially Closed

    • A section of Mechanics track from the Tourist rd. to Falls rd. near Olinda Falls Picnic Ground is closed due to significant damage from the June 2021 Storm.  

  • Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet Closed

    The toilet block is closed temporarily awaiting connection to the sewer, the nearby O'Donohues Picnic Ground toilet is open.

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Three mountain bikers turn left through a berm.

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A young mountain biker attempts a drop while cheered on by his father and older sister at the You Yangs Regional Park.

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The You Yangs has two designated mountain biking areas that contain over 50 kilometres of exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for riders of all ages and ability.
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