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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Carpark
Lookout
Toilets
BBQ - Electric/Gas
When you're there
Parks Victoria rangers endeavour to keep the trails open in just about all conditions. However, short closures may occur in extreme weather events, after storms or to conduct trail works.
Download a map of the mountain bike trail to find out more.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Silvan Reservoir Park is Closed
Silvan Reservoir Park is currently closed to visitors, Parks Victoria is working with contractors on the construction of a new toilet facility with the concrete slab being poured this week. Several new paths, an upgraded power supply and BBQ repairs are being completed. Parks Victoria expects the park to be re-opened as soon as the new toilet facilities are completed which is expected to be between late December 2023 early January 2024, this web page will be kept updated as works progress.While the park is closed the park team has been working on clearing overgrown vegetation from garden beds and making the picnic ground safer and more enjoyable for visitors.Updated 24/11/23Mathias Road Closure
A section of Mathias Road (Hamer Arboretum) will be closed to walkers between the 18th and 22nd of December inclusive. The Closure is to allow for the safe replacement of a large creek culvert that has collapsed, the location of the works and track closure point is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eunhiUT7gTjFnz2s8Walkers will not be able to enter, walk through or around he work site during this time, please seek an alternative route. The majority of the road will remain open during this time. -
Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Olinda Falls Toilet Closed
The Olinda Falls toilet is closed indefinitely, nearby toilets at Kalorama Park or in the Olinda Township are open.Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform - update
The Olinda Falls lower viewing platform is currently closed due to severe damage caused by a fallen tree. All access to the lower falls area is closed to the public. The viewing platform is expected to be replaced sometime in 2024.
Mechanics Walking Track Closed between Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and Falls Road
- Mechanics walking track from the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd through to Falls Rd is closed due to significant damage from the June 2021 Storm. Parks Victoria is currently working with contractors on a plan to re-open this severely impacted walking track.
- Works completed so far has been the replacement of a timber bridge that was destroyed along with most of the large fallen trees having been cut through, the remaining walking track requires re-benching and tree branch removal where limbs have been partly buried due to the force of the impact with the ground.
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Dandenong Ranges National Park
Deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park
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 between the 1st of November 2023 and the 30th of November 2024. These control works are being undertaken by accredited and authorised contractors.For reasons of public safety, various areas of the park will be inaccessible from dusk until dawn throughout this period.For your safety please observe all closure signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.For further information please call 131963 -
Sherbrooke Track (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Wattle Track Bridge Closure Update
Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest is closed due to significant structural damage to the Foot Bridge by a fallen tree. Parks Victoria has engaged a contractor to commence construction works in March 2024, it is anticipated that the bridge will be opened by May 2024. The existing damaged timber bridge will be replaced with an all steel constructed bridge which includes a non slip FRP decking, during the construction period there may be some delays along Sherbrooke Track as building materials are carried to the site, Sherbrooke track will remain open.
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