Melbourne Trail
About
Melbourne
Fundraising
Get Prepared
VolunteerDONATEDASHBOARD
About
Melbourne
Fundraising
Get Prepared
VolunteerDONATEDASHBOARD
About
Melbourne
Fundraising
Get Prepared
VolunteerDONATEDASHBOARD
About
Melbourne
Fundraising
Get Prepared
VolunteerDONATEDASHBOARD

the Melbourne TRAIL

Our Oxfam Trailwalkers

IMPORTANT UPDATE - 22 FEB 24:

On 13 February extreme weather events hit the Dandenong Region and surrounds which caused significant damage to the Oxfam Trailwalker course particularly Section 1 Gembrook to Emerald and the Finish Line precinct at Lysterfield Park.

Despite best efforts to clear the impacted areas in time for the event, Emerald Lake Park, Wright Forest Bushland Reserve and Lysterfield Park remain closed.

Since the storms, our teams have been working around the clock with Parks Vic, SES and Forest Fire Management to deliver a safe, accessible and incredible Trailwalker adventure for all three distances.

After a thorough assessment of the course, we are pleased to provide you with the details for the updated route for Melbourne 2024. Having been out on the revised course this week, we can say it includes all the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges whilst still offering you and your team mates the challenge and adventure you expect from the final ever Oxfam Trailwalker.

We are grateful for the continuing support and advice from Parks Vic, SES and Fire Forest Management. We extend our thanks to the communities impacted by the storms for their continuing support of Oxfam Trailwalker despite the difficult circumstances they are facing.
And we thank you for your patience as we bring you this important information on changes to the trail.

More information is available at the Safety Briefing Night, you can watch the recording here.


We can’t wait to come together for adventure and support you on this final extraordinary adventure.
Trailwalker Team

IMPORTANT UPDATE - 21 FEB 24:

Storms on 13/2 caused significant damage to parks and property in parts of the Dandenong Ranges. We thank the impacted communities for continuing to support Oxfam Trailwalker despite the difficult circumstances they are facing.

We are thrilled to say that after an assessment, 80% of our trail remains safe and accessible. We've made some trail changes to ensure we can safely keep to the scheduled weekend which you have all trained so hard for and we'll provide you with a full update of the changes made, along with the revised AllTrails map on Thursday 22/2 ahead of Safety Briefing Night. We are confident this trail comprises some of the most stunning and picturesque walks in Melbourne and offers you the challenge and adventure you expect for the final Trailwalker.

Participant enquiries are currently high so please hold tight until we can provide you with a fuller update on Thursday.

If you haven’t already, RSVP for Safety Briefing Night on Thursday 22 Feb at 7pm AEDT here

Thanks for all your incredible support and stay safe.

IMPORTANT UPDATE - 16 FEB 24:

The storm on 13 February 2024 has caused significant damage to areas in the Greater Dandenong’s region. Parks Vic and SES continue to assess damage and clear impacted areas of the trail.

Please take care and be cautious on your training walks as sections of the trail are closed including Lysterfield Park, Wright Forest Bushland Reserve and Emerald Lake Park.

Before heading out, always check trail conditions on Parks Vic website including the change of conditions listing page which summarises the list of park closures. For closures in state forests, visit: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/forest-and-road-closures

You are our eyes and ears on the trail. Report anything concerning to Parks Victoria by phoning 13 19 63 and advise us via email at trailwalker@oxfam.org.au

Please be assured that Oxfam Trailwalker along with key event stakeholders are doing everything they can to ensure an accessible and safe event goes ahead on 1 March 2024.

Thanks for all your incredible support and stay safe.

Are you ready for one final adventure? Push yourself with an extraordinary challenge this March at the last ever Australian Oxfam Trailwalker in Melbourne.

Choose to walk 100km, 55km or 33km, build a team with three to six teammates, and together, work towards a future free from the injustice of poverty.

explore the NEW trail

alltrails map

Explore the trail

Explore the Melbourne trail on the AllTrails Map here. Please make sure to update your AllTrails map pre-event to ensure you have the most up-to-date version.

87km trail
57km trail
33km trail

download the MAP book

Use the Map Book during your training. We suggest printing a copy of the official Event Map Book for you to use on event weekend, in conjunction with the All Trails Map.

Note: Please always check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather conditions, forecasts and warnings. Always check trail conditions on Parks Vic website including the change of conditions listing page which summarises the list of park closures. For closures in state forests, visit: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/forest-and-road-closures

100km Training Book
get_app

100km Training Book

Start to Finish

55km Training Book
get_app

55km Training Book

Start to Finish

33km Training Book
get_app

33km Training Book

Start to Finish

CHECKPOINT facilities

Please note:

  • Long stay at Checkpoint 4 Lilydale Lake is your opportunity for sleep and recovery. This is where your Support Crew can put up your tent

  • Allied Health locations and times are subject to change.

100km EVENT IS NOW 87KM

The new course is shorter but offers all walkers an incredible endurance challenge. We’ve utilised all available trails to bring you this 87km challenge – we’ve maximised 80% of the planned trail and brought in a new section from 1000 steps to Silvan Reservoir Park so you can test your limits. We know you’ll give it everything you’ve got!

87km trail overview
Start Line Pepi’s Land, Emerald -> Ferny Creek -> 15.7km
CP 1 Ferny Creek -> CP 2 Silvan -> 12.5km
CP 2 Silvan -> CP 3 Lilydale -> 15.3km
CP 3 Lilydale -> CP 4 SkyHigh Mount Dandenong -> 11.5km
CP 4 SkyHigh Mount Dandenong -> CP 5 1,000 Steps 14.2km (turn-around at 1,000 Steps)
CP 5 1,000 steps -> Finish Line at Silvan -> 17km

New Start Line for 87km event

The 87km event starts at Pepi’s Land, Emerald.
Parking and access information will be provided to you early in event week.

New times for start waves
To ensure we can still provide event critical support like First Aid and Traffic Management, all start waves for the 87km event on Friday 1 March will commence 90 mins later than previously advised. Your dashboard will be updated with your revised start time early in event week.

55km event is now 57km

The new course is 2kms longer and offers all walkers an incredible endurance challenge. We’ve utilised all available trails to bring you this 57km challenge – we’ve maximised 80% of the planned trail and brought in a new section from 1000 steps to Silvan Reservoir Park so you can test your limits. We know you’ll give it everything you’ve got!

57km trail overview
Start Line Silvan Reservoir Park -> CP 3 Lilydale -> 15.3km
CP 3 Lilydale -> CP 4 SkyHigh 11.5km
CP 4 SkyHigh -> CP 5 1,000 Steps 14.2km (turn-around at 1,000 Steps)
CP 5 1,000 steps -> Finish Line at Silvan 17km

New Finish Line for 57km event
The 57km event now finishes at Silvan Reservoir Park.
Parking and access information will be provided to you early in event week.

33km event

The new 33km course offers walkers an incredible and picturesque challenge. We’ve utilised all available parts of the trail to bring you this event – we've maximised 80% of planned trail and the loop back up the 1000 Steps to Silvan Reservoir Park presents an exciting opportunity to test the limits. We know you’ll give it everything you’ve got!

33km trail overview
Start Line Silvan -> CP 5 1,000 Steps (turn-around at 1,000 Steps) – no support crew access
CP 5 1,000 steps -> Finish Line at Silvan

New Finish Line for 33km event
The 33km event now finishes at Silvan Reservoir Park.
Parking and access information will be provided to you early in event week.

Please note: Silvan Reservoir is currently closed to the public and not accessible for training purposes. Please use Grey Gum Carpark as an alternative to Silvan Reservoir Park.

Explore the Melbourne trail

Start Line - Checkpoint 1
Gembrook to Emerald   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 2

Begin your 100km Trailwalker adventure following Australia's premier preserved steam railway, Puffing Billy. Departing from Gembrook Puffing Billy Railway Station along the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail you'll enjoy beautiful scenery of Gembrook with rolling hills and open farmlands.

You will pass through the quiet town of Cockatoo and enter Wright Forest, with 161 hectares of magnificent Grey Gums and wattle species. Here you might sneak a glimpse of Puffing Billy from one of the fantastic vantage points, before emerging at Emerald Lake Park, Checkpoint 1.

Take care with the road crossings in this section.

Checkpoint 1 - 2
Emerald to Ferny Creek   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 3

Departing Checkpoint 1, walk around the picturesque Emerald Lake Park to return to the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail. Walk alongside Puffing Billy Railway to the township of Emerald, and continue on to Menzies Creek.

Here you say goodbye to Puffing Billy and enter Sherbrooke Forest, in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This is an area that can feel very far removed from civilisation, especially when you walk under the tallest flowering plant in the world the mountain ash that dominate this forest. Passing the Alfred Nicolas Memorial Gardens, enter the beautifully manicured gardens of the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society, arriving at checkpoint 2.

Checkpoint 2 - 3
Ferny Creek to Silvan   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 4

Depart Ferny Creek to tackle an uphill ascent through the Dandenong Ranges towards the township of Olinda. When there's a gap in the trees make sure you stop for a photo capturing Melbourne in background, or the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley.

You'll then descent through the national park winding your way through dense forest to emerge at Silvan Reservoir Park, checkpoint 3. During event weekend this checkpoint is the start for the 55km and 33km events.

Please take your time with the ascents in this section.

Checkpoint 3 - 4
Silvan to Lilydale   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 3

Setting off from Silvan on Track 11 you'll soon link in with the Olinda Creek Track which is nice and open all the way to Mt Evelyn. Pass the Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve, navigate to the Warburton Rail Trail, past the township of Mt Evelyn and down into Lilydale. Walk through the township of Lilydale, crossing the main street and head to the Lillydale Lake Community Centre, Checkpoint 4. This is the long stay checkpoint during the event where your support crew can pitch a tent and provide you with a much needed extended break.

Please be mindful of local residents when training and during night hours of the event.

Checkpoint 4 - 5
Lilydale to SkyHigh Mount Dandenong   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 5

You're now past half way! Continue your journey around Lillydale Lake and the adjoining wetlands enjoying the flat section before you start to climb. Once you veer away from the residential streets you'll meet Browns Track and start the climb to Rowdy’s Track. This is the most challenging part of the Trailwalker course where you are advised to take your time up the steep ascent to Trig Track and on to the summit of Kalorama. Stop here to enjoy the stunning views of Silvan Reservoir, the south-eastern face of the Dandenong Ranges and the surrounding Yarra Valley. Continue on Trig Track to SkyHigh, one of Victoria’s premier tourist attractions with majestic views over the Melbourne skyline. This is the backdrop to Checkpoint 5.

Checkpoint 5 - 6
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong to 1,000 Steps   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 5

Depart SkyHigh down to Kyeema Track through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges National Park along the side of Mt. Dandenong. In this section, you'll find Bourke's Lookout, which provides a panoramic view across metropolitan Melbourne. On a clear day, there are views of the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay. There are many steep climbs and inclines in this section creating a roller coaster feel including Zig Zag trail which is short in length, yet steep and winding – reminiscent of a ski run. You will climb up to One Tree Hill before descending Lyrebird Track, next to 1000 Steps, or officially known as the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, to checkpoint 6.

Please be mindful of your footing on the descents and take breaks when needed.

Checkpoint 6 - Finish Line
1,000 Steps to Lysterfield Lake   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 3

This is the final section and during the event you may be walking alongside the 55km and 33km participants all the way to the finish. Depart Ferntree Gully Picnic Area to cross Burwood Highway and follow the Belgrave Rail Trail to the township of Upwey. Walking through the residential streets, you will veer down Nixon Road and on to Dargon Track. During dawn and dusk you can expect to see kangaroos in this area.

Please use the pedestrian lights at Lysterfield Road to cross Wellington Road. Enter Lysterfield Lake Park and enjoy the final kms around the lake, across the dam wall and to the Lysterfield Park Community Centre, completing your Trailwalker journey.

33km Only
Start - Checkpoint 6
Silvan to 1,000 Steps   Australian Walking Track Grading - Grade 4

Begin your Trailwalker journey at the stunning Silvan Reservoir Park, you will walk through the leafy green Dandenong Ranges and tackle the challenging ascent up to the township of Olinda with accompanying views of the Yarra Valley. Then you will join with the 100km and 55km walkers and attack the descent of Mount Dandenong and the demanding walk down the Lyrebird Track at 1,000 Steps which is your only checkpoint where you will meet your support crew. Please be mindful of your footing on the ascent and descents and take breaks when needed.

Training Map Book
get_app

Training Map Book

Part 1: Start to Checkpoint 1

Training Map Book
get_app

Training Map Book

Part 2: Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 4

Training Map Book
get_app

Training Map Book

Part 3: Checkpoint 4 to Checkpoint 6

Training Map Book
get_app

Training Map Book

Part 4: Checkpoint 6 to Finish

Got questions about the event weekend?

Read our FAQs or head to our Get Prepared page for tips on feeling prepared for your challenge

FAQsGet Prepared

Oxfam Trailwalker

The greatest adventure you'll ever share.

FIND A FUNDRAISERregister nowMy Dashboard

National Partner

Paddy Pallin logoPaddy Pallin logo
LogosLogos

Terms & Conditions - Privacy Policy - Contact Us - Express Interest

Acknowledgement of country

Oxfam Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the land, and respects the rights that they hold as traditional custodians. We also recognise the dispossession of the land and its ongoing effects on First Nations Peoples today.

Powered by
Compatible with Strava

Oxfam Australia (ABN: 18 055 208 636) is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient. Donations of $2 or more to Oxfam are tax deductible in Australia. Oxfam Australia is a member of the Oxfam International confederation.

© 2023 Oxfam Trailwalker Australia - Tackling inequality to end poverty.