Doongalla Forest Circuit Walk (Mount Dandenong)
The Doongalla Forest Circuit is a peaceful 5.5km bushwalk through the towering Mountain Ash forests of the northern Dandenong Ranges National Park. Beginning at the Doongalla Stables Picnic Area, the circuit follows a network of forest tracks and management roads, winding through lush fern gullies, mature eucalypts and quiet sections of forest that are home to superb lyrebirds, crimson rosellas and other native wildlife.
Unlike some of the more popular walks in the Dandenong Ranges, the Doongalla Forest Circuit offers a quieter experience with relatively few visitors. Along the way you'll enjoy changing forest scenery, gentle creek gullies and glimpses into the history of the former Doongalla Estate.
The Doongalla Stables Picnic Area has a car park, five picnic tables and some firepits. The toilets are permanently closed. The Doongalla Picnic Ground has a car park, picnic tables and toilets.
Doongalla Homestead
The Doongalla Homestead was once one of the Dandenong Ranges' grandest mountain retreats. Built in the early 1900s for wealthy businessman George Nicholas, the 32-room mansion overlooked magnificent gardens and sweeping views across Melbourne. The estate included stables, staff quarters, ornamental gardens and extensive walking paths, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Tragically, the homestead was destroyed by fire in 1932, and little of the original building remains today. Visitors can still explore the historic precinct, where stone steps, terraces, garden remnants and interpretive signs provide a glimpse into the estate's former grandeur. The surrounding Mountain Ash forest has since reclaimed much of the site, creating a peaceful setting that blends natural beauty with local history.
The nearby Doongalla Homestead Picnic Area is an ideal place to relax before or after exploring the walking tracks that pass through this historic corner of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Doongalla Forest Circuit Walk (Mount Dandenong)
The walk route is:
- Start at Doongalla Stables Picnic Area.
- Follow Stables Track.
- Turn right onto Bill's Track.
- Turn left onto Camelia Track.
- Turn right onto Rankin Track, ignoring the left branch onto Edgars Track.
- Turn right onto Dacite Track.
- Continue as Dacite Track becomes Channel Ten Track. Along Channel Ten Track there is an array of wonderful Indigenous artwork.
- Continue to Doongalla Homestead Picnic Area.
- Follow Doongalla Forest Road back to the Doongalla Stables Picnic Area.
For walkers wanting a longer adventure, the circuit can be extended to Burkes Lookout, one of the finest viewpoints in the Dandenong Ranges. After reaching Channel Ten Track, continue onto Zig Zag Track and follow it uphill to Burkes Lookout, where panoramic views stretch across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and, on clear days, the You Yangs. Return via the same route to continue the circuit back to the Doongalla Stables Picnic Area.
The additional distance is approximately 2 km return. Difficulty is moderate to hard (the climb to Burkes Lookout is steep).
Location
Stables Track, Mount Dandenong 3767 View Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park/things-to-do/doongalla-homestead
→ Dandenong Ranges National Park (Doongalla Area) Map
