Eagle Nest Loop Walk (Olinda)
The 3km Eagle Nest Loop Walk is a rewarding forest walk in the northern section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Beginning at Valley Picnic Ground, the circuit climbs through towering Mountain Ash forest and lush fern gullies to Eagle Nest, a peaceful clearing that was once the site of a lookout tower offering panoramic views across Melbourne.
Although the tower no longer exists and the surrounding forest now obscures the views, Eagle Nest remains a fascinating destination with interpretive signs explaining its history. The walk follows a combination of well-formed bush tracks and quiet management roads, providing a varied experience through one of the most scenic parts of the national park.
The loop is particularly attractive during autumn and winter when fungi flourish along the track, while spring brings colourful wildflowers and active birdlife. Superb lyrebirds, crimson rosellas and eastern yellow robins are regularly seen or heard in the surrounding forest.
Valley Picnic Ground has picnic facilities.
Eagle Nest Loop Walk (Olinda) Map
The walk route is:
- The walk begins at Valley Picnic Ground, which is accessed from Boundary Road off Silvan Road.
- From the car park, walk past the former toilet block and follow Georges Track to its junction with Eagle Nest Road.
- Turn right onto Eagle Nest Road and continue uphill to Eagle Nest Picnic Ground, where you can explore the historic picnic area and former lookout site. Ignore the branch which is Chamberlain Track.
- From Eagle Nest Picnic Ground, turn left onto Hermans Track and descend through tall Mountain Ash forest, crossing a small bridge across Lyrebird Gully Creek.
- Continue on Hermans Track which intersects with Georges Track and then intersects with Rifle Range Gully Track.
- Continue east along Rifle Range Gully Track until you reach the junction with Eagle Nest Road. Turn right and follow Georges Track back to Valley Picnic Ground, completing the loop.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted.
Location
Boundary Road, Olinda 3788 View Map
Web Links
→ Dandenong Ranges National Park (Olinda Area) Map
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/valley-picnic-ground
