FITNESS HIKER - Event Leader - Taryn

Description of a "Fitness Hiker": A fitness hiker enjoys walking with purpose, maintaining a moderate to brisk pace throughout the hike. These hikes, ranging from 10-20 kilometres, are focused on building endurance and challenging the body, often leaving you a little sweaty by the end. Your heart rate will increase!!!

Expect a mix of terrain, including sand, inclines, and steps, designed to keep your heart rate up and maximise calorie burning.

While the pace is faster and breaks are fewer, there’s still time to pause, catch your breath, take in the surroundings, and capture the moment with a photo or two. Fitness hikers value the balance between intensity and enjoyment, pushing their limits while connecting with others who share the same goals of staying fit and active in the outdoors. These hikes are perfect for those who want to elevate their fitness and enjoy the challenge of more demanding trails.

YOU WILL REQUIRE GOOD STAMINA FOR THIS HIKE.

We are beyond excited to bring you the Dandenong Ranges Loop! This hike is not for the faint-hearted—it’s a real test of endurance, and we know our fitness hikers love a good challenge at a solid pace.

Prepare to conquer Mount Dandenong on this 15.7km circuit, winding through lush national park landscapes. This Grade 3 moderate trail is packed with jaw-dropping scenery, including stunning viewpoints of Melbourne, the magical Olinda Falls, and the tranquil Mount Dandenong Arboretum.

Starting and finishing in Olinda, this adventure takes around 4 hours, giving you plenty of chances to spot local wildlife....keep an eye (and ear!) out for the elusive lyrebird! And of course, no hike is complete without a well-earned summit stop for a café break and breathtaking city views.

Lace up your boots, bring your A-game, and let’s hit the trails! Are you ready?

THINGS TO NOTE:

- Licensed Tour Operator Guide

- $2.40 of every ticket purchased is returned to PARKS Victoria

- Public Liability insurance covered

- First aid qualified

- This is a loop walk and will return to the start location.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE WALK:

- Inclines and challenges

- Uneven ground

- Exceptional views

- Great people

- Improved fitness

- Toilet at the beginning

WHAT TO BRING:

- Water

- Snack. Ie: Banana, high protein snack, Jam sandwich.

- Electrolyte energy drink

- Insect repellant

WHAT TO WEAR:

- A good pair of walking shoes is necessary, which could be hiking shoes or boots. It is recommended to avoid jogging runners as they may not provide enough grip, although it is not a strict requirement. No open toe shoes.

- Decent socks. Ie: a mix of wool, nylon & elastane. Non bulky (Visit hiking stores)

- Compact jacket

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This walk is NOT suitable for children (18+), babies in carriers or for people who do not walk more than 5km’s at a time. This is a National Park, therefore no dogs or animals allowed.

YOU MUST READ ALL EVENT DETAILS IN THEIR ENTIRETY BEFORE PURCHASING A TICKET

Please reach out if you have any questions!

PLEASE ARRIVE AT 7:45AM

Reach out if you have any questions!

Taryn 💚