Jells Park to Wesburn Park - 100km
The trail begins in the wide open spaces of Jells Park in Wheelers Hill. Passing south-east through the Corhanwarrabul Wetlands then east through the Churchill and Lysterfield National Parks, the trail heads north through Belgrave and into the beautiful Dandenong Ranges National Park.
From here it travels east along the Warburton Trail before heading north through Don Valley and then east again along the beautiful O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail to Warburton. Then it’s a few short climbs and a steep decline over Mt Little Joe before finishing in the expansive Wesburn Park. There are seven checkpoints between the start and finish located approximately every 13 kilometres along the trail.
Directions Update February 2010
Checkpoint 2 to 3
C – Still on Dargon Track, turn left at Nixon Rd (just after Sunset Trk) and then immediately right after gate into Monbulk Creek Retarding Basin. Follow the lake to Birds Land Reserve (keep the lake on your right) – this is a change to existing directions.
Checkpoint 4 to 5
FYI: KC Track is not marked and is hard to see. It is just to the left as Black Hole Track veers to the right – this is a just some more information, not a change in directions.
Checkpoint 6 to 7
M - When you come to a fork in the trail, take the left (high) side path. Then take the next right down gravel path to exit gate onto Dee Rd – this is a change to existing directions.
P - When you see high wire fence on your right hand side, turn right (just before water tower) and exit park gates onto Sussex St. Turn left and follow gravel road around to right, down to Kent St – this is a change to existing directions.
Checkpoint 7 to Finish
Complete update of instructions and map: CP7 – Finish Updated Map (PDF, 1MB)
Download the Mapbook (PDF, 5.1MB) - Please note: this Map Book version is not intended for printing. Four copies of the Map Book are sent with the registration pack to the Team Leader following confirmation of each team's registration.
Event Overview & General Information (PDF, 76KB)
Checkpoint Facilities (PDF, 21KB)
COMMIT
ENDURE
ACHIEVE
Start - Checkpoint 1 12.5km
Jells Park Conference Centre (Mel Ref: 71 K7) to Churchill National Park (Mel Ref: 82 C10). Cumulative total: 12.5km
A magnificently quiet and peaceful setting featuring stunning gardens, lush open parkland, and a glistening wildlife lake, Jells Park is an oasis nestled in the heart of Wheelers Hill. With sweeping views into the Dandenongs, Jells Park offers Trailwalkers the opportunity to contemplate the challenge ahead.
The trail follows the Dandenong Creek almost the entire 12.5 km to Churchill National Park using existing bike and walking tracks, sneaking under busy highways, winding through reclaimed wetlands and finally leaving the suburbs behind to arrive at Checkpoint 1.
Checkpoint 1 - Checkpoint 2 9km
Churchill National Park (Mel Ref: 82 C10) to Lysterfield Lake Picnic Area (Mel Ref: 108 D2). Cumulative total: 21.5km
Now you are in the bush! Steeped in history, Churchill National Park escaped settlement when, in 1837, it became the police corps headquarters for black trackers and grazing land for police horses. Today members of the Wurundjeri community of Melbourne are involved in park management and recovering Aboriginal heritage.
Plant life is plentiful and includes 20 different eucalypt species, 14 wattles and 12 native orchids. The trail takes all this in as it climbs its way through the park to its highest outlook, Trig Point, offering spectacular 360 degree views of Melbourne. From here, the trail descends down Wallaby Track (early morning and dusk are best for wildlife glimpses), and before you know it, Lysterfield Lake is in your sights - welcome to Checkpoint 2.
Checkpoint 2 - Checkpoint 3 13.3km
Lysterfield Lake Picnic Area (Mel Ref: 108 D2) to Grants Picnic Ground (Mel Ref: 75 E1). Cumulative total: 34.8km
An ideal spot to meet your support crew for the first time, Lysterfield Lake National Park offers great parking, numerous shady BBQ areas and the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in one of two protected swimming bays with sandy beaches.
This all sounds too easy! Well, the luxury is short-lived - it's a long 13.3km to the next checkpoint. After departing Lysterfield Lake, the trail follows the old Logan Park Track north through bush and farmland before linking to the Dargon track and the picturesque Birdsland Reserve. From here the trail climbs up into Belgrave, past the home of Puffing Billy, before heading north through the heavily wooded Sherbrooke Forest trail that leads you into Grants Picnic Ground and Checkpoint 3.
Checkpoint 3 - Checkpoint 4 10.4km
Grants Picnic Ground (Mel Ref: 75 K4) to Olinda Reserve (Mel Ref: 66 J7). Cumulative total: 45.2km
This section takes you into the heart of Lyrebird territory which is Sherbrooke Forest - a stunning, wet, thick forest of the Dandenong Ranges. Towering mountain ash, stunning ferns, blackwoods, manna gums and wildlife - welcome to mountain country! This forest's trails alternate between tough and challenging to easy and gentle - and always beautiful. From here enter the delightful Alfred Nicholas Gardens, follow the magnificent Sassafras Creek Track, climb the infamous Hacketts Road and then push on through Olinda to reach Checkpoint 4.
Checkpoint 4 - Checkpoint 5 14.4km
Olinda Reserve (Mel Ref: 66 J7) to Graham Colling Reserve (Mel Ref: 118 H11). Cumulative total: 59.6km
The picturesque township of Olinda, 600 metres above sea level, affords the opportunity for rest. Here, at the Olinda Reserve, many trailwalkers meet their support crew, refuel and take stock; you may wish to camp on the grounds at the reserve. Now, suck in the cool air and you are off again. Heading out from the reserve, skirt the golf course and this time head down the other side of the Dandenong Ranges.
The countryside weaves its way deep into the primordial forest, thick with towering gums, their canopies gracing the sky and providing shade while you walk. The trail passes along Georges track through gullies containing ferns and mountain grey and manna gums, leading you ever deeper into the forest valley. From the forest valley it’s a short climb, followed by a steep decline along the Melba Track, eventually breaking through the forest and joining the long, straight Olinda Creek Track into Mt Evelyn Reserve. Heading north through the reserve, it's a short trip along the Warburton Trail and into Checkpoint 5.
Checkpoint 5 - Checkpoint 6 13km
Graham Colling Reserve (Mel Ref: 118 H11) to Woori Yallock Primary School (Mel Ref: 286 F10). Cumulative total: 72.6km
Graham Colling Reserve is a hive of activity on Trailwalker weekend as first-aiders, masseurs, and podiatrists work tirelessly to keep participants on the trail. The place buzzes with support crews tending teams, pitching tents and preparing food. This next section is a tough one: uncompromisingly flat and often exposed to changing weather conditions. It will physically and mentally test even the most experienced Trailwalker - this is the Warburton Trail! Don't be lured into a false sense of security by its gentle topography and groomed trails, the Warburton Trail can drain your precious energy and sap your spirit. Many past Trailwalker campaigns have ground to a halt here - prepare well for this section!
Built in 1901, this old railway line from Warburton once carried produce to Melbourne and transported tourists to the area on the return trip. Now, with a well-compacted fine gravel surface, the Warburton Trail with take you past the rural township of Wandin North, past numerous grazing properties and through the small farm hamlet of Seville East before you reach Woori Yallock and Checkpoint 6.
Checkpoint 6 - Checkpoint 7 20.4km
Woori Yallock Primary School (Mel Ref: 286 F10) to Warburton Golf Club (Mel Ref: 289 J4). Cumulative total: 93km
The challenge continues with this next leg – The Super Leg to Warburton – and the final checkpoint. The trail begins with a short stretch of the Warburton Trail where you will experience peaceful scenery as you pass along the fertile Yarra River flood plain. From here it’s a short gentle ascent through the quaint Don Valley up to the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail.
Nestled above the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley, the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail follows the historic open channelled O’Shannassy Aqueduct, meandering through pristine forest which has been protected for nearly 100 years for water harvesting. A keen eye and ear will discover superb fairy-wrens, magnificent Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, and echidnas. The tranquil setting offers spectacular views across the Upper Yarra Valley, in particular at the Dee Road rest stop. From here the trail continues to follow the O’Shannassy Aqueduct before descending through the streets of Warburton to arrive at Checkpoint 7 – Warburton Golf Club.
Checkpoint 7 - Finish 7km
Warburton Golf Club (Mel Ref: 289 J4) to Wesburn Park (Mel Ref: 289 B9). Cumulative total: 100.0km
Warburton is one of Melbourne’s most recognised rural destinations. This quite and charming old goldmining town nestled in the fertile green valley by the Yarra River and at the foot of Mount Donna Bung is your last stop before the final leg to the finish. From Warburton Golf Club it’s a short walk back to the bush and onto the Backstairs track - you are on your way to Mt Little Joe. Undulating but always ascending, the thick and wet trail takes you through the Dolly Grey picnic grounds. Winding up a steep, narrow goat track through ancient ferns and towering 65m gums, you eventually plateau on a fire trail. It's time to rest as this track winds and descends gently around Mt Little Joe for the next 4km - but the rest is short-lived as you start your final ascent over the steep, rocky and challenging trail.
Take in the sights across the Wesburn valley - the toughest section is now behind you. Begin your final descent on the open Conduit track as it rolls off to flatter trails below, leading you step by step closer to your target. Finally your feet are on the lawns of Wesburn Park - another 100m ahead is the finish gantry: you have made it!
