The name ngurrak barring means mountain paths in Wurundjeri woiwurrung, the langauge of the traditional Custodians of this land. 

The name was provided by Senior Wurundjeri Elder and project Indigenous Advisory member Aunty Doreen Wandin-Garvey. Proudly acknowledging the Wurundjeri people’s deep and enduring connection to goranwarrabil, the name was endorsed by Yarra Ranges Council and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation in 2022. The project was originally named ‘RidgeWalk’. 

A node is a resting  meeting point, or pause point along a trail.

The five Architectural Nodes along ngurrak barring are enhanced by sculptural elements that act as reflective spaces, encouraging visitors to pause and contemplate their surrounding environment. 

These permanent structures are all unique – they may offer places to rest, shelter and information.

The Architectural Nodes are collaborative explorations of the themes of the walk through an Indigenous lens, crafted by First Peoples design studios, Djinjama and COLA Studio. 

Tate Modern (Gallery) defines land art as “… art that is made directly in the landscape, sculpting the land itself into earthworks or making structures in the landscape using natural materials …” Consistent with this definition, Regeneration – The Listening Place,’ found in Kalorama Park, is a concept that focuses on using natural materials sourced from the site itself. These materials were utilised to create sculptures, designed paths, and planting areas made of local native species. 

More than just a sculpture, the work offers visitors an immersive experience in which the landscaping, the pathways, the planting, and the sculpture are constantly interacting with the surrounding environment.

ngurrak barring is an exploration of the cultural and creative history of goranwarrabil (the Dandenong Ranges), where some of Australia’s most significant artists, activists, writers and creatives have drawn inspiration from the landscape—a tradition that continues to thrive today. This project has been developed in partnership with Parks Victoria and in close consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, as well as the broader community through a consultation process.

For a snapshot of the history of this project, please visit: Project history

As well as newly commissioned artwork and Architectural Nodes, the project comprises signage that is practical (wayfinding) and informative (interpretive), using stories and history to bring the five themes of the project to life:

Ways of Seeing, Community, Activism, Resilience and Country.

The signs are made of metal, which provides longevity for the signage, and they are finished with a coating to protect the signs from the elements/ weather and vandalism. Placement of the signs in the Dandenong Ranges National Park areas has been carefully curated in collaboration with Parks Victoria and spaced at relatively large intervals to minimise visual impact while still achieving their purpose.

The trails can be visited at any time, depending on current conditions. All artworks have been installed, and the Architectural Nodes will all be installed by early 2026.

Please check the Parks Victoria website for carpark closure times.

No trails or artworks of ngurrak barring are accessible on days of Total Fire Ban or Extreme and Catastrophic fire days.

Always check conditions before you travel.

Walking along the trails and reading the stories will give visitors a deeper appreciation of the artistic and cultural heritage of the Dandenong Ranges, including stories of First Nations peoples’ cultural connections to this place. If you’re interested to learn more, QR codes are available on the project signage.