The Dandenong Ranges community has a long history of environmental, social and political activism focused on efforts to protect the significant natural environment. Eugene von Guérard’s painting Ferntree Gully in the Dandenong Ranges inspired ‘fern fever’, drawing crowds of tourists to the area. Increasing tourism however led to a rise in environmental destruction with an escalation in logging and fern theft. This inspired the beginning of environmental activism and, as a result of a media campaign led by art critic James Smith, the eventual creation of the Dandenong State Forest. While this was happening, ngurungaeta Simon Wonga and future ngurungaeta William Barak were fighting to save Coranderrk and petitioning the Victorian government to make it a permanent reserve. 

The fight to protect the natural beauty of goranwarrabil (the Dandenong Ranges) and to preserve and continue Wurundjeri woiwurrung Culture and wurrung (Language) continued well into the twentieth century. People like May Moon, Lin Onus and Constance Coleman all fought in their own ways to protect and preserve the forests of the Dandenong Ranges through education, the creation of artworks, protest and the acquisition of land. The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, created in the 1980s, continues the work of educating, protecting and expanding Wurundjeri knowledge, Culture, biik (Country) and wurrung. 

There is a strong correlation between art and activism in these hills and a strong sense of community spirit. The love and respect for the natural environment that makes this area so special is also what drives the community to preserve and conserve as much as possible for future generations. 

Activism trails run throughout Sherbrooke Forest.

Whenever you’re visiting our national parks and state forests, please always check changes to trail conditions, and weather warnings, before beginning your walk. Be sure to take enough water, and wear suitable clothing for the conditions.