Country
This theme celebrates the natural environment of goranwarrabil (the Dandenong Ranges) as a source of creative inspiration and as a place of deep and abiding connection for Wurundjeri woiwurrung people
Chenile Chandler, 'Call to Country'
“The words from Call to Country translate from woiwurrung to English as ‘come together as one, in the healing of our hearts’. The purpose of the Call to Country is to call everyone to ceremony – the spirit of our Ancestors, Elders, everyone, so that we can begin ceremony.”
Learn more
Country
The trails of the Country theme run between the townships of Kallista, Belgrave and Belgrave Heights. You will travel through Sherbrooke Forest surrounded by towering Mountain Ash and tree ferns, to the vibrant villages themselves, to the charming lake and rolling hills of Birdsland Reserve.
In this section of ngurrak barring you will encounter Country and understand what it means for Aboriginal people. Aboriginal artists are connected to goranwarrabil (the Dandenongs) as their Traditional Country or as the place they have lived and worked. You will also encounter the contrast and contradiction of Country and ‘landscape’. European landscape artists were drawn to this beautiful place, and their interpretation of the mountain ash, fern, and lyrebirds, among other natural elements. As opposed to deep and inseparable connection between Aboriginal people and Country, European eyes saw the landscape at various times as separate, contained, scientific, romantic, and sometimes empty. This theme also explores how, despite the fracture and devastation of colonisation, Aboriginal people continue to practice culture in different and adaptive ways in this region.
Explore Country
Country trails connect Kallista, Belgrave and Birdsland, Belgrave Heights. There are multiple access points along the trails to start your journey, whether you’re looking for a short walk, or longer hike.
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.
Details
The trails of the Country theme run between Kallista and Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave Heights.
2.75-3.15hrs / 8.5kms
However there are multiple access points to the trails, offering shorter options.
The ‘Country’ theme intersects with the Activism trails through Sherbooke Forest, for longer hikes.
Getting Here
The trailheads at Kallista, Belgrave and Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights are approximately a 45min-1hr drive from Melbourne centre.
Public transport is available.
Parking
Kallista – parking is available in Kallista Village and Grants Picnic Ground
Belgrave – parking is available at Belgrave Train Station, and in Belgrave township.
Birdsland Reserve – Parking is available
Public Transport
Accesbility
Accessible parking spots are available in Grants Picnic Grounds and Belgrave Train Station.
Accessible bathrooms can be found at Grants Picnic Grounds.
The bathrooms at Birdsland Reserve are accessible, however they are reached by a well-formed crushed rock path on a slight incline.
The Margaret Lester Forest Walk is under-repair. Construction on this DDA complient boardwalk is expected to be completed by Aug 2026.
Artwork
- Storm Leaves, Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights
- Storm Leaves, Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista
Architectural Node
COMING SOON
Country Node
Coles Ridge Track, Sherbrooke Forest, Kallista
Public Toilets
Public Toilets are available at Grants Picnic Ground Kallista, Belgrave, and Birdsland Reserve
Food and Drink
The villages of Kallista, Belgrave and Belgrave South all have a variety of hospitality options.
Trail Conditions
Always check the Parks Victoria website for trail conditions before travelling
Weather Warnings
Always check the BOM website for weather conditions before travelling
Storm Leaves
Discover two of Anton McMurray’s Storm Leaves sculptures at Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista and Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights.
IMAGE:
Anton McMurray
Storm Leaves (series, 5 of 5), 2023
Cypress pine, Cutek oil
Interpretive signage along the Country trail
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