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.
Elevation: Grade 4
Time: 2.75 – .15 hours
Distance 8.5km
However, there are multiple access points along the trails to start your journey, whether you’re looking for a short walk, or longer hike.
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
Artwork
- Storm Leaves, Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights
- Storm Leaves, Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista
Architectural Node
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
Whenever you’re visiting our national parks and state forests, please always check changes to trail conditions, and weather warnings, before beginning your walk.
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
Country Node
The ngurrak barring 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.
The Country Node takes a macro lens to Country bringing awareness and education on the ancient nature of the tree ferns. At each ribbed section of the node structure, the body is embraced and guided through varying sensory experiences of an unfurling fern narrating a macro story of time. The ribs establish a contemplative space at a human scale as users move through the Node, and provide individual expressions of each layer of Wurundjeri Country: Biik-ut – Below Country, Biik-dui – On Country, Baanj Biik – Water Country, Murnmut Biik – Wind Country, Wurru wurru Biik – Sky Country, Tharangalk Biik – Star Country.
– Design statement
The Country Node is located on Coles Ridge Track, Sherbrooke Forest
IMAGE:
Djinjama and COLA Studio
Country Node, 2026
Coles Ridge Track, Sherbrooke Forest
Photo: Cathy Ronalds
Interpretive signage along the Country trail
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