Plan Your Visit
ngurrak barring is a 39km arts and culture walking trail through the Dandenong Ranges.
There are multiple ways of experience sections of ngurrak barring –from a short walk to one artwork, a day’s walk between different townships, or spend a few days immersing yourself in the entire experience, including overnight stays in one of the vibrant villages along the way.
The trails connect the townships of Montrose, Kalorama, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Sassafras, Kallista, Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Tremont, Sherbrooke and Upper Ferntree Gully.
As such there are multiple access points along the trails, and the opportunity to shape your own itinerary according to your available time, interests and fitness levels.
The Dandenong Ranges are a 45 minute drive from Melbourne.
Closures
No trails or artworks of ngurrak barring are accessible on Extreme and Catastrophic fire days.
Please always check the fire danger rating before visiting ngurrak barring. Please do not travel into the area on those days.
Certain areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park also close on High Fire Danger Days, or due to other severe weather events. Always check conditions before you travel.
Opening Hours
ngurrak barring runs through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The artworks are able to be accessed via walking trails 24hrs a day.
However some areas are gated, with gates closing at sunset – please ensure your car is not parked within these areas between sunset and sunrise.
Check the Parks Vic website before you travel for specific details.
Opening times apply to vehicle traffic for the following picnic grounds:
Doongalla Picnic Ground
Daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.
Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (including 1000 steps)
Open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
Daylight savings gates open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.
No trails or artworks of ngurrak barring are accessible on Extreme and Catastrophic fire days.
Public Transport
Public Transport
Train
Train stations at Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave connect to ngurrak barring trialheads.
Bus
694 inc. Belgrave-Kallista-Sherbrooke-Ferny Creek-Sassafras-Olinda-Mount Dandenong,
668 inc. Montrose-Kalorama-Mount Dandenong-Olinda-Sassafras-Ferny Creek-Upper Ferntree Gully
663 inc Belgrave –Kalista-Monbulk –on to Lilydale
Safety on the trails
Emergency markers are found on signage along the trails. Please call 000 in the event of an emergency.
Always check conditions before you begin your walk.
Plan your trip and stay on the trails.
While phone service is good throughout the majority of the trails, there are some areas of patchy service.
Always wear appropriate hiking clothing and carry water. Consider sunscreen, snacks and a first aid kit.
Prepare for different weather conditions – the weather can change quickly in the Hills.
Let someone know your plans, share your route and expected return time with a friend or family member.
Choose a trail suited to your fitness level and ability.
Download trail maps or carry a printed copy.
Look out for wildlife – keep a respectful distance and don’t feed the animals
To check conditions, you can download the Vic Emergency App here
What else can I do in the area?
The trails of ngurrak barring travel through forests of towering mountain ash, and lush fern gullies. Connecting to other walks throughout the Dandenong Ranges, you can discover creeks and waterfalls, scenic lookouts and may encounter native animals including the Superb Lyrebird, echidna, wombats, wallabies and a veritable rainbow of native birds. Please do not attempt to touch or feed any birds or animals.
Along the way you can discover the townships of Montrose, Kalorama, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Sassafras, Kallista, Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Tremont, Sherbrooke and Upper Ferntree Gully.
Each of these villages offer unique businesses to explore, with hospitality, retail, galleries and other creative spaces to discover and enjoy.
Travelling with children
ngurrak barring is a family friendly experience – always depending on your knowledge of your family’s fitness levels and comfort in the great outdoors.
The artworks are designed to be touched and engaged with, although we ask for your respect and consideration.
There are different levels of walks, gradients and time. You can build your itinerary based on your own interests.
The trails connect with many local townships offering food and beverage options, and there are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy.
Photos
Please tag #ngurrakbarring in your photos – we’d love to see your experience!
For media enquires please email ridgewalk@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
Hire
Please reach out to the ngurrak barring team via the ridgewalk@yarraranges.vic.gov.au if you’re interested in holding a workshop or event at one of the artworks or architectural nodes.
Dogs
ngurrak barring runs through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dogs are not allowed on the trails in the National Park itself.
Kalorama Park, home to the Regeneration artwork, welcomes dogs on lead.
Storm Leaves in Birdsland Reserve and Montrose can also be visited with your furry friend. Please always clean up after them.
Accessibility
Visiting some parts of ngurrak barring can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, there are a range of artworks and facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy the ngurrak barring experience.
Visit our ‘accessible ngurrak barring page‘ for suggested itineraries.
We continue to plan and advocate for ways to provide more accessible experiences along the trail.