Dream it.

Jason Williams cycled a section of the famous Camino Trail in Spain in 2016. He loved the whole experience and network of accommodation and facilities along the way. Putting his tourism business experience to work he wanted to create something similar in Australia. But what region had the beauty, history, culture, and importantly appropriate distances between towns to allow for a walking trail to be created?

The obvious answer was his home region of the Dandenongs. With villages spread through the hills, a labyrinth of existing trails, and some of the most beautiful forest in the country it was both obvious and perfectly suited to the design of a long distance trail.

Build it.

And so the best bit of the project began, going out day after day to walk the trails of the Dandenongs, often with the family, to piece together a long distance trail that would show the highlights, the lesser seen areas and really take people on a journey through this magic landscape that sits on the edge of Melbourne.

The Trail design flowed quite naturally with the hills and existing tracks organically leading the way. While the Trail route is sure to be tweaked as it currently stands it makes for a wonderful week away.

There has never been a better time to holiday at home so we hope Victorians get on board and start walking the trail.

There is still more to add to this website but getting it live is the current priority and more content will be added over time.

Grow it.

Now that the Trail route is established and the website created we are now on a mission to grow the public’s knowledge of the Trail so that more and more people can come and enjoy walking rather than just driving through the region.

We will always highlight and encourage public transport, supporting local businesses, and build a sustainable tourism ethos in the development of the trail.

So please help spread the word, come enjoy the Trail and freely post of your adventures through your social media.

#dandenongrangestrail
Ranges Trader Star News article Jun 2021