Walk beneath towering Mountain Ash in Eastern Sherbrooke Forest, then swap boots for tastings at Yarra Valley wineries and Four Pillars Gin. This private day tour mixes a 6.6–6.8 km forest hike with lunch and included tastings.
Walk beneath towering Mountain Ash in Eastern Sherbrooke Forest, then swap boots for tastings at Yarra Valley wineries and Four Pillars Gin. This private day tour mixes a 6.6–6.8 km forest hike with lunch and included tastings.
The morning air in the Dandenong Ranges feels deliberate — cool, damp, and full of the faint resin of Mountain Ash. A small group steps off the van into a cathedral of straight trunks and understory ferns, the track folding in and out of gullies as lyrebirds skitter through leaf litter and the distant drum of a cascading creek calls hikers forward.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hike & Seek · Sherbrooke (Dandenong Ranges), Victoria
The morning air in the Dandenong Ranges feels deliberate — cool, damp, and full of the faint resin of Mountain Ash. A small group steps off the van into a cathedral of straight trunks and understory ferns, the track folding in and out of gullies as lyrebirds skitter through leaf litter and the distant drum of a cascading creek calls hikers forward.
This private day tour pairs a 6.6–6.8 km easy-to-moderate loop through Eastern Sherbrooke Forest with a tasting circuit across the Yarra Valley. Geologically the ranges are low, folded hills of Devonian sediments capped by deep, peat-rich soils that encourage wet temperate rainforest; culturally the trails traverse the lands of the Wurundjeri people, long managed by Indigenous fire regimes and seasonal movement. The valley below has a viticultural history stretching back to the 19th century and a modern craft spirits scene exemplified by Four Pillars Gin.
Expect undulating, mostly well-formed trails with short steeper pitches, boardwalks near wetlands, and sections of loose leaf and roots. Wildlife sightings are common — keep noise low and dogs at home. After the hike the day shifts pace: a relaxed lunch and included tastings at YarraWood Estate and Four Pillars, plus optional beer and wine stops at Matilda Bay and Payten & Jones.
Practicalities: meeting in Southbank, Melbourne, the full experience runs about 6–7 hours. Wear supportive shoes, bring at least 1 L water, layered clothing, and a small daypack. Weather in the ranges can change rapidly; a light waterproof and sun protection cover both wet and sunny possibilities. With easy access from Melbourne and a mix of nature and regional food-and-drink, the tour is ideal for hikers who want a single-day taste of both forest and cellar-door culture.
moderate.
6–7 hours.
Moderate fitness: regular walkers who can handle short uphill sections and uneven ground.
The forest loop is about 6.6–6.8 km and rated easy to moderate with short steeper sections and some uneven terrain.
Yes — tastings at YarraWood Estate and Four Pillars Gin Distillery are included; other brewery or wine stops may be optional and at your own cost.
The meeting point is 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, Melbourne (undercover taxi rank between Hamer Hall & the Arts Centre); the tour returns there.
Wildlife such as lyrebirds, wallabies, wombats and echidnas are commonly seen; sightings aren’t guaranteed, so keep noise low and stay on the track for best views.
The Dandenong Ranges lie on Wurundjeri country and were historically logged for Mountain Ash; the valley developed as a cool-climate wine region in the 19th century.
The area is recovering from past logging and fire events; visitors should stick to marked trails, pack out waste, and minimise noise to protect wildlife and fragile understory.
Hike & Seek operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The morning air in the Dandenong Ranges feels deliberate — cool, damp, and full of the faint resin of Mountain Ash. A small group steps off the van into a cathedral of straight trunks and understory ferns, the track folding in and out of gullies as lyrebirds skitter through leaf litter and the distant drum of a cascading creek calls hikers forward.
The morning air in the Dandenong Ranges feels deliberate — cool, damp, and full of the faint resin of Mountain Ash. A small group steps off the van into a cathedral of straight trunks and understory ferns, the track folding in and out of gullies as lyrebirds skitter through leaf litter and the distant drum of a cascading creek calls hikers forward.
This private day tour pairs a 6.6–6.8 km easy-to-moderate loop through Eastern Sherbrooke Forest with a tasting circuit across the Yarra Valley. Geologically the ranges are low, folded hills of Devonian sediments capped by deep, peat-rich soils that encourage wet temperate rainforest; culturally the trails traverse the lands of the Wurundjeri people, long managed by Indigenous fire regimes and seasonal movement. The valley below has a viticultural history stretching back to the 19th century and a modern craft spirits scene exemplified by Four Pillars Gin.
Expect undulating, mostly well-formed trails with short steeper pitches, boardwalks near wetlands, and sections of loose leaf and roots. Wildlife sightings are common — keep noise low and dogs at home. After the hike the day shifts pace: a relaxed lunch and included tastings at YarraWood Estate and Four Pillars, plus optional beer and wine stops at Matilda Bay and Payten & Jones.
Practicalities: meeting in Southbank, Melbourne, the full experience runs about 6–7 hours. Wear supportive shoes, bring at least 1 L water, layered clothing, and a small daypack. Weather in the ranges can change rapidly; a light waterproof and sun protection cover both wet and sunny possibilities. With easy access from Melbourne and a mix of nature and regional food-and-drink, the tour is ideal for hikers who want a single-day taste of both forest and cellar-door culture.