Sassafras Creek to Baynes Park via the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track
3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min 1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min
11.6 km
return
↑ 375 m ↓ -375 m
Moderate track
Starting near the Sassafras Mechanics Institute Hall, on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, this walk leads to Baynes Park and back via the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track. Passing through cool temperate rainforest and gullies filled with ferns and eucalyptus trees, this walk allows you to appreciate nature in a peaceful and calm manner. Sassafras Creek is a constant companion on this walk, whether you are walking beside it or crossing over it. At all times, you are relatively close to the road, but the faint hum of traffic in the background doesn't spoil the walk. Road crossings are required at several points, and there are orange markers to guide you. There are also several creek crossings and boardwalks along the way. This walk is suited for people of average fitness levels. It can be tackled from either direction, done as a whole or divided into smaller sections. Dogs are allowed on-lead on this track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start
At the intersection of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road & Mountain Highway (-37.86285,145.3536962)
At the intersection of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road & Mountain Highway Start heading along Mount Dandenong Tourist Road (a road).
There is water tap (about 30 m back from the start).
There is a sign (about 25 m back from the start).
Sassafras Village Green (about 20 m back from the start).
Find the seat at the start.
After another 105 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 70 m continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 300 m (at the intersection of The Crescent & Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track) continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 1.1 km cross the ford.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track & Nobles Lane) continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track & Sassafras Creek Road) veer right, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 730 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 95 m (at the intersection of Boucher Lane & Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track) continue straight, to head along Boucher Lane (a vehicle track).
After another 65 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Perrins Creek Road & Boucher Lane) continue straight, to head along Perrins Creek Road (a highway|tertiary).
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Sassafras Creek Road & Perrins Creek Road) turn right, to head along Sassafras Creek Road.
After another 10 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
At the intersection of Sassafras Creek Road & Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track (a walking track).
After another 200 m veer right, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Perrins Creek Road & Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track) veer left, to head along Perrins Creek Road (a highway|tertiary).
After another 50 m (at the intersection of Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track & Perrins Creek Road) continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track (a walking track).
After another 235 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 1.3 km veer right.
After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
Then head into the park.
After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 10 m continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 370 m pass the park (25 m on your right).
After another 95 m turn left, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 55 m continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 25 m pass the park (25 m on your right).
After another 120 m continue straight, to head along Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track.
After another 50 m cross the ford.
After another 150 m (at the intersection of Monbulk Road & Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track) turn left, to head along Monbulk Road (a road).
After another 15 m turn right.
Continue another 245 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 5.8 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Sassafras Creek to Baynes Park via the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
11.6 km
Time
3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
