Exploring the Hamer Forest Arboretum, Olinda

Yarra Ranges from Dam Rd

Zoom to Yarra Ranges from Dam Rd

Across the Arboretum to Yarra Ranges

One of my favourite places is the R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Olinda, about 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It is surrounded by the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with plantations dating back to the 1975.

Many walking tracks pass through the Arboretum, some of them named after the plantation species.

I visited the Arboretum on Saturday afernoon May 15, 2010. My 3 km circuit hike started at the Chalet Lookout, then descended Dam Rd, passing the Dam and disused pumping station, reaching Sequoia Track, then to the junction of Rock Track.

This Dam is the origin of the scenic Lyrebird Creek, which winds its way down the Lyrebird Creek Valley to its confluence with the Olinda Creek near the Silvan Reservoir.

Then back to the car.

The autumn colors were beautiful!

There were superb views to the Yarra Ranges from Dam Rd and the Lookout.

See all of the Photos of my visit!