WADAMBUK WALKERS
Join the Wadambuk Walkers
Join the Wadambuk Walkers — two friendly walking groups organised by the Community Centre.
Wadambuk Walkers for the more experienced walker. Enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings in good company while exploring local tracks and trails, with some walks a little further afield. All are welcome — come along for connection, conversation and fresh air!
Happy Wanderers. We’ve introduced a new “Slow Walkers” group for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a gentler stroll, these walks cover shorter distances and easier terrain, with plenty of time to take in the surroundings and enjoy good company. All welcome — no rush, just a great way to get outdoors and stay connected.
UPCOMING WALKS
Wadambuk Walkers
Warrandyte - Kinglake Conservation Reserve at St Andrews - Smiths Gully
Date: Sunday 29th November 2026
Time: meet 8:15 am for 8:30 am start
Meet Location: Parks Gate top of Rifle Range Road, St Andrews
Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 13 km
Duration: 3 to 4 hrs
REGISTER BELOW by filling in and submitting your details.
About the walk:
This walk starts and finishes in the north section of the reserve. It undulates through wooded forest with occasional views to Mt St Leonard and the Dandenongs. Farmland can be seen in some sections and the contrast between cleared and uncleared land gives an insight in to how plants and animals interact with thes environments. Along the way there is a Wedgetail Eagle nest and the chance of native animals presenting photo opportunities. Also in the north section the track goes past a very early settler's hut that is of interest.
Moving in to the southern section of the reserve we have some steep but short hills leading up on to the ridge lines and then decending into deep valleys. The ridge lines being noticeably dry and the valleys green and cooler. The southern section has a history of both alluvial and reef gold mining, evidence of which is still visible. The track goes past one of the most productive gold mines in the district being the One Tree Hill Mine, which some may know from the YouTube documentary produced by local resident, Patrick Jones, on Stan Bone's life and experiences working that particular mine. Astonishingly it is still being mined today with a new operator.
After walking through the southern section we make our way back across the northern section of the reserve following the tracks that mostly follow the ridgelines until we eventually find ourselves back at the starting point.
After the walk, those that wish to can meet at the St Andrews Bakery for a well earned lunch.
What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, snacks, drinking water, appropriate clothing and footwear. A walking pole or longer walking stick optional.
Registration is mandatory, see the forms below.
IMPORTANT - A walk will be cancelled if a Total Fire Ban is declared for the planned date.
Happy Wanderers
TBA
How do I join a walk?
Great to have you along on our walk. There are a few things we need you to do before you come along.
1. Read the Wadambuk Walkers Disclaimer Form on this page. You can download, print and sign the form, return it to us by email or bring with you on the day. Alternatively fill a form in at the walk on the day.
2. Fill in the Register for a Walk form on this page.
3. Membership to the St Andrews Community Centre ($10 per annum) is required for you to participate in a walk. If you are not a current paid member, please use the membership link on this page to join and pay.
4. Once you’ve completed everything listed above, feel free to contact the Community Centre office if you’d like more information about the walk — we’re always happy to help. The group leader will also be in touch if there are any updates or changes to the walk.
