Occurring across 39 kilometers of walking track, ngurrak barring|Ridgewalk invites us to explore the natural wonders, rich histories, and cultural offerings of the region. The track leads through forests of towering mountain ash and rich understoreys, passes through townships, and emerges to panoramic views of Melbourne. Art and interpretive content of various forms can be discovered across the track.

Some of Australia’s most significant artists, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, have drawn inspiration from the Dandenong’s, and the region continues to thrive as a creative hub. Continuing this tradition, ngurrak barring|Ridgewalk examines the human relationship to place, from First Nations people’s connection to Country to shared contemporary experiences.

You can learn more about the project on Shaping Yarra Ranges.

Located within 5kms walk of other public artworks this section of the ngurrak barring track will become an attractive and achievable art walking experience.

Doongalla Homestead

Located on the Western side of Mt Dandenong, Doongalla Homestead was a magnificent mansion home, consisting of 32 rooms, built in 1892. Owned at the time by a member of parliament, Sir Mathew Davies, it was sold In 1908 to Miss Helen Simson. The stables were built, gardens developed, and the property renamed as ‘Doongalla’, which means place of peace. Doongalla was sold in 1922 and was purchased by a local estate agent, T. M. Burke.

Unfortunately, little remains of the Doongalla Homestead mansion. Fires of 1932 destroyed the home, leaving only the stables and servants’ quarters. Parks Victoria Rangers now occupy the original servant’s quarters building and the stables have long since gone. The front steps, leading up to a picnic area and to where the grand home once stood, are still there.

Doongalla Forest

The 279ha Doongalla Forest Reserve is comprised of several properties originally established between 1885 and 1993. The reserve extends to the top of Mt Corhanwarrabul, the second-highest peak in the Dandenongs, also known as Burke’s Lookout. In 1927, Burke donated the lookout area to the Government, requesting a name change from Barnes’ Lookout (the name of an original early property owner) to Burke’s Lookout.

The Australian Government, Victorian State Government and Yarra Ranges Council provided $9.8 million dollars of project funding. This funding enables significant upgrades to existing tracks, 14 kilometres of new tracks, the installation of architectural nodes, way-finding signage and heritage interpretation – along with permanent sculpture, land art and a rotating program of temporary exhibitions and performances. The dynamic artistic program provides opportunities for multi-sensory, participatory, and educational experiences and serves as a platform for ongoing exploration of creativity, history, and place.

The next steps of the project will include the development of concept designs. During the concept design period, community groups and residents may enjoy meeting with the artists to help inform the development of their design and community engagement plans for the making of the artwork.