ngurrak barring
Description
ngurrak barring invites you to explore the natural wonders and deep cultural and creative history of goranwarrabil (the Dandenong Ranges), along 39 km of interconnected walking trails.
At its core, ngurrak barring (meaning ‘mountain paths’ in Woi-wurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people) is about storytelling through interpretation, art and design.
As you journey along the trails, you will discover permanent sculptures and Architectural Nodes interwoven with signage that explores the rich creative and cultural landscape of the area.
ngurrak barring is a Yarra Ranges Council initiative supported by the Victorian State Government and the Commonwealth Government in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria.
What's On
The ngurrak barring Open House Melbourne program is based at Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista, in the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest.
Drop in between 10am and 4pm over the weekend to explore the Country-themed trail of ngurrak barring which celebrates the natural environment of the Dandenong Ranges as a source of creative inspiration and as a place of deep and abiding connection for Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
Along the walking paths, you will experience a range of cultural offerings including rich storytelling, audio recordings, a sculpture commission by Anton McMurray, and an Architectural Node crafted by First Peoples design studios Djinjama and COLA Studio.
Free offers include a self-guided print itinerary available from the Grants Picnic Ground kiosk to guide you on a 45–60 minute return bushwalk.
Ticketed events include:
Saturday 25 July, 10am and 1pm: Wurundjeri Cultural Walks led by a Senior Educator from the Wurundjeri Education Unit who will share Wurundjeri perspectives on Country on a guided 2-hour return tour.
Sunday 26 July, 10am and 1pm: Bushwalks led by members of the ngurrak barring project team who will highlight many of the cultural offerings of the Country-themed trail on a guided 1-hour return tour.
Children's Activities
This event is family-friendly.
Images: (1) Djinjama and Cola Studio, _Country Node_, 2026. Photo: Cathy Ronalds. (2) ngurrak barring trailhead sign for Country theme. (3) Anton McMurray, _Storm Leaves _(series, 4 of 5), 2023, Grants Picnic Ground Kallista. Photo: Jesse Graham. (4) A view across a light-dappled forest landscape beneath a blue sky. (5) A young man is visible from the back as he looks at a sign that rises up from a grassy patch. A forest of large tree trunks and foliage forms the backdrop. All images: courtesy Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
Important Details
Time & Date
Saturday 25 July
Open access 10am-4pm
Wurundjeri Cultural Walks run 10am + 1pm
Running for 120 minutes in groups of 25
Bookings required
Book
Sunday 26 July
Open access 10am-4pm
Guided bushwalks run 10am + 1pm
Running for 60 minutes in groups of 25
Bookings required
Book
Meet at the Grants Picnic Ground kiosk
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible bathrooms, All ages, Accessible parking
As the walk is outdoors it may be cold and wet and the trails may be muddy/slippery. Visitors are advised to check trail conditions and weather warnings while planning their trip and encouraged to wear suitable clothing for the conditions.
Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista: facilities include accessible parking, accessible toilets, picnic area.
A level, gravel path runs by the artwork Storm Leaves by Anton McMurray. At the far end of the Grants Picnic Ground carpark is the start of Coles Ridge Track – an even gradient, car-wide track through Sherbrooke Forest that leads to the Country Node by Djinjama and COLA Studio. While relatively flat, this is an unsealed track that can get muddy in wet weather. The sections of the bushwalk along Bleakley Track and Tregellas Track are on a gradient and may not be wheelchair accessible.
Location
Grants Picnic Ground, 70 Monbulk Rd, Kallista VIC 3791
Goranwarrabil, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country
