Maroondah Dam & Donnellys Weir Loop | AFL GF  Holiday Hike | Moderate 8km

Welcome to Social Walks Melbourne!We’re all about getting you outside, getting you moving and making some amazing new friends along the way.Whether it’s hiking through Victoria’s stunning national parks, camping under the stars, paddleboarding on a still morning lake, or just soaking up nature with like-minded legends — our events are designed to help you move your body, clear your mind, and meet some seriously awesome people.We’d love for you to join the adventure!Follow us here on Eventbrite and join our Facebook group —Melbourne Social Walks— to stay in the loop with upcoming events, photos, and community stories.

Social Walks Melbourne

Join Adam and Nathan for an 8km hike at Maroondah Dam and Donnellys Weir. Wear your AFL team colours and enjoy nature, views and fun vibes.

Maroondah Reservoir Park

Hikes

Join Adam and Nathan for an epic Social Walk at the Maroondah Dam and Donnellys Weir Loop — a gorgeous trail in the heart of the Yarra Ranges National Park. Surrounded by lush rainforest, native wildlife and stunning views, this is one of the most scenic moderate hikes in Victoria.This walk falls on the AFL Grand Final public holiday, so don your favourite team colours and show your support while enjoying nature, connection and community spirit.This October, $1 from every Social Walks ticket sold will go to <a href="https://www.onefootforward.org.au/" title="https://www.onefootforward.org.au/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">One Foot Forward</a> by the <a href="https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/" title="https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Black Dog Institute</a>, helping Australians facing mental health struggles and the impacts of suicide.👉 Join our fundraising team here: <a href="https://www.onefootforward.org.au/join/socialwalks" title="https://www.onefootforward.org.au/join/socialwalks" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">TEAM SOCIAL WALKS</a> <h3>WALK DETAILS 📍</h3>🗓️ Date: Thursday 26 September 2025 (AFL Grand Final public holiday) 🕙 Meeting Time: Arrive 9:30am for check-in 🚶 Departure: 10:00am sharp 🕔 Finish: Around 3:00pm 📍 Meeting Point: Maroondah Reservoir Park 📏 Distance: Approx. 8km loop ⛰️ Elevation: Approx. 160m gain 🚶 Difficulty: Moderate ⚠️ AFL Spirit: Wear your favourite team colours for the walk — team pride is encouraged! <h3>ABOUT SOCIAL WALKS 💬</h3>We are Social Walks, one of Melbourne’s largest outdoor social communities. With thousands of members and hundreds of events each year, our mission is to bring people together through nature, connection and fun.✅ All events led by friendly, experienced and first aid trained hosts ✅ Fully insured and licensed tour operators with Parks Victoria ✅ When we hold events inside Parks Victoria parks, $2.40 from every ticket goes directly back into maintaining and protecting those spaces 🌿👉 Join our Facebook Group here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialwalksmelbourne" title="https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialwalksmelbourne" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Melbourne Social Walks</a> This is where you can connect with our community, share photos and organise car pooling. <h3>WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND EXPERIENCE </h3>🌿 Towering rainforest of the Yarra Ranges 🏞️ Panoramic views from the Maroondah Dam wall 🦘 Kangaroos, wallabies and native birdlife 📸 Stunning photo opportunities (team colours encouraged!) ☕ A café or pub stop in Healesville afterwards <h3>WHY JOIN SOCIAL WALKS 👥</h3>🌿 Meet new people in a relaxed, welcoming group 🌿 Enjoy fresh air and natural beauty 🌿 Be inspired, connected and energised 🌿 Perfect for both beginners and moderate hikers <h3>WHAT TO BRING 🥾</h3>💧 At least 2L of water 🥪 Snacks or food for the hike 💵 Money for a café or pub afterwards 📱 Fully charged phone or camera <h3>WHAT TO WEAR 👕</h3>👟 Comfortable walking shoes 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing (check forecast) 🧢 Hat or beanie and sun protection 🎽 AFL team colours to show your spirit <h3>GETTING THERE 🚗</h3>🚙 Parking: Free parking available at Maroondah Reservoir Park 🚉 Public Transport: Train to Lilydale Station, then connect to local buses towards Healesville (check timetables in advance) 🤝 Carpooling: Need a lift? Post in our Melbourne Social Walks Facebook Group ⏰ Please arrive by 9:30am to allow time for check-in before departure <h3>AFTER THE WALK 🍻</h3>We’ll head into Healesville for a well-earned coffee, drink or lunch — still wearing our AFL colours to keep the celebrations alive. <h3>GOOD TO KNOW ⚠️</h3>🔞 Ages 18+ 👨‍👩‍👧 Kids welcome but must be supervised by a guardian ⏱️ Event lasts approx. 5.5 hours including walk and pub time afterwards 🌧️ Walk goes ahead rain, hail or shine ⚡ Extreme weather may cause rescheduling ✅ Social Walks events are always fully insured and professionally hosted <h3>TICKETS 🎟</h3>🎟️ $30 per person Tickets cover insurance, logistics and help keep Social Walks events happening across Melbourne. <h3>YOUR GUIDES 👋</h3>This walk will be hosted by Adam and Nathan, who will make sure everyone feels welcome, safe and included.We can’t wait to see you there — in your AFL team colours!– Team Social Walks 🌿