Forget the Dandenongs for a Sunday walk; it usually looks more like Burke St in the bush, especially the Thousand Steps walk in Ferntree Gully. Instead try the walks of Mornington Peninsula. I think they are so underrated for what they offer.
Situated 90 kilometres south of Melbourne in Greens Bush, and a part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, you will find
Baldry Crossing. It's one the great Peninsula short walks, with scenery that includes fern gullies, woodlands, and creeks. The walk is gently rolling and there are about 30 steps into and out of creeks with some boardwalks also.
You can choose the shorter 1.6 kilometre track or the longer 3.6 kilometre track ( which is more scenic). If you feel like you need more of a challenge there are other longer walks including the Two Bays Walk. The Two Bays Walk can be accessed approximately half way through the Baldry Crossing walk. Long Point Circuit Walk is 5.4 kilometres and Bushrangers Bay Walk is 8.9 kilometres away.
With only 3 of 4 children ( the oldest wanted to stay at grandma's) in tow we took one double pram and a child backpack. Our poor pram has been punished and dragged up hills and through blackberries on other walks we have done previously, however this track is much more gentle. I wouldn't say pram friendly as such (it has stairs) but if you are prepared to carry it up and down the stairs and over a couple of fences at the start and finish point of the track, then it is possible.
On our walk we spotted Eastern Grey Kangaroos, beautiful little birds and lots of butterflies. If you are lucky, it's possible to spot a koala or an echidna.
Baldry Crossing Walk is very enjoyable and the kids love it.
The car park is on the opposite side of the road with picnic tables, though I would recommend heading to
Flinders for a picnic lunch or visiting the local
wineries.
Because it's a National Park dogs are not permitted.
