The Devil’s Elbows is a key cycling attraction in the Dandenong Ranges, one that got its name from the challenging stretch of road that begins at Upper Ferntree Gully and travels all the way to Ferny Creek.
This is one of the most iconic cycling climbs across the ranges and attracts visitors from all over the country.
Devil’s Elbows Ferntree Gully & Dandenong Ranges Cycling Route Map
Start the route near the intersection of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and the Burwood Highway, right near the 1000 Steps Car Park. Follow the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road for around 3kms until you reach the first hairpin turn. Keep following this road for another 1.2kms and you will reach Churchill Drive which veers to the left. Turn left onto Churchill Drive and you will reach the second hair-pin turn after about 1.5kms. Turn right here and this then becomes One Tree Hill Road. Travel on as far as you wish from here.
The total length of the Devil’s Elbows is about 5.5 kilometres, so it helps to arrive nice and early as this allows you to enjoy the time spent in the outdoors. Owing to the challenging sections with gradients up to 10%, this climb is categorised as Level 3, which is considered moderate to hard.
In spite of the challenges faced by climbers in the steep sections, the sheer beauty of the landscape is a reward for sore legs. This biodiversity boasts of grassy forested areas to fern-covered gullies and wet forests, all of which are a welcome relief from the soaring heat during summer.
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