Orienteering

Dandenong Ranges Orienteering Club, a local orienteering club in Melbourne, is hosting an exciting orienteering event that is sure to captivate both newbies and seasoned players alike!

Orienteering is a sport that combines mental and physical prowess, making it the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, orienteering events offer a fantastic opportunity to explore different locations, from local parks to international venues. Participants navigate through the course using a map to locate control sites, striving to complete it in the fastest time or attain the highest number of points.

For those interested in joining, there are a variety of events to choose from. Park and Street events are held throughout the year, taking place every Monday and Wednesday evening, as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings during summer and Saturday afternoons in winter. These events utilise black and white maps in Melbourne suburbs, and no prior navigation experience or special equipment is needed. Participants can opt for a running course ranging from 3 to 10 km or a 1-hour Power Walking course. Simply arrive 30 minutes before the start time, and you'll receive instructions on the spot.

During winter, Dandenong Ranges Orienteering Club also organises Bush events on Sunday mornings. The MelBushO series, in particular, is perfect for newcomers. These events are located near Melbourne and offer five different course options, with coaching provided. The Easy course, approximately 2 km long, follows tracks, water channels, and fences. The Moderate course takes participants into the bush, where they'll search for notable features such as hilltops and major gullies, covering a distance of around 3 km. If you're craving an advanced challenge, there are also three Hard courses measuring approximately 3, 4, or 6 km. The best part? Your fitness level doesn't matter – you can walk, run, or simply stroll at your own pace.

Age is no barrier to participation at Dandenong Ranges Orienteering Club. Orienteers of all ages, from under 8 to over 75, are warmly welcomed to join in the fun and adventure.

No need to worry about specialised equipment either. Just come dressed comfortably in clothing and shoes that provide good grip, especially if it's wet outside. It's a good idea to bring a watch and water as well, particularly on warmer days. At bush events, the club will provide you with a compass and a Sportident stick, a handy timing device worn on the finger. Maps are included in the event entry fee, and if you're considering purchasing orienteering equipment, the DROC Shop offers compasses, gaiters, headbands, and Sportident sticks at reasonable prices.

Don't fret if you find yourself momentarily disoriented during orienteering – it's all part of the sport! Figuring out your location is an exhilarating challenge, and rest assured, no one has ever truly gotten lost at one of our events.

The cost to participate in orienteering with Dandenong Ranges Orienteering Club is affordable, making it accessible to everyone. Park and Street events have entry fees of $5 for adults and $3 for juniors (under 21), while MelBushO events have entry fees of $12 for adults and $6 for juniors (under 21).

So, lace up your running shoes or slip on your walking sneakers and get ready to experience the adrenaline rush of orienteering with Dandenong Ranges Orienteering Club. Join us for an epic adventure that will challenge your mind, body, and spirit!