CFA volunteers and paid staff from the region 14 group of brigades, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Parks Victoria and Aviation Rescue and Fire crews all met at the scenic property for practice exercises in preparation for the real thing this summer. The main scenario involved a park fire, with crews focused on asset protection - especially the Melbourne Radar Tower, heritage-listed Woodlands homestead, the Living Legends horse stud and adjacent properties.

Participants were involved in draughting, relay pumping and a survival drill.

Organiser Frank Hauke said the agencies all "worked well together" to learn each other's systems to gain the best outcome.

Overall there were about 120 people, 10 CFA trucks from nine brigades, six cars, two MFB units, three 'slip-ons' and a tanker from Parks Victoria and one aviation truck.

About 80 Salvation Army helpers made lunch for the hungry trainees.