The Dandenong Ranges, positioned close to Melbourne, present various activities and sights worthy of exploration. Schedule your trip and uncover the optimal experiences in this locale.
The Dandenongs, frequently chosen for a day outing from Melbourne, propose numerous activities that warrant considering it for a weekend escape.
In this vicinity, you can encounter cozy pubs, distinctive boutiques, untouched scenery, meticulously cared-for gardens, and stunning panoramas.
Organise things to do in Dandenong Ranges, initiate a journey, and investigate one of the premier areas in Victoria.
Below are some pursuits you can engage in during your stay.
If you desire to lengthen your excursion, you can explore the proximate Yarra Valley, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and exceptional cuisine and wines.
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Directions to the Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenongs are readily accessible by automobile, but one can also navigate the area via public transit.
You can board the train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station or Belgrave Station, where transfer buses can be caught.
The woodland can be entered from both stations, or you can spend a day in Belgrave.
If you’re averse to using public transit or lack an automobile, contemplating participating in a day expedition to the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley could be advisable, allowing you to observe the key sights of the region.
Take a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train
Puffing Billy is commonly recognised as one of the premier attractions in the Dandenong Ranges.
The train has been running on its tracks since 1900, experiencing a brief cessation in 2020 and 2021.
Numerous locals from Melbourne and visitors have delighted in riding the steam locomotive and appreciating the area’s verdant flora.
Beyond boarding the train, passengers can also buy picnic bundles to relish later, indulge in a three-course meal en route, and, on specific occasions, accompany their canine companion on the journey.
Discover the towns in the Dandenong Ranges
Perched above Melbourne lie quaint towns and villages, enveloped by the wilderness and presenting ample prospects for discovery.
SASSAFRAS
When entering Sassafras, one might mistakenly believe they have entered an English Tudor village.
Activities available in Sassafras include:
Having a Devonshire tea at Miss Marples Tearoom.
Engaging in puppet play at Geppetto’s Workshop.
Purchasing tea at Tea Leaves.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature at Alfred Nicholas Gardens or George Tindale Memorial Gardens by taking a moment to appreciate the scent of the roses.
Exploring nature by making friends with ferns and visiting waterfalls at Sherbrooke Forest.
OLINDA
Olinda is a settlement in the Dandenong Ranges, famed for its lofty altitude. It serves as an entry point to various natural wonders in the vicinity and is a handy location for securing a meal amidst explorations.
Among the standout features of Olinda are:
Travelers can embark on the Olinda Falls Circuit to observe the eponymous waterfall.
I will share additional details regarding a visit to the Dandenong Ranges National Park soon.
Touring the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.
Enjoying a repast at the Pig & Whistle Tavern.
Patrons can savour coffee and lunch at Olinda Cafe.
Treetops Adventure in Belgrave offers a thrilling experience
This adventure facility provides various activities, encompassing high ropes courses and ziplines, appropriate for individuals of every age and expertise level.
Guests can traverse and observe uncommon trees, such as a 150-year-old Algerian Oak.
You can book a mystery picnic
Peruse local product shops and culinary stalls to uncover an assortment of cheeses, deli meats, fruits, crispbreads, and additional items.
Upon gathering all your delectable treats, you will be directed to a final picturesque spot to savour your repast.
Mystery picnics are a suggested approach for acquainting oneself with a locale.
Explore the trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park
Should you wish to stroll, this national park is available for a visit.
Mountain Ash trees, recognised as the world’s tallest flowering plants, reside within the cool temperate rainforest. Moreover, visitors might spot several indigenous fauna, including lyrebirds, echidnas, and wallabies.
Various walking paths like the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track, the Olinda Creek Walking Track, and the Margaret Lester Forest Walk are all crafted to be accessible.
The park is conducive to picnicking, so packing refreshments and a blanket would be prudent.
In 2021, the park underwent substantial damage due to harsh storms, making it crucial to verify the state of the park before visiting.
You may wish to consider visiting Doongalla Homestead
The erstwhile Doongalla Homestead, initially a 32-room mansion in 1892, succumbed to flames after several decades. Nonetheless, the gardens persist and serve as an agreeable spot for a picnic, complemented by the mansion’s stone stairway.
Visiting Sherbrooke Forest is recommended
There are abundant plants, wildlife, and excellent walking trails, which should convey the idea to you.
Sherbrooke Forest is located within the national park, and notable places to visit include Sherbrooke Falls, the Sherbrooke Track, and Grants Picnic Ground.
There is enough to see at this Dandenong Ranges attraction to fill an entire day!
Complete the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk's 1000 steps
This stroll is favoured by those visiting the Dandenong Ranges.
The moniker was bestowed as WWII veterans perceived resemblances between this walk and the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. Moreover, there are 1000 steps to ascend.
To arrive at this spot, you can commence your journey from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and proceed up a steep trail. From the summit, you can witness stunning vistas, and this circuit can be concluded by following the Lyrebird Track.
Visiting during the middle of the week or early hours affords a more tranquil experience, given that weekends are usually bustling.
You might be lucky enough to spot or hear a Superb Lyrebird.
Discover the nearby gardens
A popular activity in the Dandenong Ranges is exploring its various gardens, which are known for their spectacular beauty.
Here are some things that are worth considering.
Explore the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
The garden is well-known for its water features.
There is a boathouse and many areas suitable for a picnic.
The city also welcomes dogs, allowing you to bring your furry friend along for the day, maybe even after a ride on Puffing Billy.
Step into the world of Clouds Hill Gardens
This garden is situated on volcanic loam soil at the top of the Dandenongs. It consists of 25 smaller gardens, separated by stone walls and hedges. It is highly recommended for gardening enthusiasts.
Those interested in gardening can visit the nursery operated by The Diggers Club.
Welcome to the George Tindale Memorial Garden
Near Sherbrooke, a picturesque garden abounds with various flora, encompassing rhododendrons, azaleas, fuchsias, hydrangeas, and magnolias.
The town is delightful to explore all year round, with something perpetually blossoming.
Enter the enchanting world of Pirianda Garden
This garden boasts a distinctive assortment of plants, distinguishing it from others.
The fall season at this site is celebrated for its stunning autumnal leaves as maples, birch, and other deciduous trees start readying for the chillier climate.
Discover the William Ricketts Sanctuary
This sanctuary offers a serene environment conducive to reflection.
Guests can traverse trails embellished with sculptures crafted by the artist William Ricketts.
Kindly note that the William Ricketts Sanctuary, a well-frequented site in the Dandenong Ranges, is temporarily closed owing to the 2021 storms. For information regarding its reopening, please consult the Parks Victoria website
Experience the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
The National Rhododendron Garden is highly visited during the spring flowering season.
There are beautiful plants like rhododendrons, camellias, daffodils, azaleas and many more.
Especially during the winter, it is equally enjoyable and peaceful.
Consider visiting a waterfall or two
The Dandenong Ranges, a mountain range covered in temperate rainforest, have several notable waterfalls.
Olinda Falls is situated in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and is most easily reached by taking the Olinda Falls Circuit. Please be aware that this area may be inaccessible due to storm damage, so checking before planning your visit is advisable.
The Sherbrooke Falls Trail passes through Sassafras, mountain ash trees, and ferns, ultimately leading to Sherbrooke Falls.
Take a look at the views
When travelling up a mountain range, some stunning views are naturally worth seeing.
From Burkes Lookout, one can observe Mount Macedon, the You Yangs, and the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas.
The Kalorama Lookout provides panoramic views of the Warburton Ranges and Silvan Reservoir.
You can visit Mount Dandenong Observatory, which offers panoramic views of Melbourne on clear days. Additionally, the site features colourful gardens, short hiking trails, a living hedge maze, and an onsite cafe.
Take some time to unwind at a day spa
Being surrounded by nature has a calming effect on people.
When you are not participating in Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, you can visit a day spa.
Balance Mountain Day Spa in Olinda offers a variety of treatments, including massages, body wraps and scrubs, facials, and hydrotherapy spas.
You can make a reservation with a friend or partner for one of the more romantic activities in the Dandenong Ranges.
If you enjoy day spas and bathhouses, consider planning a trip to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Enjoy a flower festival and walk through the tulips
One recommended activity in the Dandenong Ranges is timing your trip with a flower festival, which can be enjoyable for adults and children.
Visitors can enjoy the vibrant and beautiful Tesselaar Tulip Festival during the early spring season.
In autumn, various flowers in different colours can be seen in the gardens.
The regional city of Bendigo also has a tulip display each spring for those who enjoy flowers.
Fresh fruit can be obtained along the U-Pick trail
Explore the U-Pick Trail to locate fresh produce and goods cultivated locally for your basket.
From the Dandenong Ranges to the Yarra Valley, prominent spots near the ranges encompass Kookaberry Strawberry Farm and Bluehills Berries & Cherries.
You can investigate local farm gates or trace the trail leading to the Yarra Valley.
Enjoy a traditional high tea experience
The Olinda Tea House is a contemporary Asian fusion eatery situated amidst 17 acres of woodland and gardens.
This venue is apt for a high tea, accessible from September to May.
The establishment provides alternatives for vegans and individuals with gluten-free dietary requirements, making it an appropriate lunch or dinner selection.
Choose to walk or ride the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
Victoria is renowned for its rail trails and erstwhile railway tracks that have been converted into leisure routes for pedestrians, bikers, and equestrians.
This rail trail enjoys widespread popularity and is situated in proximity to Melbourne.
The trail commences at Lilydale and spans 40 kilometres into the Yarra Valley, culminating in Warburton, which merits exploration.
Some premier attractions in the Dandenong Ranges are presented here, offering abundant activities to engage you during a day excursion or weekend retreat.
Suggestions for accommodations in the Dandenong Ranges
Consider staying at the 4-star Econo Lodge Lilydale in Lilydale for a convenient and affordable accommodation option.
The Clarendon Cottages offer fireplaces, spa baths, and outdoor patios.
You can stay at The Blackwood Sassafras in front of a fireplace or at Arcadia Cottages on Mount Dandenong.
You can relax at Billabong Falls, a unique treetop house, or find a hideaway in Larnook near Sherbrooke.
Stay at The Mountain View Cottage, a lodge with a hot tub.
For an eco-friendly experience, you can visit Linden Gardens Rainforest Retreat, a secluded destination surrounded by rainforests and gardens. Alternatively, you can stay at Nature Creek for a farm stay and learn about their Indigenous Bush Regeneration project.
FAQ
How do I get to the Dandenong Ranges without a car—and how do I get around?
Take a train to Upper Ferntree Gully or Belgrave, then use local buses or walk straight into the forest from the stations. For wider roaming, combine bus hops with rideshares; trails link towns like Belgrave, Sassafras and Olinda.
What are the must-do experiences for first-timers?
Ride the Puffing Billy steam train, wander Sherbrooke Forest, visit the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, climb a lookout (Burkes, Kalorama or Mount Dandenong Observatory), and add a treetop zipline/ropes session in Belgrave.
Which walks fit different fitness levels (and what about the 1000 Steps)?
For easy: Margaret Lester Forest Walk or Olinda Creek Track. Moderate: Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track segments; Olinda Falls Circuit (check access). Challenging: Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (the “1000 Steps”) via Ferntree Gully—go early or midweek. Always check Parks Victoria for storm-related closures.
When is the best time to visit—and what seasonal highlights should I plan for?
Spring: rhododendrons in peak bloom and the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Summer: cool fern gullies and evening views. Autumn: brilliant colour at Pirianda, Alfred Nicholas and George Tindale gardens. Winter: quiet trails, misty lookouts, cosy pubs.
Where can I relax and refuel—and is it worth a full weekend?
Book a mystery picnic or high tea at Olinda Tea House, sample Killik Handcrafted Rum, and browse village cafes and boutiques. Make it a weekend with cottages in Sassafras/Olinda, day spas, waterfall stops, and an easy add-on to the nearby Yarra Valley for wine, cheese and rail-trail cycling.
