Things To Do in Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges, coupled with the nearby Yarra Valley, serve as sought-after retreats for those wishing to break away from urban life and immerse themselves in sensory delights. Situated a mere 35 kilometres from Melbourne, Victoria, this area boasts a plethora of travel destinations, encompassing rainforests, agricultural lands and avenues for immersing oneself in food, art and natural wonders.
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are heralded as Victoria’s “culinary heartland.” The region’s nutrient-rich soil and amiable weather conditions drew European settlers who founded farms in the 19th century, many of which are still functional today. Tasting the region’s fresh crops and handcrafted delicacies is a favoured pursuit amongst visitors.

Visit Healesville Sanctuary and explore

Healesville Sanctuary serves as a venue where attendees can witness various distinctive Australian creatures in a single place. Spanning 30 hectares, the sanctuary is nestled within an authentic Australian setting, enabling visitors to view the fauna up close.
“Meet the handler” sessions allow guests to engage with Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos, wombats, koalas, emus, dingoes and platypuses. These interactions are planned at multiple intervals during the day.
“Spirits of the Sky” allows individuals to watch raptors, including the majestic wedge-tailed eagle, as they elegantly soar through the sky.
At Healesville Sanctuary, attendees can also acquaint themselves with Aboriginal traditions. Engage in the Indigenous cultural experience, where attendees can uncover the conventional purposes of indigenous flora, perfect the skill of ensuring a boomerang’s return, and hear Dreamtime narratives regarding local fauna, all shared by a Wurundjeri Elder. These sessions occur every Sunday, on public holidays, and every day (excluding Saturdays) throughout the Victorian school holidays.
When visiting the vicinity, it is advisable to allocate time to explore the town of Healesville. In this location, culinary enthusiasts can savour regional specialties at some of the finest Yarra Valley eateries and coffee shops.

Discover of Dandenong Ranges National Park

To thoroughly appreciate the sights and activities within Dandenong Ranges National Park, it’s crucial to set aside ample time and devise suitable plans. Covering a vast expanse of 3,215 hectares, the park boasts numerous hiking paths, varied fauna, lush fern-filled valleys, and towering mountain ash woodlands.
To immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes and fauna of the Dandenong peaks, embark on its picturesque trails. The Sherbrooke Falls trail and the 1,000-step Kokoda Track Memorial Walk are favourites. Adventurous souls can also traverse the terrain on horseback or bicycle. Nonetheless, it’s pivotal to acknowledge that heavy storms in June 2021 damaged several trails within the Dandenong Ranges. Ensure you verify any path closures ahead of your trip.
During your stay, remain vigilant for the native animals. The park is a sanctuary to diverse species, encompassing tree goannas, echidnas, and black wallabies. With some fortune, you might glimpse feather-tail or yellow-bellied gliders soaring in the nocturnal forest canopy. Bird enthusiasts can indulge in birdwatching, particularly for the remarkable lyrebird, celebrated for its talent in replicating distinct avian sounds.
For those pursuing the most breathtaking vistas of the park, Burkes Lookout is a renowned vantage point within the Dandenong Ranges. Moreover, outside the park’s confines, the SkyHigh Mount Dandenong lookout delivers expansive panoramas.
Outdoor dining is a favourite pastime within the park. Grant’s Picnic Ground stands out, especially for avian enthusiasts. Situated in Sherbrooke Forest, it teems with indigenous birds such as cockatoos, king parrots and rosellas. Moreover, this locale is intertwined with favoured hiking routes. Sherbrooke Picnic Ground also presents an idyllic backdrop for open-air meals.

Explore of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is a frequently visited site in the Dandenong region. Formerly recognised as the National Rhododendron Gardens, this picturesque space is roughly 500 meters from Olinda Village and displays a collection of vivid blossoms in shades of pink, purple, blue and red.
In the spring and early summer seasons, flora such as camellias, daffodils, azaleas, cherries, and rhododendrons contribute lively hues. Come autumn, the foliage transitions to brilliant shades of red and orange.
Guests can traverse a designated garden section for a relaxed stroll or undertake the comprehensive five-kilometre journey, navigating through rock gardens, fern-lined valleys, and spacious green expanses. The breathtaking views of the Yarra Valley tour and the distant mountain ranges are truly captivating.
Attendees can elevate their visit by exploring the sensory garden, wherein they can stimulate their senses via the scent of blossoming flowers, the tactile sensation of textured tree bark, the auditory experience of leaves crunching beneath their feet, and even the flavours of specific vegetation.
The gardens transform each passing season, providing photography enthusiasts and nature lovers with an enjoyable atmosphere. A morning visit is suggested for milder lighting conditions and easier parking availability. Admission is complimentary, and for an additional minimal charge, guests can avail of guided tours facilitated by an electric shuttle.

Experience traditional High Tea in the Dandenong Ranges

Participating in the traditional English activity of high tea is a popular option at many restaurants and cafes in the Dandenong Ranges, which can be an excellent addition to a wilderness adventure.
A traditional Dandenong Ranges high tea usually consists of hot scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam, finger sandwiches, and other small treats. It is typically served with hot tea in a fine china cup, preferably in a cozy café setting. Some may also enjoy a crackling fire during winter to make the experience even more perfect.
Consider your preferences to find the best place to enjoy a high tea. Marybrooke Manor, a National Trust-listed establishment near Sherbrooke Forest, offers a traditional high tea experience every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mary Eats Cake in Montrose and Miss Marple’s Tea Room in Sassafras are English-inspired tea venues. You can also try high tea at Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering and Coombe Yarra Valley.
Suppose you’re interested in a unique high tea experience. In that case, Olinda Tea House & Restaurant offers an Asian-inspired option, while Yarra Valley Chocolatier’s Chocolaterie High Tea is perfect for chocolate lovers.
Please be aware that reservations are necessary for certain high teas as they are unavailable daily, and seating may be limited.

Discover the enchanting Coombe Yarra Valley

Visitors can learn about the life of Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba at a popular Yarra Valley attraction. The estate she once lived on offers guided sightseeing tours of the gardens and a gallery displaying artwork from her private collection.
The gardens, designed over 100 years ago, have an international influence. Notable features include an Italianate garden, a French-style rose garden, and Australia’s oldest swimming pool, where Charlie Chaplin is rumoured to have swum. A 10-meter-high cypress hedge surrounds these attractions.
The gallery displays a comprehensive collection of items related to the famous diva, including her fashion, jewellery, objet d’art and paintings by Hans Heysen and Arthur Streeton.
Dame Melba and Auguste Escoffier were friends, and he created the Peach Melba dessert in her honour. The restaurant overlooking the gardens offers a variety of gourmet treats made with fresh produce grown on the estate.
Tour packages offer the choice between a Devonshire tea or a three-course gourmet lunch, and there is also an option for a tour-only package.

Dandenong Ranges has many hiking and walking trails

Strolling through the Dandenongs provides a multisensory experience, encompassing the sounds of cascading waterfalls, bird calls, the rich aromas of the rainforest, and the chance to observe indigenous fauna.
For enthusiasts of bushwalking, the Dandenong Ranges National Park offers well-frequented trails. Among them is a 2.4-kilometer loop leading to Sherbrooke Falls. This gentle trail guides you through verdant woods populated with towering trees. The hike can also commence from O’Donohue Picnic Ground.
The trail to Olinda Falls within the park is a 25-minute return path suitable for families with kids. It directs you to another renowned waterfall in the Dandenong Ranges and can be entered from the Olinda Falls Picnic Grounds.
The 1,000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is worth considering for those seeking a more strenuous adventure. This celebrated path honours the Australian soldiers who served in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
Please note that several paths in Dandenong Ranges National Park were impacted by storms in 2021 and are presently shut for repairs. Verifying the trail conditions before organising your trip is advised.
La La Falls is a well-known waterfall trail situated near Warburton, outside the boundaries of Dandenong Ranges National Park. The trail is of moderate difficulty and spans a round-trip length of 3.2 kilometres, cutting through thick woodlands.
Are you in search of a brief stroll around Warburton? The Warburton Rainforest Gallery is worth a visit. Located en route to Mt. Donna Buang, it features a 350-meter elevated walkway weaving through dense ferns and mountain ash trees. Alternatively, the Californian Redwood Forest Walk is a mere 15-minute drive from Warburton, allowing for a leisurely walk amidst lofty trees.

Come and experience the Puffing Billy Steam Train

The Dandenong Ranges offers a nostalgic experience with a ride on the century-old steam train, Puffing Billy tour. It is considered one of the best steam trains globally and operates daily (excluding Christmas Day) on a 40-kilometre track, thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers.
The train journey from Belgrave to Gembrook offers stunning views of the scenery. The route takes you through indigenous eucalyptus forests, including the majestic mountain ash trees, historic wooden bridges and charming villages. The open-air carriages allow you to experience the fresh scent of eucalyptus, enhancing your visit to this popular attraction in the Dandenong Ranges.

Welcome to Olinda Village

Situated within the “garden belt” of the Dandenong Ranges, Olinda is a favoured stopover for many travellers. Standing at 569 meters, it claims the title of the loftiest village in the Dandenong Ranges, positioning it perfectly for visitors to explore the area’s prime attractions. The quaint township of Olinda boasts winding lanes adorned with art galleries, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, top-notch eateries, wellness hubs, day spas, and unique retail stores.
Nearby, gardens like the Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens, as well as the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, can be explored. For those desiring more open spaces, the R.J. Hamer Arboretum presents scenic pathways and captivating vistas, particularly in the fall months.
Olinda has a vibrant arts scene and was once home to the distinguished Australian painter Arthur Streeton, who immortalised the breathtaking landscapes in his artworks. Currently, one of the primary attractions in Olinda is to admire regional art across various outlets and studios.

The Yarra Valley Dairy is a must-visit

The Yarra Valley touris famed for crafting sumptuous, velvety cheeses. During your stay, take advantage of the opportunity to sample these exquisite selections. Yarra Valley Dairy provides cheese tastings in the farm’s quaint 100-year-old milking shed, situated close to the cheese manufacturing facility.
The exclusive assortment of cheeses includes types crafted from cow’s and goat’s milk. This consists of a goat’s cheese known as Ashed Pyramid, cow’s milk cheeses infused with chilli and saffron, and a Persian feta seasoned with thyme and garlic. Freshly baked breads and crisp crackers accompany these cheeses.
Patrons can buy locally produced charcuterie products, prize-winning jams, and chutneys to pair with the cheeses. Furthermore, the gift shop is available for visitors looking to purchase local items to bring back home.

Immerse in the William Ricketts Sanctuary

William Rickett’s Sanctuary is a lesser-known tourist destination in the Dandenong Ranges. It is tucked away in a small garden, surrounded by ferns, mountain ash trees, and rocky outcrops. Over 90 ceramic sculptures depicting the local Aboriginal culture are thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings.
The gardens were created by the namesake, who spent extensive time living with Aboriginal communities. The gardens honour their profound spiritual bond with Mother Earth. Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature and art in the cool forest, a sense of peace is inevitable.
Visiting the Dandenong Ranges offers a variety of free activities, including combining a visit with a picnic and a stroll at the nearby Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden.

Step into the world of Cloudehill Gardens

Cloudehill Gardens, whose origins trace back to the 1890s, offer a charming experience for nature lovers. Positioned on the Dandenongs’ eastern slope, the gardens are organised into several “garden rooms,” separated by stone barriers and carefully manicured hedges. Highlights include the magnificent copper beech trees, the scenic flower fields, and the tranquil Water Garden.
A plethora of visual splendour awaits photography enthusiasts here. Walkways wind past bushes and aquatic elements. Groupings of calla lilies, tulips, and rhododendrons are present. Artistic sculptures are dispersed across the gardens. Birds, butterflies, and bees flit from flower to flower. Time effortlessly slips away in this space.

Visit Sassafras Village

Sassafras is a picturesque village steeped in history. Visitors enjoy exploring the area’s antique shops, cafés, and art galleries. A favoured activity is indulging in tea at Miss Marple’s Tea Room, while Tea Leaves Australia provides an extensive assortment of teas and teapots for those wishing to bring some home.
Other well-liked attractions in Sassafras include Geppetto’s Workshop, a distinctive toy store known for its wooden toys, encompassing a variety of marionettes and hand puppets, and Sassafras Sweet Co., a classic confectionery store.
For those considering an overnight stay, various lodgings can be found in the village and the nearby vicinity of the Dandenong Ranges.

Discover the captivating TarraWarra Museum of Art

The TarraWarra Museum of Art focuses on Australian art dating from the 1950s to the present. This contemporary architectural wonder provides stunning vistas of undulating green landscapes from each window. The museum exhibits a permanent collection featuring renowned artists such as John Brack, Brett Whiteley, and Russell Drysdale. Moreover, several temporary exhibitions in diverse mediums are conducted all year round.
After admiring contemporary art, allocate time to wander through the structure and linger in the external areas to enjoy the serene surroundings fully.