visit the dandenong ranges

14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Dandenong Ranges

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Mar 7, 2023

"Heading for the hills" of the Dandenong Ranges and the adjacent Yarra Valley is the ideal escape from the city – especially if you're seeking pure sensory indulgence. Only 35 kilometers from Melbourne, Victoria, this verdant region of rainforests and farms lures foodies, artists, and nature lovers with a bounty of diverse tourist attractions.

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are known as "the food bowl of Victoria." Thanks to the region's rich soil and agreeable climate, European immigrants established farms here during the 19th century, many of which still operate today, and tasting their farm-fresh produce and artisan foods is one of the top things to do here. The Yarra Valley is also one of Victoria's oldest grape-growing regions.

Green thumbs will be in heaven. A bevy of beautiful gardens flaunt everything from rainbow-hued rhododendrons to fragrant blooms, and fiery fall colors. Nature lovers will enjoy mingling with the wildlife and exploring the Dandenong Ranges hiking trails. Other popular things to do include visiting evocative art galleries, exploring quaint country villages, and soaking up the stunning scenery on a historic steam train.

Traditionally, the Dandenong Ranges region is the Country of the Indigenous Wurundjeri People, and today you can learn about their rich culture during your visit.

For more than a century, the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges has been one of the most rewarding weekend getaways from Melbourne . Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in the Dandenong Ranges.

1. Healesville Sanctuary

2. dandenong ranges national park, 3. dandenong ranges botanic garden, 4. dandenong ranges hiking & walking trails, 5. high tea in the dandenongs, 6. puffing billy steam train, 7. coombe yarra valley, 8. olinda village, 9. alfred nicholas memorial garden, 10. william ricketts sanctuary, 11. yarra valley dairy, 12. cloudehill gardens, 13. tarrawarra museum of art, 14. sassafras village, map of tourist attractions in the dandenong ranges, dandenong, australia - climate chart.

Healesville Sanctuary is the perfect place to check out the full range of unique Australian animals in one compact place. Set in a typical Australian landscape, the 30-hectare park offers tourists the opportunity to see the animals up close and personal.

"Meet the handler" encounters include kangaroos, wombats, koalas, emus, dingoes, and platypuses, and they take place at various times throughout the day.

"Spirits of the Sky" offers a chance to see birds of prey, featuring the majestic wedge-tailed eagle, soar through the air.

You can also soak up some Aboriginal culture at Healesville Sanctuary. During the Indigenous cultural experience, you can gain insight into traditional uses for local plants, learn how to make a boomerang return, and listen to Dreamtime stories about local animals, all shared by a Wurundjeri Elder. These are held every Sunday, on public holidays, and every day except Saturday in the Victorian school holidays.

While you're in the area, save time to visit the town of Healesville. Here, foodies can feast on local delicacies at some of the best Yarra Valley restaurants and cafés.

Address: Badger Creek Road, Healesville, Victoria

Official site: http://www.zoo.org.au/healesville

Exploring all the rewarding things to see and do in Dandenong Ranges National Park requires time and planning. Covering 3,215 hectares, the park is rich in walking trails, wildlife, lush fern gullies, and forests of towering mountain ash.

The best way to experience the gorgeous scenery of The Dandenong mountains and the park's abundant wildlife is on the network of scenic hiking trails . The easy hike to Sherbrooke Falls and the 1,000 steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk are among the favorites. You can also explore on horseback or by bike. Note, though, that in June, 2021, severe storms damaged some of the Dandenong Ranges hiking trails. Check for any closures before you visit.

Look for wildlife while you're here. Tree goannas, echidnas, and black wallabies are among the many animals that live in the park, and at night you might even catch a glimpse of feather-tail gliders or yellow-bellied gliders soaring across the forest canopy. Birding is also excellent. Keep an eye (and ear) out for the superb lyrebird, which mimics the calls of other birds.

Wondering where to get the best views in the park? Burkes Lookout is the most well-known Dandenong Ranges lookout here. Outside the park, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong lookout also offers panoramic views.

Picnics are another popular thing to do in the park. Grant's Picnic Ground is a must-see – especially if you love birds. Located in the heart of Sherbrooke Forest , the area is known for its dense population of native species, including many cockatoos, king parrots, and rosellas. Popular hiking trails also branch out from this area. Sherbrooke Picnic Ground is another picturesque place to visit for a picnic.

Official site: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is one of the most popular places to visit in the Dandenong area. Thousands of blooms in vibrant pinks, purples, blues, and reds greet you in these gorgeous gardens (formerly known as the National Rhododendron Gardens), about 500 meters from Olinda Village.

Camellias, daffodils, azaleas, and cherries and, of course, rhododendrons provide most of the color in the spring and early summer, but come in the fall to see the fiery reds and oranges of the changing leaves.

You can focus on one area of the garden if you feel like a gentle stroll, or hike the entire five kilometers round-trip through rock gardens, fern gullies, and sprawling lawns. The views of the Yarra Valley and its distant peaks are breathtaking.

Enhance your experience here with a visit to the sensory garden , where you can inhale the fragrance of fresh blooms, touch the textures of ruffled bark, hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, and even taste some of the plants.

Changing with every season, the gardens are a delight for photographers and anyone who appreciates the colors of nature. The best time to visit is earlier in the morning, when the light is soft and it's easier to find a parking spot. Entry is free, and tours in an electric shuttle are available for a small fee.

Address: The Georgian Road, Olinda, Victoria

Official site: https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/national-rhododendron-garden

Walking in the Dandenongs is a sensory feast. Listen to waterfalls splashing over slick rocks, pierced by the call of a crimson rosella. Inhale the earthy aromas of the rainforest, and look for wallabies, echidnas, or possums peaking through the leaves.

Wondering where to start? If you're interested in bushwalks, Dandenong Ranges National Park has some of the region's most famous hikes. One of the top hikes is the easy 2.4-kilometer round-trip trail to the fern-fringed Sherbrooke Falls. It's one of the smaller Dandenong Ranges waterfalls, but the lush forest trail offers a beautiful hike through towering mountain ash and stringy-bark eucalyptus trees . You can also hike to the falls from O'Donohue Picnic Ground.

If you're hiking with young kids, the park's Olinda Falls trail is an easy 25-minute out-and-back trail to another popular Dandenong Ranges waterfall. You can access it from the Olinda Falls Picnic Grounds.

Looking for more of a challenge? Follow the famous 1,000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. This popular trail commemorates Australian troops in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War.

Note that storms in 2021 damaged some Dandenong Ranges National Park trails, and they are currently closed for reconstruction. Check before you head out.

Outside of Dandenong Ranges National Park, La La Falls is another popular waterfall hike. This moderate 3.2-kilometer round-trip trail pokes through dense forests near Warburton.

Short on time? For a quick walk near Warbuton, don't miss the Warburton Rainforest Gallery on the way to Mt. Donna Buang, where you can weave through thick forests of feathery ferns and mountain ash trees on a 350-meter-long elevated walkway. You can also stroll through towering trees on the Californian Redwood Forest Walk , a 15-minute drive from Warburton.

Up for a longer trek? Try the dog-friendly 17-kilometer one-way Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track from Emerald to Sassafras – if you're up to the challenge.

What better way to complement a wilderness adventure than with an elegant high tea? Partaking in this time-honored English tradition is one of the top things to do at many of the Dandenong Ranges restaurants and cafés.

Hot scones topped with clotted cream and raspberry jam, finger sandwiches, and other petite treats are the main components, accompanied by a piping hot cup of tea, preferably in a fine china cup. Serve it all up in a cozy café, add a crackling fire in winter, and you have the perfect Dandenong Ranges high tea.

Figuring out where to indulge depends on your tastes. For a traditional high tea, the National Trust-listed Marybrooke Manor , bordering Sherbrooke Forest, is a great option. High tea is served here every Sunday from 1pm-4pm.

Mary Eats Cake in Montrose serves up treats in a cute-as-pie English cottage and garden, and Miss Marple's Tea Room in Sassafras is another English-inspired tea and scone experience in a charming Tudor-style building. Other popular high tea venues include Chateau Yering's Eleonore's Restaurant and Coombe Yarra Valley .

Looking for high tea with a twist? Olinda Tea House & Restaurant offers an Asian-inspired high tea, and if you're a die-hard chocoholic, the Chocolaterie High Tea at Yarra Valley Chocolatier is the place for you!

Note that bookings are essential for some of these high teas, as they are not offered every day of the week, and seatings can be limited.

The romance of days gone by comes alive with a nostalgic ride through the Dandenong Ranges on the century-old steam train, Puffing Billy. Considered one of the best steam trains in the world, it runs every day of the year (except Christmas Day) along a 40-kilometer track under the steam of a large team of volunteers.

Traveling from Belgrave to Gembrook , the train chugs through spectacular scenery. Along the way, you'll pass through towering indigenous eucalyptus forests featuring the magnificent mountain ash trees, over historic wooden bridges, and through quaint villages. With open-air carriages, the fresh scent of eucalyptus adds another sensory dimension to this popular Dandenong Ranges attraction.

Address: 1402 Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road, Mt. Dandenong, Victoria

Official site: http://puffingbilly.com.au/

Ever wondered what it was like to be an Aussie diva in the 1900s? Now you can find out at this popular Yarra Valley attraction. The famously flamboyant Aussie opera singer Dame Nellie Melba once lived on this elegant estate, and you can gain fascinating insight into her life on a guided sightseeing tour of the serene seven-acre gardens and a gallery spotlighting artwork from her private collection.

Designed more than 100 years ago, the gardens are internationally inspired. Highlights include an Italianate garden; French-style rose garden; and, reputedly, Australia's oldest swimming pool, where Charlie Chaplin was said to have taken a dip–all bordered by a 10-meter-high cypress hedge.

The gallery provides the most revealing glimpse of the famous diva. Exhibits including her fashion, jewelry, and objet d'art, as well as paintings by Hans Heysen and Arthur Streeton.

Dame Melba was friends with the renowned French chef, Auguste Escoffier, who concocted the Peach Melba dessert in her honor, a sublime mingling of peach, raspberry, and vanilla ice-cream. You can taste this and other gourmet treats spotlighting fresh produce grown on the estate at the light-filled restaurant overlooking the gardens.

Tour packages include either a delicious Devonshire tea or a three-course gourmet lunch, and you can opt for a tour only–if you can resist the mouthwatering food.

Address: 673 - 675 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream, Victoria

Official site: https://coombeyarravalley.com.au/melba-estate

In the "garden belt" of the Dandenong Ranges, Olinda is a great overnight stop for visitors. At 569 meters, this cute country town is the highest village in the Dandenong Ranges, and staying here puts you near some of the region's top attractions. In Olinda village, the narrow streets are filled with galleries, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, wonderful restaurants, wellness centers, day spas, and boutique shops.

And then there are the gardens! Nearby, you can visit the inspirational Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens and the magnificent Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden . If you're looking for more green space to stretch your legs, you can hike the scenic trails and soak up beautiful views at the R.J. Hamer Aboretum, which is particularly lovely in the fall.

Olinda also has a flourishing arts community. It was once the home of the acclaimed Australian artist Arthur Streeton, who depicted the beautiful scenery in many of his paintings. Today, admiring some of the local artwork at shops and studios is one of the top things to do in Olinda.

Alfred Nicholas Gardens, named after its philanthropist owner, is the perfect garden for all seasons. Blanketed with rhododendrons and azaleas in spring, hydrangeas and native ferns in summer, vibrant foliage of beech and maples in autumn, and sometimes a dusting of snow in winter, the garden attracts more wedding photographs than any other place in the Dandenong Ranges .

In particular, the gardens are known for their evocative water features, including a fern-fringed lake with a boathouse and soft-flowing waterfalls. Paths weave around these features under towering mountain ash trees, and meandering through here with a special partner is one of the most romantic things to do in the Dandenong Ranges.

Address: Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke, Victoria

William Rickett's Sanctuary is one of the best-kept tourist secrets in the Dandenong Ranges . It lies hidden from the world in a small garden of ferns, mountain ash trees, and rocky outcrops. Blending with the natural environment, more than 90 intricate ceramic sculptures representing the Aboriginal culture of the area are creatively displayed among the foliage.

The namesake creator of these gardens spent many years living with Aboriginal communities, and the gardens celebrate their deep spiritual connection with Mother Earth. Immersed in the cool, dark forest surrounded by the beauty of nature and art, you can't help but feel a sense of peace here.

This is one of the many rewarding free things to do in the Dandenong Ranges. Many tourists combine a visit here with a picnic and stroll at the nearby Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden .

Note that in June, 2021 William Ricketts Sanctuary was badly damaged by a storm. It's due to reopen some time in 2022.

Address: 1402 Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road, Mt. Dandenong

Rich, creamy cheeses are one of the specialty foods produced in the fertile Yarra Valley, and tasting some of these mouthwatering varieties is a must-do during your visit. At Yarra Valley Dairy, cheese tastings are available in the farm's delightfully dilapidated 100-year-old milking shed, right next to the cheese factory.

Both cow's and goat's milk is used for the signature range of cheeses. These include an Ashed Pyramid goat's cheese, marinated cow's milk cheeses with chili and saffron, and a Persian feta with thyme and garlic, all served with fresh-baked breads and crackers.

You can also order locally produced charcuterie items and award-winning jams and relishes to accompany the cheeses. After your tasting, stock up on local goodies from the gift shop to take with you.

Address: McMeikans Road, Coldstream, Victoria

Official site: http://www.yvd.com.au/

With a history dating back to the 1890s, Cloudehill Gardens offer a magical experience for anyone who loves nature. On an eastern slope of the Dandeonongs, the gardens are laid out in a series of "garden rooms" separated by stone walls and finely-clipped hedges. Highlights include the vibrant copper beech trees, the flower-flecked meadows, and the Water Garden.

Photographers will find a world of beauty here to capture with their cameras. Paths meander by billowing shrubs; water features; and clusters of colorful calla lilies, tulips, and rhododendrons. Sculptures grace the gardens, and a dazzling array of birds, butterflies, and bees dart from bloom to bloom. It's easy to lose track of time here.

Although spectacular in every season, the ancient Japanese maples in autumn lure many tourists. Innovative sculpture exhibitions and musical performances are often held in the gardens, particularly in summer.

After your visit, stop by the little shop to buy rare seeds and green-thumb-related gifts, or enjoy a sweet treat at the little café.

Address: 89 Olinda Monbulk Road, Olinda

Official site: http://www.cloudehill.com.au/

Specializing in Australian art from the 1950s onwards, TarraWarra Museum of Art is a stunning example of modern architecture, with beautiful views of rolling green hills from every window.. Blending with the environment, yet breaking new ground, the museum offers tourists the opportunity to view a permanent collection filled with iconic artists, such as John Brack, Brett Whiteley, and Russell Drysdale. Temporary exhibitions are also held throughout the year in a range of different mediums.

After viewing all the provocative modern art, spend some time exploring the building and lingering in the outdoor spaces here to really appreciate the picturesque, peaceful setting.

Address: 311 Healesville - Yarra Glen Road, Healesville, Victoria

Official site: http://www.twma.com.au/

Sassafras is a model village oozing charm and history. Every day of the week tourists delight in the collection of antique shops, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Taking in a morning or afternoon tea at Miss Marple's Tea Room is considered the quintessential Dandenong Ranges experience, and tea aficionados can stock up on supplies at Tea Leaves Australia , offering a wide range of teas and teapots.

Other top things to do in Sassafras include are Geppetto's Workshop , a quirky toyshop specializing in wooden toys, including a colorful collection of marionettes and hand puppets, and Sassafras Sweet Co. , an old-fashioned candy shop.

If you'd like to stay in the area, you'll find plenty of charming Dandenong Ranges accommodation in the village and immediate surroundings.

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Multicultural Melbourne : For a city fix, stay a while in the state capital of Melbourne . Dine your way around the world at the fabulous restaurants, see world-class art at the excellent museums, and catch a match at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground. You can also explore beaches, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries on rewarding day trips from Melbourne .

Exploring Victoria : The Aussie state of Victoria offers so many things to see and do. Drive along the edge of the continent on the spectacular Great Ocean Road , bask on the gleaming beaches of the Mornington Peninsula , and find more places to visit with our article on the Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Melbourne –from lovely Lorne to the day spas of Daylesford.

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Yarra Valley, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Guide to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

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• Getting to the Yarra Valley
• When to visit

Be swept away by the gorgeous scenery and indulgent adventures of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Lush forests, cascading vineyards and charming townships are all part and parcel of this lovely corner of Victoria. Taste regional flavours in the restaurants, wineries, distilleries and breweries that dot the area and discover quaint villages with vibrant art scenes. It's also home to the serenity of exquisitely manicured gardens, towering forests and misty waterfalls. You'll return home with a collection of outstanding cool-climate wine and a strong connection to wonderous Australian nature.

The Yarra Valley is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne, while the Dandenong Ranges sit a 40-min drive south of the Yarra. Fly to Melbourne and hire a car, or join a guided tour and leave the driving to someone else.

• Melbourne Airport (MEL) is located 58km (36mi) from the region and services international and domestic arrivals
• Avalon Airport (AVV) is located 96km (59mi) from the region and services international and domestic arrivals
• Car hire and private transfer services are available from both airports

The end of spring or early summer is the best time of year to visit Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. The weather at this time is drier and the region is bustling with locals and tourists making the most of the festivals and events. 

• High season:  Summer (November to January)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: Shedfest, a celebration of the Yarra's small wineries (February)

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27 things to do in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria

The Dandenong Ranges (not to be confused with the suburb of Dandenong) are just a short drive from Melbourne (around an hour from the CBD). Discover the best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges and start planning a visit.

The Dandenongs, as they’re also known, are a popular day trip from Melbourne for those living in the city (and there’s plenty to do, to justify making your trip there a weekend getaway ).

You’ll find cosy pubs, crafty shops, wild nature, curated gardens and some epic views.

Pack a picnic, hit the road and discover why this is one of Victoria’s top regions.

Here’s what you can get up to while you’re there.

And if you want to extend your trip, head on to the nearby Yarra Valley , which is renowned for both its outstanding beauty, and food and wine scene.

This post forms part of my guide to the best places to visit in Victoria . For more, check out this Melbourne itinerary (written by a local) and discover the best neighbourhoods to explore while you’re there. And see my other content on Victoria for more travel inspiration.

How to get to the Dandenong Ranges

It is easiest to get to the Dandenongs by car, but it’s also possible to reach the region via public transport.

Take the train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station , where you can catch a connecting bus. You can also train it to Belgrave Station , for buses.

You can also access the forest from either station. Or simply make a day of it in Belgrave.

Need a set of wheels to for your trip to the Dandenongs?

If you don’t have a car and don’t want to take public transport, consider jumping on a day tour to the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley , to see the area’s main highlights.

Top things to do in the Dandenong Ranges

Jump aboard the Puffing Billy Steam Train

Puffing Billy is consider to be one of the Dandenong Ranges best attractions.

The train has been chugging along its tracks since 1900 – and it’s still going (despite a brief interlude in 2020 and 2021 for obvious reasons).

Generations of Melburnians and visitors alike have jumped aboard the steam train, letting their legs dangle out from the carriage stills as it passes the verdant plant life the region is renowned for.

Along with riding the train, you can pick up picnic packs to enjoy after, have a three course lunch onboard and on specific dates, bring your dog along for the ride .

Explore small towns in the Dandenong Ranges

Perched above Melbourne are some gorgeous towns and villages, surrounded by nature, and with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

Olinda is one of the highest villages in the Dandenong Ranges. It’s the gateway to some of the best natural attractions in the region and a great place to stop for a bite to eat, in between explorations.

Top highlights in Olinda include:

• taking the Olinda Falls Circuit to see the eponymous waterfall
• visiting the Dandenong Ranges National Park (more on this in a moment)
• wandering the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
• grabbing a meal at the Pig & Whistle Tavern
• coffee and/or lunch at Olinda Cafe .

Walking into Sassafras , you’d be mistaken in thinking you’d entered an English Tudor village.

Things to do in Sassafras include:

• grabbing a devonshire tea at Miss Marples Tearoom
• playing with puppets at Geppetto’s Workshop
• stocking up on tea at Tea Leaves
• stopping to smell the roses at Alfred Nicholas Gardens or George Tindale Memorial Gardens
• making friends with ferns and chase waterfalls at Sherbrooke Forest .

Things to do in Belgrave include:

• riding the Puffing Billy Steam Train
• relaxing at the Micawber Tavern .

Discover other small towns in Victoria worth exploring .

Take to the trees at Treetops Adventure in Belgrave

This high flying adventure park has everything from high ropes courses to ziplines for a range of ages and abilities.

You’ll climb through and fly by rare trees, including a 150-year-old Algerian Oak.

↠ RELATED: 20 BEST ROAD TRIPS IN AUSTRALIA

Book onto a mystery picnic

Let your belly lead you on a self-guided journey to local produce stores and food vendors, to pick up cheeses, meats, fruits, crackers and more.

Once you’ve collected all your gourmet goodies, you’ll be taken to a final picturesque location, to throw down a blanket and gorge to your heart and stomach’s content.

Mystery picnics are an excellent way to explore a destination.

Find out what it’s like to go on a mystery picnic in Melbourne .

Hit the trail in Dandenong Ranges National Park

Keen to stretch your legs? Head straight to this national park .

This cool temperate rainforest is home to Mountain Ash trees, the world’s tallest flowering plant. You’ll also probably see plenty of native wildlife, from lyrebirds to echidna and wallabies.

There’s plenty of walking trails to tackle, including the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track, the Olinda Creek Walking Track, or the Margaret Lester Forest Walk, designed with accessibility in mind.

The park is picnic-perfect, so pack some snacks and a blanket.

Noting the park was battered by quite severe storms in 2021, so make sure you check conditions before you go .

Visit Doongalla Homestead

Or rather, the former Doongalla Homestead. A 32-room mansion resided on the spot in 1892, but burned down a few decades later. The gardens remain, as a lovely spot for a picnic, along with the mansion’s stone steps.

Check out Sherbrooke Forest

Abundant plant and wildlife, wonderful walking trails… you’re probably getting the idea now.

You’ll find Sherbrooke Forest within the national park. Top spots include Sherbrooke Falls , the Sherbrooke Track and Grants Picnic Ground .

There’s enough to see to make a day just for this Dandenong Ranges attraction!

Conquer the 1000 steps of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

This somewhat challenging walk is one of the most popular things to do in the Dandenong Ranges.

It’s named such as WWII veterans likened the walk to the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea. Plus, there’s 1000 steps to climb.

To get here, you walk from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and up a steep path. There’s spectacular views from the top and you can complete this loop via the Lyrebird Track .

Expect it to be packed on the weekend, so if you want a bit of peace and quiet, consider visiting either midweek or first thing in the morning.

If you’re lucky, you might see (or hear!) a Superb Lyrebird.

Explore the local gardens

One of the best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges, is to explore one, any or many of its spectacular gardens.

Here’s some worth putting on your list.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

This gorgeous garden is renowned for its water features.

There’s a picturesque boathouse and plenty of spots for a picnic.

It’s also dog friendly, so you can bring Fido along for the day (perhaps after riding on Puffing Billy?).

Cloudehill Gardens

Located upon volcanic loam soil at the top of the Dandenongs is this giant garden , 25 smaller gardens which are divided by stone walls and hedges. It’s a must-visit for any gardening enthusiast.

Those with a green thumb (or just feeling particularly inspired) can drop into the nursery, run by The Diggers Club.

There’s also a restaurant on site, aptly named Seasons .

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George Tindale Memorial Garden

Located near Sherbrooke, within this petally paradise you’ll find rhododendrons, azaleas, fuschias, hydranges and magnolias, among other plants.

It’s lovely to visit anytime of year, as there’s always something flowering.

Pirianda Garden

This garden is home to an unusual array of plants, making its collection quite unique.

While lovely in spring, visit in autumn for fantastic fall foliage, as its maples, birch and other deciduous tree start prepping for the cooler seasons.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

This sanctuary is a peaceful place for reflection.

You follow ferny paths lined with fantastic sculptures, the work of artist William Ricketts.

Note: While William Ricketts Sanctuary is one of the top Dandenong Ranges attractions, it remains closed after the damaging storms of 2021. Check the Parks Victoria website for updates regarding its reopening.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Also known as the National Rhododendron Garden , these gardens are most popular during their spring flowering season.

Along with rhododenrons, there’s camellias, daffodils and azaleas, among other beautiful plants.

Mind you, I’ve been there in the dead of winter and they were just as pleasant (and quiet!).

On my last visit, an echidna waddled across my path, oblivious to us and intent on its own business.

Chase a waterfall or two

Due to being a mountain range, covered in temperate rainforest, the Dandenong Ranges have a couple of waterfalls worth seeing.

Olinda Falls is located in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and is best accessed via the Olinda Falls Circuit . Note: this area may currently be inaccessible due to storm damage. Check before you head out.

Sherbrooke Falls Trail will lead you through sassafras, mountain ash trees and ferns to (you guessed it) Sherbrooke Falls .

For more, check out my guide to the best waterfalls in Victoria .

Check out the views

You’re travelling up a mountain range. Naturally there’s some epic views begging to be eyeballed.

From Burkes Lookout you can see Mount Macedon, the You Yangs and both the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas.

Kalorama Lookout offers views across the Warburton Ranges and Silvan Reservoir.

Or take it sky high at Mount Dandenong Observatory , where on a clear day you can see Melbourne in the distance. There’s also colourful gardens, short walks, a living hedge maze and a cafe onsite.

Relax at a day spa

There’s something about being surrounded by nature that makes you just want to relax.

And when you’re not participating in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku – forest bathing, with opportunities aplenty in this part of the state – why not drop into a day spa?

Balance Mountain Day Spa in Olinda offers massages, body wraps and scrubs, facials and hydrotherapy spa among other treatments.

Book in with a pal or your other half, for one of the more romantic things to do in the Dandenong Ranges.

If day spas and bath houses are your thing, plan a trip to Daylesford and Hepburn Springs , to soak up the vibes.

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Tiptoe through the tulips at a flower festival

Time your trip with a flower festival. It’s one of the best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges, particularly with kids.

In early spring, you can have a bloomin’ beautiful time at Tesselaar Tulip Festival .

Autumn arrives with a boom – a Kabloom , to be exact. Strips of colour from many different types of flowers line the fields of these gorgeous gardens.

If flowers are your thing, the regional city of Bendigo also has a fantastic tulip display each spring.

Lift your spirits at KILLIK Handcrafted Rum

KILLIK distillery is perched on the edge of Sherbrooke Forest.

Visit for a coffee, brekky or lunch, or simply rumble in for tasting.

For the full experience, order a rum cocktail or indulge in a tasting paddle.

Grab fresh fruit along the U-Pick Trail

Get in the market for some fresh produce along the U-Pick Trail, where you can load up your basket with locally grown goodies.

Meandering from the Dandenong Ranges to the Yarra Valley, top places within cooee of the ranges include Kookaberry Strawberry Farm and Bluehills Berries & Cherries .

Explore local farmgates or follow the trail through to the Yarra Valley.

Take a High Tea

Set within 17 acres of forest and gardens is Olinda Tea House , a modern Asian fusion restaurant.

This lush setting is ideal for a high tea, on offer from September through to May.

You can also drop in for lunch or dinner. The venue caters to vegans and has plenty of gluten-free options too.

Walk or ride the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

Victoria is home to many rail trails – old railway lines that have been converted into recreation trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

This is one of the most popular rail trails, close to Melbourne.

Starting at Lilydale, the trail stretches for 40 kilometres into the Yarra Valley, finishing in the town of Warburton, which is well worth exploring in its own right.

So there you have it, some of the best Dandenong Ranges attractions. Plenty to keep you busy on a day trip or weekend getaway.

What can you do in the Dandenong Ranges for free?

Free things to do in the Dandenong Ranges include:

• visiting the Dandenong Ranges National Park and hitting its walking trails
• the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
• checking out local waterfalls
• some lookouts including Burke and Kalorama Lookout
• the Alfred Nicholas Gardens
• William Ricketts Sanctuary (when open).

What are the best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges?

Short on time? Here’s what I recommend prioritising:

• a ride on Puffing Billy
• lunch at Olinda Tea house
• check out the flower festivals (if they’re on)
• explore the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
• walk the 1,000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk .

Where to stay in the Dandenong Ranges

If you’re after more inspiration for travel in Victoria, check out these guides to the King Valley a top gourmet region, or plan a trip to Maldon , a perfectly preserved gold rush era town.

For more on Australia, see my Australia Travel Guide .

Planning a trip to the Dandenong Ranges? Pin this post. 📌

The Dandenong Ranges are located on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge them as Traditional Owners and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

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Step back in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and...

After 62 years of Bavarian floor shows and buffet dining with the backing of yodelling and ticking clocks, the Cuckoo Restaurant has permanently closed. We will leave this page up in case this information isn’t...

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Emerald Lake

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Tourism Guide to Visit The Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne

There is no shortage of things to see and do in beautiful Dandenong Ranges. With the native forests showcasing beautiful Australian flora and fauna, magnificent landscapes and lush gardens , the Dandenongs offer a number of scenic tours and natural attractions for visitors to explore.

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Upcoming Events

Oxfam trailwalker, knox festival, the herb and chilli festival, celebrate mooroolbark.

• Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers

Dandenong Ranges Open Studios

Kalorama chestnut festival.

• Puffing BIlly
• Secret Gardens of the Dandenong Ranges
• Mt Dandenong