Melbourne Tours
Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour
5

Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour

By Awaken Tours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Explore the scenic and historic Dandenong Ranges during this day trip from Melbourne. Learn about the history and culture of the local First Nations people, and take a walk through the tranquil forest before tucking into a wholesome lunch. This private tour is limited to only three guests to ensure personalized service and a more intimate experience.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-120
Duration: 5–6 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • Explore the Dandenongs on this day trip
  • Take forest walks and learn First Nations history and culture
  • Enjoy a very personalized tour with a limit of three guests per tour
  • Includes lunch and round-trip transportation from central Melbourne

  • Local guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
What's not included
  • Drinks
  • Lunch


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • Pick up time is 10.00am. The tour guide will pick up customers from the accommodation if it's in the city centre, or north of the city. Please make a request to be picked up in the notes and provide the name and address of accommodation, while making the booking. The tour guide will be in contact close to the date of travel, to confirm the pick up location.
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      Additional pickup options
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.
      • CBD, Melbourne VIC, Australia
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Near public transportation
        • Infants must sit on laps
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 43280P1

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Visit to a cosy restaurant after forest walk
        • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
        • Most travellers can participate
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 43280P1

        From
        AU$450.00
        per adult
        Select date and travellers
        Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Awaken Tours
          59
          Australia
          Joined in November 2015
        • charlesdA6156PO
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A great Yarra Valley experience.
          Jay was an outstanding guide. He modified his standard trip for us and substituted a winery for one of his standard stops. The valley and short hikes were beautiful and the conversations in the car were informative and meaningful. We strongly recommend his tours.
          Written 15 January 2025
        • ankitasinhasinha
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          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Mornington Peninsula Customized Tour
          I wanted mornington peninsula with Cape Schanck Lighthouse, bushranger hike and finally London bridge. He picked me up near my accomodation and curated the whole according to me and might I add he was the only one ready to do so as I was a solo traveller. He is a very good story teller, polite and managed the tour fantastically. He gave me so many stories about local aussie life...and made the tour so much fun!!
          Written 13 November 2024
        • tanjieshengm
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great choice for a slightly different kind of Melbourne tour
          Jay is a great tour guide and we picked Awaken Tours because they offered something a little different from what other mainstream tour operators are offering. Jay is friendly, very easy to talk to and goes out of his way to ensure that you’re having a good time. He doesn’t rush or make his tours feel like it’s a “checklist” of things to do. On this tour, we had a great time picking fruits that were in season, had a nice stroll in Warburton and a fantastic walk in the redwood forest. We made it back in good time to Melbourne, feeling like we saw enough but yet without feeling exhausted.
          Written 8 August 2024
        • keensay
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great custom coastal walking trip
          Jay was able to arrange a custom walking tour and trip for my brother and I who unexpectedly found ourselves in Melbourne after travel changes due to a cyclone. A beautiful and well-timed walk along the coast, ending at a beautiful beach where we could take a rest and put our feet in the water and explore some tidepools. Great vistas and explanations along the way about some of the geographic and flora/fauna of the area. Followed up with a delicious lunch at a local cafe, and car rides filled with engaging conversation on every conceivable topic. Jay coordinated everything, arranged to pick us up at the hotel and drop us at the airport and was easy to reach and clear to communicate with to organize. Couldn't have asked for a better experience!
          Written 21 February 2023
        • TheViking2017
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Special day out....
          A wonderful day out with Jay, he was really excellent and we immediately warmed to him, he has great knowledge and as we found out, we could and did talk about everything, made for a good day out, the Sanctuary was very interesting, and made us reflect, the forest walk was wonderful and we were lucky to hear and see so much nature, if you go, take water, sun screen and good boots as you are walking in a forest.....stunning day out and we would suggest using Awaken Tours and enjoy a special day out with Jay...thanks Jay..Karl and Val
          Written 13 December 2019
        • GratefulMemories
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Thoughtful and Friendly Guide
          We booked two (private) tours with Jay from Awaken Tours - one to the William Ricketts Sanctuary and the Dandenongs and the second, to Healesville Sanctuary. Jay met us punctually, with a warm smile and from then on, we knew we were in caring hands. He customised both tours to allow us to see and do what we wanted to do, and gave us plenty of time to explore. The William Rickettts Sanctuary was an eye-opener. I had visited Melbourne before but hadn't heard of this peaceful, artistic, thought-provoking oasis in the Dandenongs. Thank you to Jay for passionately sharing this hidden treasure with us. I wanted to visit the Miss Marple Tea Room (which was a bit of a miss really, as I felt it was a bit too touristy and pricey) and also to buy some tea (which I found in the Crazy Teapot Shop in Sassafras - amazing selection of teas!). Lunch was at a lovely cafe (The Olinda Cafe - yummy food and toasty fire on a cold winter day!) On the second day, Jay picked us bright and early and we headed to Healesville Sanctuary. He had very thoughtfully pre-booked a wheelchair for me, as I had had trouble with my knees - which was a sweet and thoughtful gesture. My son and I really enjoyed Healesville. We saw so many native Australian animals close -up and you can feel the passion of the good people of Healesville. It was a lovely and enjoyable outing. A big THANK YOU to Jay for making the two days outing a thoroughly enjoyable and warm one, on a cold winters day. Kudos, Jay!
          Written 16 October 2019
        • Friedto
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          William Ricketts sanctuary
          We thank you for giving us such a great tours to William Ricketts sanctuary and the cool template rain forest tour. Our guide had very good knowledge of the nature and William Ricketts and his works. We felt that he had such love for the nature and people and that made him such a good guide. Thanks again.
          Written 15 September 2019
        • Margaret M
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Wonderful trip to the Mountains
          There are so many places to visit close to Melbourne, but the Dandenong Ranges are tricky to get to if you are using public transport. Jay has created an amazing day out in the Dandenongs that I’m sure everyone would love and be inspired by. He is your personal guide and enthusiastic host. Full of knowledge about William Ricketts and what he was trying to achieve both as a conservationist and as a lifelong sharer of the aboriginal culture through his sculptures. After a delicious lunch, an awe inspiring walk through the Dandenongs, learning about the forest and with some magic thrown in on our trip, the chance to watch the thrilling mating display of the lyrebird! (William Rickett’s totem). This was a wonderful introduction to the Dandenongs and a privilege to share conversations about Melbourne and the natural environment. Jay will also do bespoke tours if you contact him. You could not want for a better guide:)
          Written 20 April 2018
        • SixtyplusOldBar
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A moving experience!
          Jay is your guide for this tour, the highlight of which is the visit to the William Ricketts Sanctuary. Jay's knowledge of the philosophies of Ricketts work, and his own personal philosophies, are incredibly insightful and gave us an understanding of Rickett's life and work. We had visited the Sanctuary 33 years ago, admired the work and had left none the wiser! We were so pleased to have Jay guide us - his small group tours (maximum of 3) make for a very personal experience. Lunch is included - a lovely 3 course meal at a near by café/restaurant (Brunch) is also included. After lunch Jay took us on an enjoyable stroll through Sherbrooke forest. He will also customize tours for up to 3 people and is well worth talking to. We really enjoyed and appreciated the tour and recommend Jay to any potential client!
          Written 3 February 2018
        • Sue C
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Wonderous and spiritual experience
          Our last day before returning to the UK we took the trip with Jay. For me, I could not have imagined a better experience. Jay is a knowledgeable, passionate and spiritual person. This was not a visit where the guide just re-iterated what had been said many times before but was a sharing of knowledge and insight. When we parted I felt we were leaving a friend behind. Thank you Jay.
          Written 6 August 2017
        • R M
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent Day with Jay
          I really enjoyed this trip - the William Ricketts Sanctuary was a very cool experience, and our walk in the Ranges was a nice break from the city. Lunch was superb. What really makes this trip worth taking is Jay - he is gracious, open, and so willing to share anything he can about pretty much anything you asked. I learned a lot and really enjoyed myself.
          Written 24 June 2017
        • globetrekkerphx
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Lovely day in the Dandenong Ranges
          We booked a tour for four with Jay at Awaken Tours. Normally, he only does tours for three people, but he made special accommodations for the four of us at no additional charge. The walk through Sherwood Forest’s eucalyptus and tree fern forests was serene and spiritual. Later we stopped at an amazing restaurant that I unfortunately can't remember the name of. The chef served tasty organic foods that were to die for--one of our best meals in Melbourne and that saying a lot given that Melbourne is the foodie center of Australia! The highlight was William Ricketts Sanctuary. Jay shared the history and spirituality of the sanctuary and gave us a greater understanding of the plight of the Aboriginals.
          Written 23 June 2017
        • abis1994
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Peaceful and insightful day with a brilliant host
          I did this tour with Jay in mid December, and it was fantastic! I was slightly worried about doing a tour on my own, but with such a friendly tour guide it was brilliant. The tour itself was very well planned, Jay's knowledge on the area and its history was very impressive, he taught me a lot about not only Melbourne's history but also also of other cities and parts of Australia. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is very impressive, and along with Jay's explanations of its development, history and meaning, it is a must to do! I was in awe and admiration of the whole Sanctuary, and I know if i had gone myself I would have missed such crucial parts that Jay taught. The lunch provided was also amazing, I wont ruin the surprise for anyone else, but just ask for the salad!! The walk through the ancient forest was so peaceful and calming after being in the city for a few days! Again Jay's knowledge on the area shone through, teaching me not only about the history but of the plant and wildlife in the area. This tour is a must do for anyone!! Thank you for a wonderful day!
          Written 17 January 2017
        • Marian S
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Jay is very knowledgeable about the sanctuary and the uniqueness of the aboriginal culture and history
          The sanctuary is amazing - Jay made the experience very special and there were many moving opportunities to see how William Ricketts valued the relationship, knowledge and earthly and kinship ties that are the aboriginal people - fantastic walk to the forest to the falls and the lunch at 'Brunch" was amazing - thank you Jay Highly recommend this experience
          Written 5 January 2017
        • Tani710
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A tour of Discovery and connection.
          Highly recommend this tour. I have been wanting to experience the William Ricketts Sanctuary for some time. Jay's personal tour was inspirational and enlightening, providing so many insights into the life of such a brilliant and wonderful soul. I was filled with awe and such appreciation for William Ricketts, if I had of gone on this journey myself I would have missed out on such a rich experience. The lunch was divine and the walk in the ancient forests was a beautiful end to one of my most favourite experiences in Victoria. Please do yourself a favour and book yourself in with Awaken Tours. Magical day!
          Written 18 November 2016
        See all 59 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles35 reviews
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        35
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        Samhp77
        Scottsdale, AZ264 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        I was so glad I found Jay’s company. He offered the perfect day trip allowing for me to immerse myself in a beautiful temperate forest and observe amazing flora and fauna. The commute to the Dandenong Ranges is only 1 hour from city. If you are looking for a nature filled excursion while in Melbourne I would highly recommend this tour. The two botanical gardens we also visited were incredible and we also stopped off at an awesome spot for brunch. Jay has a lot of insight into the surrounding nature and went above and beyond knowing my interest in wildlife to show me some iconic species. I was amazed to see different types of parrots, kookaburras, swamp wallaby, and echnidnas to name a few. I wish I had time to take some more of his tours.
        Written 3 December 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hey buddy, Thanks for a great review, it was a fun day. All the best with your time here. Jay
        Written 3 December 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Ken T
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2024 • Family
        This tour fit us perfectly because it included a hike through the National Forest and guided walks through two excellent botanical gardens. In addition, Jay picked us up at our downtown hotel and took us to lunch at a tea room featuring local cuisine. The rhododendrons were huge and in full bloom. We have never seen any like that in the SE US. Jay was very considerate of our walking mobility while giving us the full tour in spite of downtown traffic delays. Highly recommended.
        Written 21 November 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Guys, Thanks for a lovely review, hope you both enjoyed your aussie adventure. Jay
        Written 25 November 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        LamsUK
        United Kingdom27 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        May 2022
        Jay was a great host, made us felt comfortable and we had insightful conversations throughout the day which was nice.
        Prior to the day trip there was swift communication in regards to customising and finalising the itinerary.

        Unfortunately we couldn’t do William Ricketts Sanctuary due to damage from the storms, so we chose to do the Skyhigh Mount Dandenong beforehand but on day the weather became foggy and there wasn’t much of a view to see of the City.
        Jay then took us to Brighton Beach to get a nice photo of the City instead.

        Dandenong Range walk itself was pretty serene and it was wonderful to know that the ancestors preserved the forests.
        Written 20 May 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thanks guys, for a lovely review. Hope you're enjoying your aussie adventure. Take care, Jay
        Written 21 May 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Cheryl12
        Southern Cal.64 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Aug 2024 • Couples
        Excellent tour with Jay! He picked us up at our hotel right on time. He is very personable and told us about the areas we were driving through on the way to the forest. He guided us through the forest describing the local ecosystem. We went to a couple fascinating botanical gardens after that. Lunch (on our own) was at a great restaurant where we could see cockatoos in the tree. As it was a private tour, Jay took us to a store that made its own chocolates to pick up a few treats for friends. All in all, it was a worthwhile tour :)
        Written 7 August 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thanks for a great review Cheryl, take care and all the best to you both. Jay
        Written 9 August 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Vanessa Yan
        32 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2025 • Couples
        We loved our day with Jay. He was so informative on the wildlife & fauna and was so personable. The first hike was incredible and felt magical, filled with so many birds. We loved the cafe we stopped at for brunch as well. It’s well worth it if you want a day in beautiful nature and gardens outside of the city.
        Written 3 January 2025
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thanks for a lovely review Vanessa. All the best to you both. Jay
        Written 5 January 2025
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        JeffG831
        Hamden, CT126 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We just spent the day with Jay touring the Dandenong ranges
        He picked us up at the appointed time and place. It was a private personalized tour for just the two of us in his private car..
        He immediately ascertained our physical limitations and planned the day accordingly.
        The hike through the Dandenong forest was incredible with the gum trees, and the fern trees just captivating us.
        He is very knowledgeable about botany. He has another business in native landscape, gardening.
        He has extensive knowledge about the indigenous people and respect for the land and he willingly shared that knowledge with us
        He then took us to Dandenong botanical gardens and took a special interest in showing us the Australian garden, the highlight of which was a billabong
        For the entire day, he was very solicitous of our physical limitations, taking frequent breaks along our walks
        We would recommend this tour heartily for anyone as a great way to spend a day.
        Written 24 December 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Jeff, Thanks for a wonderful review, hope you're nicely settled back at home. Take care, Jay
        Written 3 January 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Fabienne V
        Melbourne, Australia36 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2024 • Friends
        A perfect day with a great guide! I thought I had seen everything there was to see in Dandenong but I wanted my French friends to discover nature with a guide (Japanese garden, wild or native nature) and I don't regret it. Jay, a passionate guide, knows everything about this region and I discovered places I didn't know, including the Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda, officially opened in June 2023.
        I will go back in a month and a half to admire the fall colors.
        Plus a very pleasant little restaurant where I will certainly return.
        Written 8 March 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thanks for a lovely review Fabienne, Take care and all the best. Jay
        Written 9 March 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Patricia T
        7 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2020 • Couples
        We had a fantastic day with Jay. He picked us up from the hotel early and took us straight up to the sanctuary where he gave us a personalised tour of this magnificent outdoor display of art incorporated into nature. He explained the spiritual significance of the work enthusiastically. Afterwards we were treated to a satisfying lunch at a nearby restaurant. We completed the day at Sherbrooke Forest. Jay was magnificent. As we were about to return to the car it poured with rain and a thunderstorm started. All of us got soaked through but Jay kept his cheerfulness, patiently enduring our need to connect with nature. My husband and I would thoroughly recommend this small group eco tour. Thank you Jay and the restaurant staff.
        Written 8 March 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Pat, Thanks for a great review. It was lovely hanging out with you both, and the walk back in the rain was quite something. Hope you're nicely settled back at home. Take care and all the best, Jay
        Written 10 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        explorerJLW
        San Rafael, CA20 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2020 • Solo
        Jay was very informative about William Ricketts Sanctuary. He made it interesting describing the history of how and why the Sculptures were made. He explained the symbolism and spirituality behind them.
        William Ricketts lived with the Aborigines for several years and fought for there causes of preserving the environment.
        I loved the tour and would highly recommend it
        Written 8 March 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Jessica, Thanks for a lovely review. Hope your Australian adventure has gone well. Take care and all the best. Regards, Jay
        Written 10 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Jim
        Atlanta, GA1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2020
        If you like a passionate, intelligent and highly motivated tour guide then Jay at Awaken tours will fill the bill nicely. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is an amazing place. Jay, your tour guide makes sense of it and makes it come alive. He only takes 3 people at a time usually. He spends as much time as you need to see everything, He even provides you with lunch at a nice little restaurant. You will have one of the best days you have ever had on a tour. I would give it more than 5 stars. Best tour guide we have ever had. A truly amazing young man.
        Written 29 February 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Hi Jim, Thanks for a beautiful review, it is very much appreciated. Hope you both are well. All the best to you and the family. Regards, Jay
        Written 2 March 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour provided by Awaken Tours

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