Dandenong Ranges National Park
Dandenong Ranges National Park
4.5
About
Dandenong Ranges National Park is a rainforest getaway on Melbourne's doorstep. This is a place of tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns and charismatic animals. Conquer the famous 1000 Steps, discover Olinda Falls and enjoy stunning views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Here you'll find steep volcanic hills covered in stands of the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash. Living among the greenery are wallabies, lyrebirds, wombats and the Powerful Owl. Please ensure you leave your dogs at home to avoid disturbing the local wildlife. Take an energetic walk up the 1000 Steps from Ferntree Gully Picnic Area and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign.
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4.5
1,105 reviews
Excellent
712
Very good
355
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Kai C
Half Moon Bay, CA1,211 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
Very easy access from Melbourne via the Belgrave train (1 hr), and an impressive selection of trails through the Ash-Eucalyptus-Fern forest. The place is teeming with birds (butcherbirds, currawongs, rosellas, treecreepers, whistlers, bowerbirds and lyrebirds), with the cuckatoos ruling the tree crowns. The trails are maintained and marked well. Don't miss this beautiful place.
Written 26 November 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.
steve c
San Ramon, CA35 contributions
Mar. 2023
The 1000 steps trail is a moderate trail which does include a lot of steps, but it was well worth it. You will walk through a cool rain forest, so a light jacket is recommended and bring a water bottle. We took public transportation from the CBD (Central business district) of Melbourne to the 1000 steps trailhead. There is a very convenient bus stop very close to the beginning of the trail.
Written 22 April 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.
Charlotte C
67 contributions
Dec. 2022
The Dandenong Ranges National Park is a nice daytrip out of Melbourne. The large trees are beautiful and impressive. It is a pretty drive. The small villages are charming and fun for strolling around.
Written 27 January 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,793 contributions
Aug. 2022
The Dandenong Ranges are a world away from Melbourne's hectic lifestyle. In summer, the Dandenong Ranges are a haven, the ranges are always cooler than the flat lands. The tree ferns are always captivating. There is lots of birdlife, you can hear the Bellbirds, you might even catch a glimpse of a Lyrebird. The landscape is dominated by the enormous Mountain Ash. These giant trees are amongst the world's tallest flowering plants. The Dandenong Ranges have many hiking trails; it's a great place to escape from modernity.
Written 30 September 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.
Wanda110
Doncaster, UK199 contributions
Jan. 2022
So close to the city yet like a different world. Lovely places to walk and little towns to visit for crafts and coffee. Also a fantastic botanic garden at Olinda. A lovely escape for a day out.
Written 15 June 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.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia15,739 contributions
Apr. 2022
My wife and I stayed in a holiday cottage in Olinda for two nights during our recent holiday in Dandenong Ranges.
We visited a few places during our holiday, including the Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, George Tindal Memorial Gardens, Emerald Lake Park, Burkes Lookout, Grants Picnic Area where we went on three hiking tracks, Olinda Tea House and R.J. Hamer Arboretum.
There was a very severe storm in June 2021 in the Dandenong Ranges and some places are still closed for repairs, including the 1000 Steps, Olinda Falls and some parts of Sherbrooke.
We visited a few places during our holiday, including the Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, George Tindal Memorial Gardens, Emerald Lake Park, Burkes Lookout, Grants Picnic Area where we went on three hiking tracks, Olinda Tea House and R.J. Hamer Arboretum.
There was a very severe storm in June 2021 in the Dandenong Ranges and some places are still closed for repairs, including the 1000 Steps, Olinda Falls and some parts of Sherbrooke.
Written 30 April 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.
Ozzy-Kunnu
Melbourne, Australia2,979 contributions
Feb. 2021 • Couples
This is one of those scenic National parks that is famous for many treks with different difficulty levels suiting every indovidual, especially the 1000 Steps which is not just breathtaking but extremely tiring.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
Written 30 April 2021
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.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia27,762 contributions
Mar. 2021
Burke's Lookout is not seperately listed to the Dandenong Ranges National Park. some 3,500 HA of Australian bush in the Dandenong Ranges 30-40 KM from Melbourne. Burke's Lookout is not well signed and provided a small car park just south of the Mt Dandenong Lookout which is not free to enter.The views across greater Melbourne are excellent.
Written 1 April 2021
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.
Jas
Sydney, Australia10 contributions
Feb. 2021
I have to agree with a past poster, in that the lack of information centre was disappointing. We had not much advice to go on and were using google maps etc. Everywhere we go in Australia, we use info centres, even in small rural towns, so I was shocked there was nothing to aid the public in this way. Bit let down.
Written 16 March 2021
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.
Traceace
Melbourne, Australia11 contributions
Dec. 2020 • Couples
So lucky to spot this guy whilst hiking today. Near Eagles Nest picnic Ground. One of my favourite spots.
Written 27 December 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.
JudithOliver
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Have the leaves in the Dandenong Ranges started to change colour?
Karen R
Sydney, Australia92 contributions
Hi there, I have a half day free on a Sunday - have to be back in Melbourne by 2 and really want to go to see the Dandenongs. worth doing the half day Puffing Billy tour or are there better ones available?
Blanchy C
Maryborough, Australia18 contributions
Hi Karen absolutely yes it is worth doing. i drove tour coaches throughout melb and it was never the same. Every visit offered different views and scenery.
131253
Melbourne, Australia85 contributions
i have come to feed the rosellas a long time in a group do u have to pay to feed the birds I don't remember paying or if it was included in r visit. I like to bring some friends here.
C...
Victoria, Australia64,644 contributions
There is no payment that I am aware of for feeding the local birds... although it is advisable to purchase seed for them, rather than bread which is too processed for them. :)
Ong Li Rui
Singapore, Singapore628 contributions
Hi we are going to visit some vineyard in Yarra Valley & around Dandenong ranges like Olinda village & Silvan Dam lookout on 18-19 Apr. We are 1st time there, do we need to do some mosquito prevention during this season? Thanks!
Ong Li Rui
Singapore, Singapore628 contributions
Hi we visited Melbourne on Apr, already back to S'pore... Yes we enjoyed the walk in National Rhododendron Gardens, thanks ;)
Lakshman A
Melbourne, Australia
I just want to know where I can go to see and feed birds?
ElizaBeth2u
Melbourne, Australia11 contributions
Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista is a popular spot to see rosellas and cockatoos. A nice tearoom/snack bar/souvenirs on site, plus short forest walks and picnic areas.
More info on the Parks Victoria website: parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park/things-to-do/sherbrooke-grants-picnic-ground.
I live in Preston Vic.3072. Public transport? Please help. I am 67. I am a citizen and retired. My brother from India is a visitor here. We want to arrive there early to optimize our visit. What do we pay? if we drive, we need a Melways Ref. Please help
Emanuela307
5 contributions
Where to have Devonshire tea in the Dandenongs
Scatterbraintc
8 contributions
Not Miss Marples! The place was ok and staff quite friendly but the scones are just some kind of cake cut into square scone sized slices. We didn't try anything else on the menu but the scones were definitely not worth the wait.
gmathome
Bury St. Edmunds, UK112 contributions
Hi,we will be staying in Melbourne and wanted to know if it's best to Hire a van as there is seven of us.,as we want to go on the puffing billy,do some walking,see the craft shops cafés etc,or get the train from Melbourne ?
Thank you for any help.
edhill-from-Oz
Melbourne, Australia42 contributions
It becomes quite an adventure to catch the train from the city to Upwey/Ferntree Gully, then walk to puffing Billy. There are an eclectic set of shops at the end of the line as well. unfortunately you are then restricted to the train.
A car/van will give you the flexibility to then head up into the Dandenongs to see other sites.
You can also go one way on Puffing Billy, if you have a volunteer that will drive & photograph the train as you go, he picks you up at the emerald end and you head deeper into the Dandy's from there.
melinda93955065
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
have you finished the renovations on the club rooms?
GerardPound
Melbourne, Australia94 contributions
I do not know anything about the club rooms, all the best.
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Claim your listingDandenong Ranges National Park: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dandenong Ranges National Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dandenong Ranges National Park:
- Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour (From AU$223.56)
- '56 Chevrolet 6-Hour Dandenong Ranges Classic Car Private Tour (4 person) (From AU$877.97)
- Small Group - Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges Hike from Melbourne (From AU$192.06)
- Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges inc. lunch with wine,plus morning tea,chocolate (From AU$228.65)
- Melbourne Sky High Bush Tour (From AU$304.85)
- Hotels near Dandenong Ranges National Park:
- (3.27 km) Clarendon Cottages
- (2.31 km) Lifestyle Apartments At Ferntree
- (6.89 km) Gracehill Accommodation
- (0.83 km) Royal Hotel
- (9.20 km) Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park
- Restaurants near Dandenong Ranges National Park:
- (0.09 km) 1000 Steps Cafe
- (0.77 km) Indian Rogan Josh
- (0.74 km) Brew'd Cafe
- (0.85 km) Shiraaz
- (0.75 km) Waratah Organics
- Attractions near Dandenong Ranges National Park:
- (0.34 km) Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk
- (0.70 km) Yesterdays Treasures at Dee's
- (0.99 km) Perfect Day Tours
- (0.75 km) 1812 Theatre
- (0.90 km) Dandenong Ranges & Knox Visitor Information Centre