Dandenong Ranges National Park
Dandenong Ranges National Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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
1,109 reviews
Excellent
714
Very good
357
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,563 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
My wife and I were here recently for a holiday where we stayed for two nights in a 5 Stars Holiday Cottage which costs around $300 a night.
This is our third annual visit and we had also stayed for two nights in two other Holiday Cottages in the previous years. Before that, we had made several day trips from our house in Melbourne.
There are many delightful places to visit within the Ranges with several Gardens, hiking tracks and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
We plan to return every year to stay in another Holiday Cottage in different locations within the Ranges for two nights each time.
This is our third annual visit and we had also stayed for two nights in two other Holiday Cottages in the previous years. Before that, we had made several day trips from our house in Melbourne.
There are many delightful places to visit within the Ranges with several Gardens, hiking tracks and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
We plan to return every year to stay in another Holiday Cottage in different locations within the Ranges for two nights each time.
Written 27 February 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.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,563 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.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,719 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.
steve c
San Ramon, CA56 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.
111bert
Australia23 contributions
Mar 2020
"Tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns and charismatic animals such as lyrebirds and wallabies."
This citation from the Dandenong Ranges National Park web site, perfectly says all that needs to be said of this unique and most valuable natural attraction, situated so close to the city of Melbourne. It is well deserving of its Certificate of Excellence.
The Park is not to be missed by anyone interested in nature, beautiful scenery and keen on outdoor activities. You will be inspired to take the odd hike or three and to find out all there is to know about its history and its plant and animal life.
The well set out web site is useful for planning your day or two, or more, up in the Ranges. The photos there clearly show the beauty of the place.
This citation from the Dandenong Ranges National Park web site, perfectly says all that needs to be said of this unique and most valuable natural attraction, situated so close to the city of Melbourne. It is well deserving of its Certificate of Excellence.
The Park is not to be missed by anyone interested in nature, beautiful scenery and keen on outdoor activities. You will be inspired to take the odd hike or three and to find out all there is to know about its history and its plant and animal life.
The well set out web site is useful for planning your day or two, or more, up in the Ranges. The photos there clearly show the beauty of the place.
Written 11 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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to review Dandenong Ranges National Park. We were so glad to read that you enjoyed the nature, scenery and activities on offer on the park.
We are also glad you found the website informative and inspiring when planning your trip to the Dandenong Ranges.
Thanks again and we hope to see you back soon!
Parks Victoria
Written 17 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
comeon
Singapore, Singapore49 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
This park has varying degrees for a workout depending on the path you choose to take. Each path do bring one closer into nature, God's wonderful creation.
Massive array of flora and the colours are absolutely stunning when the blooms are in season.
If you prefer a quiet walk, avoid the crowds on weekends and public holidays where every available lawns will be packed with families and tourists alike.
Choose a weekday morning on a good weather, bring along a book, a bottle of water and sandwich and you will get to enjoy this park to your hearts content.
Massive array of flora and the colours are absolutely stunning when the blooms are in season.
If you prefer a quiet walk, avoid the crowds on weekends and public holidays where every available lawns will be packed with families and tourists alike.
Choose a weekday morning on a good weather, bring along a book, a bottle of water and sandwich and you will get to enjoy this park to your hearts content.
Written 24 January 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.
Makayla and Lac... H
Wollongong, Australia168 contributions
Jan 2020
So many bushwalks for the fit and the not so fit. Lots of picnic and BBQ areas or just generally looking around the small towns there is something for everyone. Always a little cooler here so if you are looking to get away from the summer heat this is a great way to do it
Written 7 January 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.
jeffryb
Keysborough, Australia366 contributions
Oct 2020
The Mountain Ash is an impressive tree; it is the tallest flowering plant on Earth. Just walking among these trees is uplifting. The Dandenongs are Melbourne's lungs on a hot day, when these mountains are usually several degrees cooler than the flat lands.
Written 8 October 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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to review Dandenong Ranges National Park. We loved to read you find just walking among the Mountain Ash trees uplifting. They definitely are an impressive tree!
Thanks again,
Parks Victoria
Written 11 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah V
Johannesburg49 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We did the Lyrebird walk in the Sherborn Forrest.
It was wonderful. Beautiful tree ferns. The mountain ash trees made a wonderful Forrest. We had a local birder with us who pointed out the beautiful birds and their calls. U fortunately we did not see a Lyrebird.
Wonderful outing.
It was wonderful. Beautiful tree ferns. The mountain ash trees made a wonderful Forrest. We had a local birder with us who pointed out the beautiful birds and their calls. U fortunately we did not see a Lyrebird.
Wonderful outing.
Written 2 January 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.
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.
Have the leaves in the Dandenong Ranges started to change colour?
Written 26 April 2018
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?
Written 10 April 2017
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.
Written 3 May 2017
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.
Written 2 October 2016
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. :)
Written 3 October 2016
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!
Written 7 April 2016
Hi we visited Melbourne on Apr, already back to S'pore... Yes we enjoyed the walk in National Rhododendron Gardens, thanks ;)
Written 5 June 2016
Lakshman A
Melbourne, Australia
I just want to know where I can go to see and feed birds?
Written 25 December 2015
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.
Written 16 May 2016
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
Written 10 December 2015
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.
Written 16 June 2016
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.
Written 30 August 2015
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.
Written 31 August 2015
have you finished the renovations on the club rooms?
Written 14 January 2015
I do not know anything about the club rooms, all the best.
Written 16 January 2015
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