- Puffing Billy Steam Train. Choof choof! Climb aboard Victoria’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy where you can enjoy a ride through the stunning Dandenong Ranges.
- Explore the Sherbrooke Forest. One of the best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges for any traveller is to explore the Sherbrooke forest which is the perfect habitat ...
- Admire the Tesselaar Flower Fields. One of the greatest flower shows you will see happens in the Dandenong Ranges every year. ...
- Explore the Treetops at Trees Adventure – Glen Harrow Park. For the adventurous, enjoy an adrenaline-filled afternoon at Victoria’s first tree ropes course and eco-adventure park.
- Visit the Sky High Maze & Have a Coffee in the Clouds, Mount Dandenong. ...
- Spot A Platypus at Birdsland Reserve. As you head between Belgrave and Lysterfield Lake Park to the Southern area of the Dandenong Ranges you will come across Birdsland Reserve, ...
- Cook Up Your Catch Of The Day At Australian Rainbow Trout Farm. ...
- Enjoy Bavarian Food & Fun At Cuckoo Restaurant. Looking for a meal to remember? ...
- Witness Mother Earth & Mankind Collide at William Ricketts Sanctuary. Looking for less adrenaline-fuelled things to do in the Dandenong Ranges? ...
- Embrace the Arts at Burrinja Cultural Centre. Whether you’re after things to do in the Dandenong Ranges when it’s raining or you’re simply not the outdoorsy type, immerse yourself ...
Full Answer
What are the best places to visit in Dandenong?
Sandown Greyhounds 7. Dandenong Wetlands 8. Greaves Reserve 9. Dandenong Plaza 10. Springvale Botanical Cemetery 11. Bright Moon Buddhist Society 12. Harmony Square 13. Museum India 14. Dandenong Park 15. JC Mills Reserve 16. St James’ Anglican Church 17. Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve 18. Spring Valley Park 19.
Can I tour the Dandenongs in Melbourne in one day?
It will not be possible to tour the entire Dandenongs on one day trip, so if your time frame is limited, this list of places will help you choose what to explore on your Melbourne Itinerary Trip.
What to do in the Dandenongs that aren't Devonshire tea?
Here are 12 things to do in the Dandenongs that aren’t Devonshire Tea (...plus some recommendations for Devonshire Tea). Mangana is the sort of place you see on Postcards on a Sunday afternoon. A super cute antiques and homewares store, smack bang in the middle of Olinda.
What to do at Sky High Dandenong?
Besides that, you’ll also find the Sky High Restaurant, a coffee shop and picnic grounds with outdoor BBQ areas. Visitors can also relax inside these attractive gardens while enjoying the stunning views of the Dandenong’s and the nearby suburbs.
What is Dandenong known for?
Greater Dandenong is home to some of Melbourne's greatest places to eat. Known as a destination for food lovers and is home to a large range of cuisines such as Afghan, Indian and Asian. A great to experience the food and culture is to go on a Cultural Food Tour.
Are the Dandenong Ranges Open?
Dandenong Ranges National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays.
What's on in Mt Dandenong?
Kalorama Chestnut Festival.Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers.Dandenong Ranges Open Studios.Giro Della Donna.PAVE Festival.Oxfam Trailwalker.Celebrate Mooroolbark.The Herb and Chilli Festival.More items...
What are the Dandenongs used for today?
Numerous tracks created by forestry operations and sites originally cleared for timber tramways and sawmills are now used by visitors for recreational activities like picnicking, walking and experiencing the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Is Dandenong range free?
FREE E-Book ~ Walks in the Dandenong Ranges Walks range from just under 1 km to the big 20 km hike from the Mt Dandenong Summit to the 1000 Steps… Each walk has directions for getting there by car as well as by public transport.
Is Dandenong a good suburb?
A comfortable suburb on the upswing. Dandenong has a high violent crime rate and a high property crime rate for Melbourne.
What is on Yarra Valley?
Top things to do in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong RangesVisit the vineyards. ... Ride the Puffing Billy steam train. ... See the arts. ... Eat at a sustainable café ... Wander through a field of lavender. ... Sample the local flavours. ... Adventure through a National Park. ... Get up close to the wildlife.More items...
How tall is Mount Dandenong?
2,077′Mount Dandenong / ElevationThe premier tourist attraction in the area is the Mount Dandenong Observatory. At 633 metres above sea-level, it is the highest point in the surrounding ranges.
Is Mount Dandenong regional Victoria?
Mount Dandenong is a small township/suburb of Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 35 km (22 mi) east from Melbourne's central business district. Its local government area is the Shire of Yarra Ranges....Mount Dandenong, Victoria.Mount Dandenong Melbourne, VictoriaFederal division(s)Casey12 more rows
Was Mt Dandenong a volcano?
The Dandenong Ranges were formed by a volcano and its lava flows. This volcano was last active 373 million years ago. Aeons of erosion have created the slopes and deep gullies we see today.
Can I visit the Dandenong Ranges?
The Dandenong Ranges is the perfect escape Hop on the Puffing Billy Railway at Belgrave and wander your way over historic trestle bridges, through the lush fern glades, towering forests and charming villages from your open carriage - you can even bring your doggo for the trip (please check dates for the Dog Express).
Is Mt Dandenong Tourist Road open?
As a result, from today, Mount Dandenong Tourist Road has fully reopened. The reopening of this road is in addition to Olinda-Monbulk Road, Emerald-Monbulk Road, Mountain Highway, and Ridge Road, which reopened in recent weeks.
What are the top attractions to visit in Dandenong?
The top attractions to visit in Dandenong are: Dandenong Market Burden Park Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens Grants Picnic Ground Melbourn...
What are the best outdoor activities in Dandenong?
The best outdoor activities in Dandenong according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Grants Picnic Ground Burden Park Springvale Botanical Cemetery Al...
What are the most popular things to do in Dandenong with children?
The most popular things to do in Dandenong with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:Dandenong MarketGreat Ocean Road Tours - Day Tours...
What are the top attractions to visit in The Dandenong Ranges?
The top attractions to visit in The Dandenong Ranges are: Puffing Billy Dandenong Ranges National Park 1000 Steps National Rhododendron Gardens Sky...
Where are the most popular attractions located in The Dandenong Ranges?
The top attractions around The Dandenong Ranges are located in: Belgrave Emerald Mt Dandenong Olinda SassafrasCheck out the whole list of attractio...
What are the most popular things to do in The Dandenong Ranges with kids?
The most popular things to do in The Dandenong Ranges with kids are: Puffing Billy Sky High Trees Adventure Emerald Lake Geppetto’s WorkshopCheck o...
What can you do in the Dandenong Ranges for free?
The most popular things to do in the Dandenong Ranges for free are: Dandenong Ranges National Park National Rhododendron Gardens William Ricketts S...
What to do in the Dandenong Ranges with kids?
Choof choof! Climb aboard Victoria’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy where you can enjoy a ride through the stunning Dandenong Ranges. This is easily the most well known thing to do in the Dandenong Ranges with kids and makes a great day trip from Melbourne.
What is the festival of flowers in Dandenong?
One of the greatest flower shows you will see happens in the Dandenong Ranges every year. The Tesselaar KaBloom, Festival of Flowers is a showcase of colour, beauty and excitement, and is the perfect day out.
How long is the Dandenong Ranges course?
Each course takes around 2 hours to complete as well as a 30-minute safety briefing beforehand. For the less adventurous, relax in the on-site café with a coffee as you watch your friends and family embrace one of the most memorable things to do in the Dandenong Ranges.
Where to spot a Platypus in the Dandenong Ranges?
Spot A Platypus at Birdsland Reserve. As you head between Belgrave and Lysterfield Lake Park to the Southern area of the Dandenong Ranges you will come across Birdsland Reserve, a 75-hectare bushland flourishing with wildlife.
How hard is it to spot kangaroos?
Note, they are only the size of your forearm so are quite hard to spot due to their small size. Kangaroos on the other hand are much easier to spot and are also very common on the Birdland Reserve Loop.
Where is the first tree ropes course in Victoria?
Situated in Belgrave just 5 minutes’ walk from the station, is the heritage garden known as “Glen Harrow Gardens” which is home to Trees Adventure – one of the most exciting things to do in the Dandenong Ranges.
Where to catch rainbow trout in Dandenong?
For a truly unique experience, the Rainbow Trout Farm offers fun for all ages allowing the thrill of fishing without the hassle. Situated in Macclesfield Victoria, it is one of the most popular things to do in the Dandenong Ranges as it not only offers fishing enthusiasts to catch rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon but also gas BBQs to cook up your fresh catch straight away!
Where to visit in Dandenong?
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. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the Dandenong area.
Where to stay in the Dandenong Ranges?
7. Olinda Village. 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.
What are the most popular plants in Dandenong?
This is one of the most popular places to visit in the Dandenong area. 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.
How big is Dandenong Ranges National Park?
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.
What to do in the Yarra Valley?
Other popular things to do in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges include visiting evocative art galleries, wildlife experiences, exploring quaint country villages, dining at gourmet Yarra Valley restaurants, and soaking up the stunning scenery on a historic steam train. For more than a century, the area has been one of ...
Where to take afternoon tea in Dandenong?
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.
Where to escape in Melbourne?
"Heading for the hills" of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, just 35 kilometers from Melbourne, is the ideal city escape if you're seeking inspiration and pure indulgence. Thanks to the region's rich soil and agreeable climate, many European immigrants settled here during the 19th century, creating what became known as "the food bowl of Victoria." Many of these original farms and gardens are still productive today, and tasting their farm-fresh produce and artisan foods is a highlight for both locals and tourists.
What do you need to know about the Dandenong Ranges?
The second thing you need to know is that the Dandenong Ranges are about MUCH more than laced doilies, monstrous tourist buses and scones with jam & cream.
Where to pick fruit in the Dandenong Ranges?
It’s a little-known fact that The Dandenong Ranges are surrounded by some of the best fruit orchards and berry fields in the state. And the guys at VisitDandenongRanges.com.au have helpfully mapped out every peach tree and raspberry bush. They’ve created a tasting path called U-Pick. Basically, you can start at The Cherry Boys near Wandin, and work your way through Rayner’s Orchard, Strawberry Springs (guess what they grow...) and several other fruiteries, picking and scoffing as you go. Most of the working farms have cellar doors where you can buy some local produce, and in the summer/spring months they run picking sessions where you can grab a bucket and go for your life.
Where to see the tiniest town in the world?
Visit The Kalorama Lookout. Just beyond Mt Dandenong (if you’re driving north), is Kalorama, possibly the tiniest town in the world. There’s a cafe (which we’ll get to in a sec), and a lookout, aaaaand...that’s pretty much it. The Kalorama lookout is our favourite kind of lookout, because it requires zero effort to reach.
What to do in the Dandenong Ranges?
The Dandenong Ranges are home to many established cool climate gardens that are particularly spectacular in spring and autumn. Wander amid huge rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and daffodils in the National Rhododendron Gardens and enjoy an ornamental lake surrounded by mountain ash, gingko, maple and liquid amber trees at the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Ponder Aboriginal spirituality as you discover the sculptures of Aboriginal people tucked among the ferns of the tranquil William Ricketts Sanctuary . Admire the kaleidoscope of colour at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival (early September to early October) and check out the 20 English “garden rooms” of Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens. You'll find a patchwork of 150 species of native and exotic trees at the RJ Hamer Arboretum, and kids will love the hedge maze at Sky High Mount Dandenong, which also has fabulous views over Melbourne.
What are the cool climate gardens in the Dandenong Ranges?
Discover the Dandenong Ranges' colourful cool climate gardens. The Dandenong Ranges are home to many established cool climate gardens that are particularly spectacular in spring and autumn. Wander amid huge rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and daffodils in the National Rhododendron Gardens and enjoy an ornamental lake surrounded by mountain ash, ...
How long is the Dandenong road?
Drive the winding 30-kilometre (19-mile) Mount Dandenong Tourist Road through soaring mountain ash forests and leafy fern glades, stopping to explore the pretty villages of Olinda , Sassafras and Belgrave. Maybe it's the cool mountain air, but there's a fascination with Devonshire teas in these parts. In Sassafras, Miss Marple's Tearoom is a standout and Tealeaves sells some of the finest loose-leaf teas in Australia. Also in Sassafras, kids will love the toys and puppets at Geppetto's Workshop. In Olinda, check out carefully curated homewares and clothing at Mangana .
Where to go for a day trip in Melbourne?
The stunning gardens, cool forests and quaint townships of the Dandenong Ranges are an easy day trip from Melbourne.
Is the Dandenong Ranges accessible by train?
The Dandenong Ranges are also accessible on the V-Line train service from Melbourne. There are many options for day tours and accommodation for longer stays.
What are the best places to visit in the Dandenong Ranges?
But there are many more places worth seeing, like the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, the Sherbrooke National Park, The Botanical Gardens and more.
What is the most famous place in the Dandenongs?
The most iconic place is the ornamental lake with the Boathouse, a very tranquil and romantic place, ideal for taking photographs and enjoy a kaleidoscope of colours. Furthermore, this is the right spot for seeing birds like Rosella, King Parrots and hearing the laughing Kookaburra in the treetops. There are many gardens in the Dandenongs, but I think this place is unique and worth checking out.
Where is the Dandenong Ranges National Park?
The Dandenongs stretch between Lilydale, located in the upper north, to Ferntree Gully in the southern part and from Belgrave south-east to Gembrook.
Where is the Dandenong Ranges?
The Dandenong Ranges lie in East Melbourne, only an hour drive from Melbourne CBD. I started discovering this region a couple of years ago on a day trip from Melbourne.
Where to walk 1000 steps in the Dandenongs?
Locals love it. Among outdoor and fitness lovers is one of the top landmarks in Melbourne’s surroundings for jogging and exercise in nature.
Where is Emerald Park in Dandenongs?
Lake Emerald Park is a little jewel in the Dandenongs. From Fern Tree Gully, it’s a 20 minutes drive and from the city 45 minutes. The place is a popular spot for families with kids, and tourists alike, who flock here to walk around the lake. A paddleboat ride is a must, but I would also recommend the walking tracks starting from the lake.
