Photo: Andrew Amos / CC BY-SA 3.0
Perched atop the Dandenong Ranges, Skyhigh Mount Dandenong offers sweeping views across Melbourne's skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and beyond. This iconic lookout is a beloved spot for locals and travellers alike, combining breathtaking panoramas with lush gardens, a charming café, and a sense of alpine escape just an hour from the city. Whether you're soaking up the sunrise, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or watching the city lights twinkle at dusk, Skyhigh delivers a quintessential Victorian high-country experience.
Highlights & What to See
- Panoramic Lookout: The main viewing platform provides uninterrupted 360-degree views; on clear days you can see the You Yangs and even the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula.
- Skyhigh Gardens: Wander through manicured English-style gardens, meandering paths, and a peaceful Japanese-inspired section with a koi pond.
- Skyhigh Cafe & Restaurant: Enjoy a coffee, Devonshire tea, or full meal on the terrace while taking in the view — the scones are a local legend.
- William Ricketts Sanctuary: A short drive away, this mystical bushland sanctuary features Aboriginal-inspired sculptures hidden among ferns and towering mountain ash.
- Puffing Billy Railway: Ride the historic steam train through the forest from Belgrave to Lakeside, a nostalgic adventure for all ages.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find 1–2 hours at Skyhigh itself ideal for taking in the views, strolling the gardens, and grabbing a bite. If you plan to include the William Ricketts Sanctuary or Puffing Billy, set aside a full day to explore the Dandenongs properly. Sunrise or late afternoon offers the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Olinda: A charming village with art galleries, antique shops, and the National Rhododendron Gardens, just a 5-minute drive from Skyhigh.
- Sassafras: Known for its tearooms, craft stores, and the famous Miss Marple's Tearoom, perfect for a cosy pit stop.
- Mount Dandenong Village: A tiny hamlet with boutique stores and the original Mount Dandenong Observatory.
- Sherbrooke Forest: Home to superb lyrebirds and towering mountain ash trees; try the Sherbrooke Falls walk for a dose of nature.
- Belgrave: The starting point for Puffing Billy, with a lively main street and the Belgrave Lantern Festival in winter.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.