Dandenong Ranges

Just an hour east of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges feel a world away. These forested hills are draped in towering mountain ash and fern gullies, with tiny villages clinging to the ridges. The air smells of damp earth and eucalyptus, and the views across the Yarra Valley and city skyline are breathtaking. It’s a place for slow wanders: browse artisan bakeries in Sassafras, ride the century-old Puffing Billy steam train, or hike among the giant tree ferns in Sherbrooke Forest.

Highlights & What to See

• Puffing Billy Railway – Climb aboard a heritage steam train that chugs through ferny gullies and over timber trestle bridges; the Belgrave to Lakeside stretch is the classic journey.
• Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden – Formerly the National Rhododendron Gardens, this hillside wonderland erupts in colour during spring and autumn, with sweeping views across the valley.
• Sherbrooke Forest – Walk the Lyrebird Track in the early morning to hear the mimic calls of superb lyrebirds, or simply stand beneath the world’s tallest flowering trees.
• SkyHigh Mount Dandenong – The summit lookout offers panoramic views over Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, and on clear days, the You Yangs. The café and gardens make it a perfect sunset stop.
• Sassafras & Olinda villages – Stroll English-style high streets lined with cosy tearooms, antique shops and galleries. Miss Marple’s Tearoom in Sassafras is a local institution.
• William Ricketts Sanctuary – A serene sculpture garden where artist William Ricketts’ clay figures emerge from mossy boulders and tree ferns, blending art with the bush.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate a full day (8–10 hours) to explore the Ranges properly. Start early with a Puffing Billy ride, then spend the middle of the day walking in Sherbrooke Forest or visiting the Botanic Garden. Wind down with afternoon tea in Sassafras and sunset at SkyHigh. If you’re hiking between villages, allow two days to soak up the slower pace and overnight in a guesthouse.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yarra Valley – Australia’s premier cool-climate wine region, just a 20-minute drive from the Ranges; perfect for cellar-door tastings and lunch at a vineyard restaurant.
• Healesville Sanctuary – An award-winning wildlife park where you can see kangaroos, koalas, platypuses and dingoes in natural bush settings.
• Mount Dandenong Village – A small settlement with a historic hotel and access to the Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 Steps), a popular fitness trail through fern gullies.
• Belgrave – The gateway town with Puffing Billy’s main station, plus a lively weekend market and craft breweries.
• Emerald – A charming village with a lake park and the southern terminus of Puffing Billy; good for a picnic stop.

Please check official sources for current details.