Dandenong Ranges

A lush mountainous region just one hour from Melbourne featuring temperate rainforest, mountain villages, and native wildlife including kookaburras and lyrebirds. Perfect for scenic drives, walking trails, and charming village experiences.

Things to do

• Sherbrooke Falls Walk — A moderate 4km return walk through cool temperate rainforest leading to cascading waterfalls, best visited after rain.
• Puffing Billy Railway — A historic narrow-gauge steam railway offering scenic journeys through the ranges with open-air carriages and heritage stations.
• Lyrebird Reserve at Sherbrooke — A peaceful woodland reserve where you can observe native lyrebirds and kookaburras in their natural rainforest habitat.
• Mountain Village Walk at Olinda — A scenic stroll through the charming village of Olinda featuring galleries, cafes, and fern gullies with mountain views.
• Dandenong Ranges National Park — Explore extensive walking trails through cool temperate rainforest, mountain ash, and fern gullies with multiple access points.
• One Tree Hill Lookout — A short walk to panoramic views across the Dandenongs and towards Melbourne on clear days.

Food to try

• Mountain ash honey — Local golden honey harvested from bees foraging on native wildflowers, available at farm shops and village markets.
• Olinda village cream tea — Traditional afternoon tea with scones, jam, and cream served at heritage cottages and village cafes throughout the ranges.
• Native pepper berry cuisine — Local restaurants incorporate native pepperberry into sauces and dishes, offering a uniquely Australian culinary experience.
• Fresh mountain produce at farmers markets — Seasonal vegetables, berries, and artisanal products from local growers sold at weekend markets in villages like Belgrave.
• Devonshire teas at garden cottages — Homemade cakes and tea served in picturesque gardens with mountain views, a signature Dandenongs experience.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect walking trail etiquette — Keep to marked tracks, stay quiet to spot wildlife, and be prepared for sudden weather changes in the rainforest.
• Visit villages early in the day — Mountain villages fill with day-trippers on weekends; arrive early morning or on weekdays for a more authentic, peaceful experience.
• Dress in layers year-round — The rainforest maintains cool temperatures even in summer, and weather can change rapidly, so bring a light jacket.
• Support local artisans and galleries — The ranges have a thriving community of artists and craftspeople; purchasing from local studios helps sustain the cultural character of the villages.