Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s best-known preserved steam railway, travelling through the forests and townships of the Dandenong Ranges...

Vintage steam train on a track surrounded by trees in a forested area.
Small waterfall flowing over rocks in a lush forest setting near Sherbrooke Falls.

Sherbrooke Falls

Sherbrooke, VIC

Apart from the hilly landscapes and various campgrounds, the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria is also quite popular for its gorgeous waterfalls. Sherbrooke Falls is a renowned oasis amid the picturesque landscape of the...

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Group of stone sculptures of human figures in a forest setting at William Ricketts Sanctuary.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Mount Dandenong, VIC

William Ricketts Sanctuary is one of the most unusual attractions in the Dandenong Ranges, combining sculpture, forest and personal artistic expression in a setting unlike any conventional gallery. Hidden among the...

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Small waterfall flowing over rocks surrounded by lush green foliage at Olinda Falls.

Olinda Falls

Mount Dandenong, VIC

Olinda Falls is one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most accessible waterfall experiences, offering visitors a short forest walk through Mountain Ash and fern-filled bushland to a small but scenic cascade. Located within...

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Wide view of a river flowing through lush green forested hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Lysterfield Park

Lysterfield, VIC

Lysterfield Park is one of Melbourne’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations, combining a freshwater lake, swimming beaches, walking trails, picnic areas, wildlife and one of Victoria’s best-known...

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Children and adult on a treetop adventure course in a forested area.

Treetops Adventure Belgrave

Belgrave, VIC

Treetops Adventure Belgrave is one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most distinctive active attractions, offering high ropes courses, ziplines and aerial challenges among the trees near Belgrave. Formerly known as Trees...

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View of Cardinia Reservoir with blue water and a dam wall in Victoria.

Cardinia Reservoir

Narre Warren, VIC

Cardinia Reservoir is one of Melbourne’s largest water storages and one of the most underrated outdoor destinations near the Dandenong Ranges. While many visitors associate the surrounding region with gardens...

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A narrow forest trail surrounded by lush green ferns and tall trees in Sherbrooke Forest.

Sherbrooke Forest

Sherbrooke, VIC

Sherbrooke Forest is one of the top attractions in the Dandenong Ranges as it has a number of great picnic spots and relaxing walks. Some of the most popular locations within Sherbrooke Forest include Grants Picnic...

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Two cockatoos close-up on the ground at Grants Picnic Ground in Victoria.

Grants Picnic Ground

Kallista, VIC

Grants Picnic Ground is a beautiful spot for picnics and one of the most popular destinations for outdoor lovers in the Dandenong Ranges. It was best known for its bird-feeding, but as of Wednesday 12 February 2020...

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View of Emerald Lake with boats and a pavilion surrounded by trees in Dandenong Ranges.

Emerald Lake

Emerald, VIC

Emerald Lake Park is one of the most versatile visitor destinations in the eastern Dandenong Ranges, combining lakes, walking tracks, picnic areas, playgrounds, heritage attractions and a station on the iconic Puffing...

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Dense forest scene with tall trees and a narrow wooden pathway in the Dandenong Ranges.

Bunyip State Park

Gembrook, VIC

From 1898 to 1990, this area was used primarily for logging. Later it became Bunyip State Park; the picturesque spot we can visit and enjoy today. The Bunyip State Park offers a variety of trails for walking or hiking...

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Explore the Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges are one of Victoria's most popular nature escapes, offering lush forests, charming villages, scenic drives, gardens and peaceful walking trails just a short distance from Melbourne. Known for their towering mountain ash trees, beautiful landscapes and relaxed atmosphere, the region provides a refreshing getaway for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can explore some of the region's most popular attractions including the famous Puffing Billy Railway, beautiful gardens, historic villages and scenic viewpoints. The Dandenong Ranges are also known for their walking tracks, rainforest landscapes and opportunities to experience Victoria's unique natural environment.

The region's villages each offer their own character and experiences. Discover the cafes, galleries and shops of Sassafras, explore the gardens and attractions of Olinda, or enjoy the relaxed countryside atmosphere of towns throughout the ranges.

Beyond the villages, the Dandenong Ranges provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and nature experiences. Explore forest walks, picnic areas, lookout points and local attractions surrounded by some of Victoria's most beautiful scenery.

Whether you are planning a day trip from Melbourne, a romantic getaway, family outing or a relaxing nature escape, Dandenong Ranges Point helps you discover the best attractions, walks, villages and experiences across the region.

Explore our guides to find the best:

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What are the top attractions to visit in the Dandenong Ranges?

The Dandenong Ranges offer a variety of attractions including Puffing Billy Railway, beautiful gardens, scenic lookouts, walking trails and charming mountain villages.

Popular places to visit include the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, William Ricketts Sanctuary, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong and the villages of Sassafras and Olinda.

What are the best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges?

The best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges include exploring forest walks, riding Puffing Billy, visiting gardens, discovering local villages, enjoying cafes and taking scenic drives through the mountains.

Visitors can also enjoy photography, picnics, wildlife spotting and relaxing in the region's peaceful natural surroundings.

What are the most popular villages to visit in the Dandenong Ranges?

The most popular villages to visit in the Dandenong Ranges include Sassafras, Olinda, Belgrave, Kallista and surrounding mountain areas.

Each village offers a different experience, from cafes and boutique shops to gardens, attractions, galleries and easy access to walking trails.

What is the best time to visit the Dandenong Ranges?

The Dandenong Ranges can be enjoyed throughout the year, with autumn being especially popular for changing foliage and spring offering beautiful gardens and fresh landscapes.

Winter is also a popular time to visit, with cool mountain weather creating a cosy atmosphere for cafes, gardens and scenic drives, while summer provides a pleasant escape from Melbourne's warmer temperatures.