Step back in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and only one hour from Melbourne CBD. With lush fern gullies brushing past...
Dandenong Ranges Attractions
Renowned for its extensive hilly landscape that boasts beautiful verdant forests and many scenic viewpoints, the Dandenong Ranges is a popular tourist destination near Melbourne in Victoria. With vibrant rural communities, many natural attractions and a range of luxury accommodation options, the Dandenongs appeal to many visitors.
The local area boasts a number of breathtaking mountains and forests, fun tourist attractions and activities, gorgeous rocky landscapes and a number of community markets and festivals. Even the local craft industries and stores add a zest to the Dandenongs’ tourism.
Dandenong Ranges Attractions, Things To Do, Points of Interest & Activities
Unquestionably, the Dandenong Ranges offers visitors exceptional things to do and many great points of interest; with the Dandenong Ranges National Park occupying most of Mount Dandenong and the surrounding area.
The area offers a number of walking trails throughout the stony landscape and native Australian bushland. Being the major mountain range near Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges is home to the state’s numerous TV and radio transmission towers. Whilst visiting the hilly regions, you will see the towers soaring into the sky from the surrounding woodlands.
Whilst visiting the Dandenongs, take the Puffing Billy steam train to explore the area’s most scenic areas. The train passes travels from Belgrave to Gembrook, whilst crossing through the small quaint towns and scenic forests.
The area’s premier tourist attraction is the Mount Dandenong Observatory – a beautiful parkland that sits 633 metres above sea-level. The observatory is the highest lookout of the surrounding area and offers awe-inspiring views of the landscape and the city CBD in the far distance.
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.
The prime scenic attraction of the area has to be the stunning Dandenong Ranges National Park. Nestled in the picturesque suburbs of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne, this National Park is 39km east of the Melbourne...
Located within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk is a unique and renowned tourist spot in the Dandenong Ranges. The 1000 Steps boasts the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, a popular walking trail...
The National Rhododendron Gardens (formally known as The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden) is a popular destination located in the Dandenong Ranges. This serene setting houses a variety of colourful blooms; including...
The Sky High Restaurant and lookout is located less than an hour from the Melbourne CBD; nestled amidst the hilly landscape and the cool fern glades of Mount Dandenong. This beautiful venue contains numerous lush trees...
After 62 years of Bavarian floor shows and buffet dining with the backing of yodelling and ticking clocks, the Cuckoo Restaurant has permanently closed. We will leave this page up in case this information isn’t...
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...
William Ricketts Sanctuary was extensively damaged by a severe cyclogenesis storm event in the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges on June 9, 2021, with many sculptures, buildings, pathways and handrails destroyed by numerous...
Soak up in the picture-perfect scenic landscape of Olinda Falls while visiting the wonderful tourist spots of Mount Dandenong. With numerous public and private gardens containing native flowers and picnic grounds...
Lysterfield Park is located on Horswood Road in Lysterfield and is a worthy tourist attraction thanks to its beautiful natural features. With an array of recreational activities, it is little wonder that Lysterfield...
The Trees Adventure High Ropes Park is an awesome setting for eco-adventure fun. Located in a stunning heritage garden of Belgrave, and next to Puffing Billy in Melbourne‘s Dandenong Ranges, Trees Adventure is a...
Cardinia Reservoir, a water supply dam that is located East of Melbourne, was built in 1970 and provides water for many suburbs in Melbourne. The dam was constructed to supplement the dwindling supply of water in the...
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...
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...
Emerald is a beautiful scenic location in the Dandenong Ranges; known for its gorgeous lake and a number of scenic attractions. Located between the towns of Cockatoo and Belgrave, Emerald is easily accessible from any...
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...
Tea Leaves is a specialised tea merchant and tea shop in Sassafras within the Dandenong Ranges. The award-winning shop is a popular destination for tea lovers and enthusiasts featuring an expansive range of tea products...
The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a great venue for all nature lovers. Located in Sherbrooke, these gardens are home to magnificent shrubs, flowering plants, and majestic Mountain Ash trees. Whether you’re...
An ideal getaway for the whole family, the Cardinia Reservoir Park is a fantastic location for families to come and picnic, as there is a natural abundance of flora and fauna. Visitors who manage to get a glimpse of the...
Cameo Cinema provides the perfect experience for the movie lover looking to enjoy the best of the big screen. This independent cinema offers both blockbuster movies, showcases excellent art-house movies and also offers...
Nestled on a picturesque landscape at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, the Warratina Lavender Farm is a family-owned and operated a lavender farm that is truly worth a visit. Visitors can browse through the...
Geppetto’s Workshop is Australia’s finest themed toy store which is conveniently based in two locations in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges; Olinda and Sassafras. Geppetto’s Workshop stock toys from...
The Dandenong Ranges is one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Victoria. The R.J Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenongs is one of the most amazing and unique gardens located in this region. With the gorgeous...
Located on Dorset Road in the Dandenong Ranges, the Tim Neville Arboretum is a popular playground for visitors to this area. The arboretum is essentially a fun-filled playground that is designed with children in mind...
The Emerald Lake Model Railway is the largest model railway in the southern hemisphere. Located in the Dandenong Ranges just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this attraction is nestled within the heart of the...
Eastwood Golf Club is a prestigious private club set on 48 hectares of lush land at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. Public access to the course is available during select times. With sweeping views of the magnificent...
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the charm of the scenic Dandenong Ranges, and there is no better place to do this than by cycling The Wall. The Wall is one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most popular...
Coonara Springs Restaurant, Gardens and Accommodation is one of the oldest restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges and is a major attraction in the region. Located on 7 landscaped acres, the property has extensive views...
The Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve is a stunning park within a restored quarry. Over the past few years, it’s undergone many renovations and today has more recreational facilities for families to enjoy. It’s...
Cloudehill Gardens are a magnificent escape tucked away at the top of the majestic Dandenong Ranges and is a must-visit for both locals and visitors touring the region. The gardens are an all-seasons source of...
The Pirianda Gardens are known for being one of the most picturesque parks in Victoria. The terraced gardens are beyond compare, especially in autumn, as the leaves turn to stunning shades of red, orange and yellow. The...
Sherbrooke Picnic Ground is just one of the many stunning picnic areas in the Dandenong Ranges. Located only a short drive away from the Melbourne CBD, the spot is ideal for a day trip filled with great food and a...
Set at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, Silvan Reservoir Park is the perfect location for a day out of town and is just a short drive from Melbourne. The Park has a number of walking trails that visitors can use to...
Kurth Kiln Regional Park is a popular park located in the Dandenong Ranges, and whose unique attractions make it a must-visit for those coming to the region. The park is best known for its kiln whose history can be...
Kuranga Native Nursery is home to many of the country’s most beautiful native plants and offers nature lovers the opportunity to purchase Australian fauna for their own garden. The nursery is also home to a cafe...
The Motorist Museum is a small, vintage motoring museum that houses a private collection of classic and vintage cars. It was established back in 1995 and is open for functions, group, and individual tours. The Motorist...
Birdsland Reserve is an amazing getaway tucked away between Lysterfield Lake Park and Belgrave. This bushland reserve is best known for its rich birdlife and diverse species of native animals. The reserve’s rich...
The Australian Rainbow Trout Farm is rated as the number one attraction in Macclesfield, Victoria. Just one hour outside Melbourne, it’s easily accessible and a fun way to spend time with the family in the great...
The Burrinja Cultural Centre, a not-for-profit arts organisation in the Dandenong Ranges, seeks to bring together the community through various art exhibitions and performances. A vibrant community centre in Upwey, the...
King Henry Arts cafe is a family-owned cafe located in scenic Sassafras, just an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. The most interesting aspect about this charming cafe is that it is more than a hundred years...
What are the top attractions to visit in The Dandenong Ranges?
The top attractions to visit in The Dandenong Ranges are:
Check out the whole list of attractions in The Dandenong Ranges.
Where are the most popular attractions located in The Dandenong Ranges?
The top attractions around The Dandenong Ranges are located in:
Check out the whole list of attractions in The Dandenong Ranges.
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:
Check out the whole list of attractions in The Dandenong Ranges.
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 Sanctuary
- Sherbrooke Forest
- Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
