Dandenong Ranges National Park

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 CBD.

The Dandenong Ranges National Park boasts five main sections; Doongalla Forest, Ferntree Gully, Sherbrooke Forest, Olinda Forest and Mt Evelyn Forest.

With the Doongalla Forest containing the majestic Mount Dandenong and Sky High lookout, this park is one of the most scenic and major attractions within the region. From the lookout, visitors can view the panoramic landscape of the surrounding area, including Melbourne’s eastern regions. Ferntree Gully is located in the south-western region of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, housing the popular 1000 steps trail that leads up to One Tree Hill, an amazing picturesque destination. This trail is very steep and challenging and is a renowned tourist spot and a popular weekend activity for fitness enthusiasts.

The national park also boasts a number of picnic grounds and scenic spots for visitors to visit. There are a number of picturesque walks and hiking trails, and you can pick up a map from the Parks Victoria website. There is no fixed address for the Dandenong Ranges National Park, as there are a number of access points, so you should consult a map before entering to decide which areas of the Park to explore.

Because this is a National Park with native wildlife, dogs and other pets are not permitted within the Park. As the National Parks border on many residential suburbs, a number of native species were affected by domestic animals. Since a cat-curfew was brought in, the park has shown a rapid rise in the population of various native birds and lyrebird species.