Doongalla Homestead

Doongalla Homestead is a delightful picnic ground tucked away in The Basin, and it is a tranquil attraction in the Dandenong Ranges. Come with a picnic, or take a quiet stroll at this historic landmark in Victoria.

With more than 32 rooms on 279 hectares of land at the time, the iconic mansion would later become one of the country’s most impressive attractions.

Doongalla Homestead’s history dates back to 1892 when an imposing mansion was built. Its original owner was Sir Mathew Davies, but the property has since been bought and sold a number of times since then. In 1932, Doongalla was razed to the ground in a bush fire, with only the stables and servants section surviving.

Today, the servants quarters is home to the Parks Victoria Ranges and the stables section is a magnificent picnic ground just a few minutes’ walk from the homestead. Some of the amenities at the picnic site include picnic tables, BBQ (uses basic wood, BYO) and information boards to help visitors find their way around the park. There is also ample parking space and there are toilets on location. This family-friendly destination also has shaded areas as well as a flat lawn section where the kids can play.

Away from the picnic grounds, Doongalla Homestead also has numerous walking tracks, all with varying distances to cater for different groups of visitors. It is important to note that some parts of the tracks have steep sections, and this may become slippery in wet conditions. The walking tracks are also used by cyclists and horse riders, so caution is recommended.

The Stables Loop track takes between 45 minutes to an hour to complete the 2.3 kilometres distance, while Camelia Track joins Bill’s track at an easy section of the track. Gerraty Walk leads off to the left from the unsealed road. This is a perfect spot to extend your walk if you are looking for something longer.

For outdoor lovers, adventure at Doongalla awaits!