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 Nature
The Dandenong Ranges region boasts some of the most beautiful nature gardens and forests in Victoria all nestled within a stunning natural landscape.
From large forested areas to lavender farms and from cherry blossoms to rhododendrons, there are beautiful gardens which can be enjoyed in all seasons.
Dandenong Ranges Nature, Walks & Hiking Trails, Wildlife & Photography
To see some of the most beautiful forested areas, head to the Dandenong Ranges National Park which boasts five main sections; Doongalla Forest, Ferntree Gully, Sherbrooke Forest, Olinda Forest and Mt Evelyn Forest. The Dandenong Ranges National Park boasts a number of picnic grounds and scenic spots for visitors to visit as well as a number of picturesque walks and hiking trails.
There are also a couple of waterfalls located in the Dandenong Ranges including the popular Olinda Falls. The falls is located within the Olinda Reserve, which can be accessed through Falls Road. The Olinda Falls boasts a viewing platform and various lookouts, from where you can see the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk to Olinda Falls takes up to about 10 minutes.
For those looking for beautiful flowering plants at all times of the year, head to the National Rhododendron Gardens. This serene setting houses a variety of colourful blooms; including azaleas, cherry blossoms, camellias, rhododendrons and daffodils. The garden is great at any time of year, however becomes especially beautiful in September and October when most of the flowers are in bloom.
If you are looking for somewhere to take a relaxing stroll, try the RJ Hamer Aboretum. With a gorgeous backdrop of the Silvan Dam and the verdant forested areas of the Dandenong Ranges, the R.J Hamer Arboretum provides a breathtaking setting great for relaxing walks and picnics. The garden is known for its exotic plant varieties and stretches over 120 hectares.
Click the links below to explore the full range of nature spots you can enjoy in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
Belgrave Lake Park is a sizable reserve, located just south of Belgrave, that plays a significant role in maintaining the biodiversity of flora and fauna in the region. Belgrave Lake Park is the critical link between...
Kalorama Park in Victoria boasts breathtaking views of the Dandenong Ranges to the South East and is a major tourist attraction in the area. With such majestic views of the surrounding environment, the park is a must...
Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk is located in the verdant Sherbooke rainforest and is one of the region’s most spectacular destinations for bushwalking. The forest is located just 40 kilometres from the Melbourne...
The George Tindale Memorial Gardens is a popular public park which features a number of rare and native flora species. The soil at this park is acidic and rich in minerals, therefore many rare plants grow here without...
To get the most panoramic views of Mount Dandenong and its surroundings, visitors should head to the popular lookouts and the viewing points of the area. Much of the Mount Dandenong area is occupied by the Dandenong...
The Olinda Creek Walking Track is one of the popular attractions in the Dandenong Ranges and is a favourite for outdoor lovers. The walking track traverses the ground between the Silvan Reservoir Park and Mount Evelyn...
Woolrich Lookout is one of the most fascinating viewing spots located in the Dandenong Ranges. This lookout is tucked away in the RJ Hamer Arboretum and offers incredible views of the Dandenong Ranges National Park in...
Ferny Creek Reserve is located in the suburb of Ferny Creek, approximately 30kms from Melbourne, Vic. Known as a recreational getaway, the reserve is a popular attraction for locals and visitors to the Dandenong Ranges...
One Tree Hill is a picnic ground located at the top of the famous Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, also known as the 1000 Steps, in the Dandenong Ranges. Nicely maintained by rangers, the Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking...
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...
The Aura Vale Lake Park plays a significant role in the supply of water in Melbourne City. The lake constitutes an integral part of the drainage system within Melbourne and plays a vital role in preventing the...
Established in 1928, the Mount Dandenong Arboretum was created for the purpose of preserving conifers and deciduous trees that have environmental significance. At the outset, plants initially received at the arboretum...
What are the most popular nature to visit in the Dandenong Ranges?
The most popular nature to visit in the Dandenong Ranges are:Check out the whole list of nature in the Dandenong Ranges.
Where are the most popular nature in the Dandenong Ranges located?
The most popular nature to visit in the Dandenong Ranges are:Check out the whole list of nature in the Dandenong Ranges.
