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, Olinda Falls is a popular tourist spot amongst visitors.
While boasting a tranquil natural setting, the area is a favourite amongst many, during both the hot summer and frosty winters.
Olinda Falls Walk & Hike Track, Map, Picnic Ground, Hours & Address
The nearby National Rhododendron Gardens house thousands of azaleas, rhododendrons, daffodils and camellias. There are also a few rare and historic plants at this park.
Aside from visiting the National Rhododendron Gardens, take a trip to Olinda’s other attractive private and public gardens; including the Pirianda Gardens and William Ricketts Sanctuary.
Near Olinda Falls, you will also see a number of roadside stalls selling fresh produce, some home-made preserves, chestnuts, eggs, flowers and plants. Once you start touring the area, you may see some of the most popular Australian wildlife species; including emus, wombats, possums, lyrebirds, king parrots and rosellas.
How far are the falls from road?
Hi Graeme,
Referring to the signage that I took photos of when I visited the falls, the carpark to the top viewing platform is 340 metres, with a further 140 metres to the lower viewing platform.
The grade is rated from moderate to steep, but from memory, it doesn’t get that bad until you reach the stairs right next to the falls (the rest is a sloped track).
Thanks
Michael
Hi, are dogs allowed on a lead of course?
Hi Irena,
Unfortunately no, dogs are not permitted at Olinda Falls as it is located inside the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi,
How much water flow is there at falls currently?
Do they look all that impressive this time of year?
Hi Bryce,
The falls are flowing at the moment, but being the height of summer (and in the middle of a draught), they are not flowing at their highest.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi! Can people swim in the Olinda falls?
Hi Maupenei,
You are welcome to dangle your feet in the falls, but swimming is not permitted. In any event, with the current drought and hot temperatures, there isn’t likely to be much water flow at this time of year.
Best regards,
Jess
Is there anywhere in Mt dandenong where you can camp
Thanks
Hi Jack,
There are a number of camping spots in the Dandenong Ranges:
Acheron Campground: Bicentennial Horse Trail; access off the Maroondah Hwy. Free
Beenak School Site Campground: Access from Tims Corner on the Gembrook-Launching Place Road. Free
Breakway Twin Rivers Caravan Park: 91 Breakaway Rd, Acheron. From $36
Kurth Kiln Campground: 1.8k west down Solders Rd off the Gembrook-Launching Place Rd. Free
Nash Creek Campground: 24k north of the Princes Fwy [M1] at the Gourmet Deli Trail exit via the Labertouche, and Bunyip Rv Rds. Free
Starlings Gap Campground: On the dividing ridge between the Yarra and Latrobe Rivers, sou-east of Warburton. Free
Best regards,
Jess
Hello there, I’m a photographer who is looking for do a female model photoshoot in Olinda Falls. So i wanna know is that possible to use this location for a photoshoot and do we have to pay for it?
Thanks!
Hi Ruchith,
Here is some information from Parks Victoria about filming and photography for business purposes. Amateur or hobby photographers with basic equipment, who are not making images commercially available, do not need a permit. The fees are located in the application form and are $129.00. Those who need a permit, must also have public liability insurance.
Regards,
Jess
Hello there, is it an easy walk too the falls from falls road? (Due to the person not being able too walk steep descents).
Hi Tania,
The short path from Falls Road is natural earthen with a slope of approximately 1 in 12. The path to the falls is step free but has gradients exceeding 1 in 10. So I would classify it as an easy grade and should be able to be managed with a companion.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hello, are portable gas bbqs permitted at the Olinda falls picnic ground on days that are NOT total fire ban?
Hi Andrew,
The advice from Parks Victoria states: “Fires (including barbecues) must not be lit on days of Total Fire Ban.”
So it seems BBQs are permitted to be used on non fire ban days. Check with the CFA for further information about total fire ban days here.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi,
My Fiance and I want to explore the Falls and take some photos.
Our Furry Companion Blue would like to come as well.
Are dogs allowed into the park on a lead?
Hi Todd,
Unfortunately no, dogs are not permitted in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Here is the park note for Olinda Falls for some further info about the falls.
Best regards,
Jess
HI,
I am from Caulfield and want to visit Dandenong ranges national park. I am confused about how to go and things to do there. I am interested in visiting Olinda falls. Can you please guide me how to go there? What are the other places (specially falls) to visit there?
Hi Ishrat,
I would simply recommend that you input your address into Google Maps and use the directions function to get to “Olinda Falls Picnic Ground.”
As for other things to do, you can visit William Ricketts Sanctuary, head up to Sky High Mount Dandenong and the National Rhododendron Gardens. These are some of the best attractions here.
As for waterfalls, head south from Olinda Falls to Sherbrooke Falls. It is located only 10kms away and there are some lovely walking tracks around here.
Have a great time in the Dandenong Ranges National Park!
Regards,
Jess
Hi
We will be arriving in Melbourne on Christmas Day and are hoping to visit the Dandenong Ranges on the way to the Yarra Valley. We will have a rented car.
Could you please suggest some activities which we can do plus a restaurant for lunch?
Many thanks.
Hi Brenda,
Firstly, welcome! You will have a great time in Melbourne over summer, there is heaps to do!
So I am assuming that you want to do these activities on Christmas Day itself. The National Park remains open year round, so you can drive the Black Spur and visit the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Olinda Falls (500m, 30 mins return. Grade: Easy to moderate) and Sherbrooke Falls (2.4 km, 1 hour return. Grade: Easy to Moderate). Take a walk through the forested areas and enjoy the warm summer sunshine. The trails are well marked and suitable for people of all abilities.
Unfortunately the bigger attractions such as Puffing Billy, Rhododendron Gardens and William Ricketts Sanctuary will all be closed on Christmas Day, however will be open every other day of the year if you wish to drive back down during your stay in the Yarra Valley.
As for places to have lunch, I have two suggestions:
1. Cuckoo Restaurant – A German themed buffet that has music and entertainment throughout the day.
2. Sky High Mount Dandenong – A restaurant atop the Mountain with beautiful views of the Dandenong Ranges.
Both require bookings in advance as they sell out each year.
I hope this helps. Here is our website on the Yarra Valley if you are looking for things to do there.
Best regards,
Jess
Can people do photo shoots at the falls?
Hi Dionne,
Professional photographers require a permit to do photo shoots in the park. Please refer to the Parks Victoria website here which provides further detail.
Regards,
Jess
Hi Jess,
Thank you so very much for your prompt and succinct response!!!
I will be doing the 1000 this weekend and I will keep you posted!
Olinda will follow sometime mid March! :)
Cheers and good luck
Elliott!
Hi, I’m wondering what the best way (if any) to access the Olinda falls via public transport would be?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Elliott,
Yes, you can get to the Dandenong Ranges from the Melbourne CBD using public transport, however many of the sites are best accessed by car as the National Park covers a large area.
If you are coming from the city, catch a train from Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross Station. There are two options:
1. “Lilydale Line” – Visitors can travel by train to Croydon Station and the Route 688 bus from Croydon to Olinda OR
2. “Belgrave Line” – Take the train to Belgrave and the Route 694 bus to Olinda.
Check https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/ for scheduled times. Just note that the falls themselves are around a 4km walk each way from Olinda.
Enjoy your day in the Dandenong Ranges!
Regards,
Jess