Dandenong Ranges National Park Tours and Activities

Dandenong Ranges National Park
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Be dwarfed by the tall forests of the Dandenongs as you explore the walking trails, heritage railway and scenic roads that weave through this wilderness reserve.

Dandenong Ranges National Park encompasses more than 8,650 acres (3,500 hectares) of mountainous forests and shady gullies. Make your way through soaring stands of mountain ash trees and into shady valleys, where the broad fronds of tree ferns droop overhead. See Melbourne’s city skyline and the surrounding ranges from the peak of Mount Dandenong or explore the park’s five distinctive areas of native bushland.

Doongalla Forest sits beneath the wooded summit of Mount Dandenong. Drive to the mountain’s peak to visit SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, a restaurant and viewing platform that presents a panorama of Melbourne from the east. Ferntree Gully in the southwestern section of the park contains the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, a stirring memorial to Australian soldiers on the notorious Kokoda Track in World War II. Climb more than 700 steps to reach the summit of One Tree Hill and a small picnic ground.

To the north of the national park, explore the fern-filled gullies and ancient forests of the Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve. Stroll by Olinda Creek or the flat-graded trail alongside the Mount Evelyn Aqueduct. Learn about a magnificent array of native and exotic trees in Olinda, which is situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Dandenong. Hike through a shady valley to cascading falls in Olinda Forest or visit the RJ Hamer Forest Arboretum nearby.

Take a ride on the historic Puffing Billy Railway, a scenic steam train that winds through the mountainous forests from Belgrave to Gembrook.

Pack picnic supplies and head to Sherbrooke Forest, where walking trails are interspersed with spacious picnic grounds and interpretive signage. Purchase birdseed from the kiosk and feed native cockatoos, or listen out for the call of the lyrebird and kookaburra.

Dandenong Ranges National Park is spread throughout Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the city centre. The ranges are interspersed with charming mountain villages and forest retreats, where you’ll find cafés, restaurants and accommodation. Visit the Parks Victoria Office within Ferntree Gully to purchase a bushwalking trail map. Many of the park’s picnic grounds have restrooms and informative signs. The park is free to visit at any time of the year.

Plan a trip to see Dandenong Ranges National Park

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Reviews of Dandenong Ranges National Park

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 67.05426356589147%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 29.844961240310077%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 2.3255813953488373%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

Beautiful and peaceful area, botanic garden is a surprise.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
29 Sep 2019

Intended to go there on Sunday morning, but insufficient parking anywhere near the destination meant we gave up and wenr elsewhere.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Sep 2019

Great starting point for exploring the delights, unique shops and cafes, parks & lookouts throught Dandenong Ranges/

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 May 2019

It’s heaven on earth!!! A fantastic stay in a magical spot. Beautiful house immersed in the most outstanding nature. Cannot think of a better place to stay with family while visiting Healesville and surroundings. The owners are utterly delightful and their care for every detail is remarkable. Including their tips on what to do in the area, that helped so much! Welcoming, homely, comfortable and beautiful spot!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 May 2019

Excellent, even in the rain!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Feb 2019

Favorite part of Melbourne .I've been coming here since 1984

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Top Dandenong Ranges National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Clarendon Cottages
Clarendon Cottages
4.5 out of 5
11 Clarkmont Road, Sassafras, VIC
Clarendon Cottages
Gatehouse Cottage - Nestled in beautiful gardens at the original Moulton Park.
Gatehouse Cottage - Nestled in beautiful gardens at the original Moulton Park.
Sassafras, Victoria
Gatehouse Cottage - Nestled in beautiful gardens at the original Moulton Park.
Keepers Cottage - Nestled in the beautiful gardens of Moulton Park Estate.
Keepers Cottage - Nestled in the beautiful gardens of Moulton Park Estate.
Sassafras, Victoria
Keepers Cottage - Nestled in the beautiful gardens of Moulton Park Estate.
Moulton Park Cottages
Moulton Park Cottages
3.5 out of 5
2a Cooloongatta Road, Sassafras, VIC
Moulton Park Cottages
Belle Cottage, Sassafras - 2 bedroom cottage with wood burner in Sassafras
Belle Cottage, Sassafras - 2 bedroom cottage with wood burner in Sassafras
Sassafras, Victoria
Belle Cottage, Sassafras - 2 bedroom cottage with wood burner in Sassafras
Lotus Lodges
Lotus Lodges
3 out of 5
1a Driffield Crescent, Sassafras, VIC
Lotus Lodges
Lochiel Luxury Accommodation
Lochiel Luxury Accommodation
4 out of 5
1590 Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda, VIC
Lochiel Luxury Accommodation
A Cottage in the Forest
A Cottage in the Forest
3.5 out of 5
452 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda, VIC
A Cottage in the Forest
Belle Le Vie
Belle Le Vie
3.5 out of 5
77 Hilton Road, Sassafras, VIC
Belle Le Vie
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.