Mount Dandenong Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong featuring café scenes and outdoor eating
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Olinda

Look out across the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne’s distant skyline from this township and mountain peak fortified by towering mountain ash forests.

Mount Dandenong is the highest peak in the surrounding ranges, as well as a community tucked into the bushland reserves of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Visit the mountain’s summit to take in spectacular panoramic views from the observation deck and restaurant or wind your way through the charming formal gardens. Wander along hiking trails in the native bushland, which changes from dry eucalypt forest to verdant fern-studded gullies. Learn about exotic flora from around the world at the arboretum and explore the sculpture-lined pathways of the sanctuary.

Go on a scenic drive along the winding forest roads that weave around Mount Dandenong. Make your way up to SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, the mountain’s magnificent peak and viewing area. Check out the quaint English Garden or challenge yourself in the SkyHigh Maze. Binoculars on the observation deck make it possible to see Port Phillip Bay and Geelong on a clear day. Take a seat at the summit’s restaurant or café to enjoy a meal or drinks with the unbeatable view of Melbourne from the east. A short distance south, you’ll find the peak of Mount Corhanwarrabul and sprawling views from Burke’s Lookout.

Walk amid the deciduous trees and conifers at the Mount Dandenong Arboretum, a 40-acre (16-hectare) park showcasing a range of exotic species. William Ricketts Sanctuary is a lush fern-studded garden with a scattering of intriguing sculptures along its winding pathways.

While the township does not have a major commercial centre, it is dotted with numerous boutiques, artisans’ workshops and restaurants, where you can experience some of Mount Dandenong’s local treasures. Forest retreats and laid-back lodgings can also be found along the tree-lined roads.

Mount Dandenong is situated between the larger towns of Olinda and Kalorama, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of Melbourne’s city centre. Visit in summer for long, sunny days and clear views from the mountain peak, or in late winter to enjoy misty mornings and eucalypt blossoms in full bloom. Stay in Mount Dandenong for easy access to the magnificent walking trails and scenic picnic areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Mount Dandenong Hotel Deals

Canterbury International Hotel

Canterbury International Hotel

4 out of 5
326-330 Canterbury Road, Forest Hill, VIC
The price is AU$115 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$115
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (577 reviews)
Would go back
"Loved the 2 room/ apartment. It didn't have a kitchen, but breakfast was included. Unfortunately, cups and glasses in the cupboard were not clean but they gave us 2 bottles of water to make amends."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Canterbury International Hotel
Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery Collection

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery Collection

5 out of 5
1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, VIC
The price is AU$251 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$251
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (548 reviews)
"Convenient location for a shopping trip to Chadstone. Great hotel. Only thing I didn’t like was the design of the bathroom. Theres no bench at all to put toiletry bags on or to do your makeup, theres just 2 sinks that look like they are plastic kegs with taps attached"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery Collection
Ovolo South Yarra

Ovolo South Yarra

4 out of 5
234 Toorak Road, South Yarra, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$185 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
AU$185
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (601 reviews)
"This is a great place to stay and offers a less 'beige' hotel experience right in the heart of everything."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Ovolo South Yarra
ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley

ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley

3.5 out of 5
297 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, VIC
The price is AU$135 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
AU$135
4 Oct - 5 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Convenient location
"Convenient location close to the Glen and very clean and comfortable room."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley

Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley

4.5 out of 5
285 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, VIC
The price is AU$169 per night from 10 Oct to 11 Oct
AU$169
10 Oct - 11 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Amazing location close to shops & restaurants, we have stayed here many times. Some rooms are showin a bit of wear & tear. Beds very comfrable and always lovely staff"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley
Quest Notting Hill

Quest Notting Hill

4 out of 5
5 Acacia Pl, Notting Hill, VIC
The price is AU$149 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
AU$149
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (284 reviews)
"Beautiful property and the staff were lovely"

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2025

Quest Notting Hill
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Mount Dandenong

Richmond featuring a park and a playground

Richmond

Travellers choose Richmond for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Richmond Station or Burnley Station and check out top sights like Church Street.

Richmond
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Warburton

Unique features of Warburton include the river views and bars. Make a stop by Yarra River Walk or O'Shannassy Trail while you're exploring the area.

Warburton
Jam Factory which includes heritage elements

South Yarra

Jam Factory and Prahran Market are top sights in South Yarra, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at South Yarra Station or Hawksburn Station to see more sights in the area.

South Yarra
Fitzroy Gardens which includes a garden, heritage architecture and a house

East Melbourne

Known for its abundant dining options and colourful gardens, there's plenty to explore in East Melbourne. Top attractions like Melbourne Cricket Ground and Collins Street are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Jolimont Station or Parliament Station to see more of the city.

East Melbourne
St Kilda featuring landscape views, a city and general coastal views

St Kilda

St Kilda is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Acland Street and Fitzroy Street, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Melbourne.

St Kilda
Fitzroy featuring a house and signage

Fitzroy

Gardens, bars and museums are some highlights of Fitzroy. Make a stop by Brunswick Street or Smith Street while you're exploring.

Fitzroy


Mount Dandenong Travel Guide

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