Sassafras Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dandenong Ranges National Park featuring rainforest
Dandenong Ranges National Park featuring rainforest
Dandenong Ranges National Park which includes rainforest
Sassafras
Sassafras

Experience a quaint English-style village green at the heart of this township on the fringe of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Sassafras sits perched on the ridgeline of the Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by the trees from which it takes its name. Its beautifully fertile soils drew pioneering farmers here in the late 1800s, and the charming township that formed became renowned for its English-style gardens in the 20th century. Stroll down the pretty main street and admire the exotic flora that adorns the houses and estates in the township. Pick a café and indulge in Devonshire tea while you enjoy the views of cottage gardens.

Explore the main commercial area of Sassafras, which sits at the central junction of the town. Check out interesting vintage and collectible items in the antiques stores or meet local artisans at the craft shops. The Village Green lies on one corner of the junction and is an idyllic spot to sit and enjoy the township’s scenery of exotic and native flora with a backdrop of rolling hills. Across the road, you’ll see Sassafras’ most iconic building, Miss Marple’s Tearoom. This quaint Tudor-style building has gables adorned with flowers and an ivy-clad porch. Head inside to enjoy a cup of tea with a freshly baked scone served with cream and jam.

Just outside Sassafras is the pretty landscaped estate of the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Wander around the historic estate to find azaleas flowering in spring and breathtaking evergreen forests of native bushland. The gardens feature a tranquil ornamental lake and gentle waterfalls.

More magnificent native flora can be found in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, an expansive area of nature reserve crisscrossed with bushwalking trails and scenic roads. Walk through verdant fern gullies and stand beneath the canopy of an ancient forest or bring a picnic to enjoy at the park’s pretty picnic grounds. Many native bird species, such as lyrebirds, kookaburras, cockatoos, rosellas and owls, thrive in this tranquil refuge.

Sassafras is situated 46 kilometres (29 miles) east from central Melbourne. It is easily accessible via car and a network of trains and buses. The township’s cottage lodgings or forest retreats are an ideal base for your wilderness getaway in the scenic Dandenong Ranges.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Sassafras 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 6 Oct to 7 Oct
AU$115
6 Oct - 7 Oct
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 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$251
19 Oct - 20 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$194 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
AU$194
15 Oct - 16 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! (604 reviews)
"Great hotel, room very small but staff great."

Reviewed on 28 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$129 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$129
1 Nov - 2 Nov
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 17 Oct to 18 Oct
AU$169
17 Oct - 18 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
Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne

Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne

4 out of 5
649 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC
The price is AU$190 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$190
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
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 Sassafras

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
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 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
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


Sassafras Travel Guide

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