Escape to Nature’s Paradise: Exploring the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley
Get Away from the City: Just a short distance from Melbourne, Victoria, lies a peaceful and beautiful area called the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley. Here, you’ll find lush forests, big farms, and lots of things to see and do that everyone will enjoy.
People call this place “the food bowl of Victoria” because the soil and weather are perfect for growing tasty food. You can visit farms that have been here for a long time and try their fresh fruits and special foods. Also, the Yarra Valley is famous for making delicious wine.
There are many colorful gardens with pretty flowers and nice smells to explore. You can also go hiking in the forests of the Dandenong Ranges and see animals like birds and kangaroos. If you like art, there are cool galleries to visit, and you can even take a ride on an old-fashioned train or visit cute little towns.
This area has been home to the Indigenous Wurundjeri People for a long time. You can learn about their culture and traditions while you’re here.
For more than 100 years, people have been coming here to take a break from the city. Check out our list of fun things to do in the Dandenong Ranges to make the most of your trip!
1. Dandenong Ranges Hiking & Walking Trails
When you walk in the Dandenongs, your senses will come alive. Hear the waterfalls splashing and listen for the birds chirping in the trees. Smell the earthy scents of the rainforest, and keep your eyes peeled for animals like wallabies, echidnas, or possums hiding among the leaves.
Where to Begin: If you want to go hiking, start at Dandenong Ranges National Park. It has some of the best hikes in the area. One of the easiest hikes is the 2.4-kilometer trail to Sherbrooke Falls. It’s not a big waterfall, but the walk through the forest is beautiful, with tall trees all around. You can also start the hike from O’Donohue Picnic Ground.
For Families:If you have young kids, try the Olinda Falls trail. It’s a short, easy walk to another popular waterfall in the area. You can start this hike from the Olinda Falls Picnic Grounds.
For a Challenge: If you’re up for it, try the 1,000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. This trail honors Australian soldiers from World War II. It’s a tough hike, but worth it for the amazing views.
Note: Some trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park are closed due to storm damage in 2021. Make sure to check before you go.
Outside the Park: La La Falls is another great waterfall hike. The trail is a bit longer, but still manageable, and takes you through beautiful forests near Warburton.
Google Maps directions to Dandenong Ranges National Park
Google Maps directions to Olinda Falls
Google Maps directions to Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Google Maps directions to La La Falls
2. Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is a great place to see lots of different Australian animals all in one spot. It’s set in a typical Australian landscape, covering 30 hectares, which means it’s not too big to explore.
Get Up Close:You can meet kangaroos, wombats, koalas, emus, dingoes, and platypuses during special “meet the handler” encounters. These happen at different times throughout the day, so you’ll have plenty of chances to see them.
Birds in the Sky: Don’t miss the “Spirits of the Sky” show, where you can watch birds of prey, like the powerful wedge-tailed eagle, flying high above you.
Learn About Indigenous Culture: At Healesville Sanctuary, you can also learn about Aboriginal culture. Join the Indigenous cultural experience to discover how native plants were used traditionally, try your hand at making a boomerang, and listen to Dreamtime stories about local animals. A Wurundjeri Elder shares these stories every Sunday, on public holidays, and during Victorian school holidays (except Saturdays).
Explore Healesville: While you’re in the area, take some time to explore the town of Healesville. Food lovers will enjoy tasting local treats at the top restaurants and cafés in the Yarra Valley.
Phone: 1300 966 784
Google Maps directions to Healesville Sanctuary
3. Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Explore the Beauty of Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is a favorite spot for many people in the Dandenong area. It’s full of colorful flowers, like vibrant pinks, purples, blues, and reds. You’ll find these stunning gardens, once known as the National Rhododendron Gardens, only about 500 meters away from Olinda Village.
In spring and early summer, camellias, daffodils, azaleas, cherries, and rhododendrons add bursts of color. But in the fall, you can see the leaves change to fiery reds and oranges.
Take a leisurely walk in one part of the garden or explore the whole five-kilometer path. Along the way, you’ll see rock gardens, fern gullies, and wide lawns. The views of the Yarra Valley and its distant mountains are amazing.
For a special experience, visit the sensory garden. Here, you can smell the sweet scents of flowers, feel the different textures of bark, listen to the leaves crunching under your feet, and even taste some of the plants.
The gardens look different in every season, making them perfect for photographers and nature lovers. It’s best to go early in the morning when the light is soft, and there’s more space to park. Entry is free, and you can join a tour on an electric shuttle for a small fee.
Google Maps directions to Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
4. High Tea in the Dandenongs
Enjoy a Fancy Afternoon Tea in the Dandenong Ranges
Why not add a touch of elegance to your nature getaway with a delightful high tea? This classic English tradition is a must-do at many restaurants and cafés in the Dandenong Ranges.
Imagine hot scones with creamy clotted cream and raspberry jam, along with tiny sandwiches and other sweet treats, all served alongside a steaming cup of tea in a fancy china cup. Picture yourself cozying up in a café, especially with a crackling fire during the winter months – that’s the perfect Dandenong Ranges high tea experience!
There are plenty of places to choose from depending on your preferences. For a traditional high tea, head to Marybrooke Manor, a National Trust-listed spot near Sherbrooke Forest. They serve high tea every Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Mary Eats Cake in Montrose is another charming option, offering treats in an adorable English cottage and garden setting. Miss Marple’s Tea Room in Sassafras is also worth a visit, with its English-inspired tea and scone experience in a Tudor-style building. If you’re looking for something different, try the Asian-inspired high tea at Olinda Tea House & Restaurant, or satisfy your chocolate cravings with the Chocolaterie High Tea at Yarra Valley Chocolatier!
Keep in mind that you’ll need to book ahead for some of these high teas, as they’re not available every day, and seating can be limited.
5. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Alfred Nicholas Gardens, named after its generous owner, is a garden that’s beautiful all year round. In spring, it’s covered in colorful rhododendrons and azaleas, while summer brings lush hydrangeas and native ferns.
In autumn, you’ll see the leaves of beech and maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange, and in winter, there’s a chance to see a sprinkling of snow.
One of the main attractions of the gardens is its stunning water features, including a picturesque lake surrounded by ferns and a charming boathouse. You can also find gentle waterfalls adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Walking along the paths that wind through the gardens, shaded by towering mountain ash trees, is a truly romantic experience – perfect for spending time with someone special in the Dandenong Ranges.
Address: 1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
Google Maps directions to Alfred Nicholas Gardens
6. Puffing Billy Steam Train
Step back in time and relive the romance of old times with a nostalgic journey through the Dandenong Ranges aboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train. This century-old marvel is renowned as one of the finest steam trains globally, operated by a dedicated team of volunteers and running every day except Christmas.
The scenic ride from Belgrave to Gembrook spans 40 kilometers, offering breathtaking views along the way. Traverse through majestic indigenous eucalyptus forests adorned with towering mountain ash trees, cross historic wooden bridges, and pass by charming villages. With open-air carriages, the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus adds to the charm of this beloved Dandenong Ranges attraction.
Address: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160
Phone: (03) 9757 0700
Google Maps directions to Puffing Billy
7. William Ricketts Sanctuary
Tucked away in the serene beauty of the Dandenong Ranges lies one of its best-kept secrets: William Rickett’s Sanctuary. Nestled within a lush garden of ferns, mountain ash trees, and rocky formations, this sanctuary remains a haven unknown to many. Amongst the natural landscape, over 90 intricate ceramic sculptures intricately depict the Aboriginal culture, seamlessly blending with the foliage.
Named after its visionary creator, who spent years living amongst Aboriginal communities, these gardens pay homage to their profound spiritual bond with the Earth. Amidst the tranquil embrace of the forest, enveloped by nature’s splendor and artistic expression, visitors can’t help but be engulfed in a profound sense of serenity.
This sanctuary offers one of the many enriching free experiences in the Dandenong Ranges, often complemented by a leisurely picnic and stroll at the nearby Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden. Please note that the sanctuary was affected by a storm in June 2021 but is anticipated to reopen sometime in 2022.
Address: 1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
Phone: 131963
Google Maps directions to William Rickett’s Sanctuary
8. Cloudehill Gardens
Dating back to the 1890s, Cloudehill Gardens offers a captivating retreat for nature enthusiasts. Nestled on the eastern slopes of the Dandenongs, the gardens enchant visitors with their meticulously designed “garden rooms,” delineated by stone walls and neatly trimmed hedges. Admire the majestic copper beech trees, wander through flower-strewn meadows, and linger by the tranquil Water Garden.
Photographers will delight in the myriad of picturesque scenes awaiting their lens. Serpentine paths wind past lush shrubbery, enchanting water features, and clusters of vibrant calla lilies, tulips, and rhododendrons. Artistic sculptures adorn the landscape, while a symphony of birds, butterflies, and bees add to the enchantment. Time seems to stand still in this idyllic setting.
While the gardens exude splendor year-round, the ancient Japanese maples steal the spotlight in autumn, attracting visitors from far and wide. Throughout the summer, the gardens host innovative sculpture exhibitions and musical performances, adding to the allure.
Before concluding your visit, peruse the quaint shop for rare seeds and gardening gifts, or indulge in a delectable treat at the charming café restaurant.
Address: 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
Phone: (03) 9751 1009
Google Maps directions to Cloudehill Gardens
9. Sassafras Village
Sassafras is a lovely village full of charm and history. Visitors love to stroll through its streets, browsing antique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy tea at Miss Marple’s Tea Room, a must-do experience in the Dandenong Ranges. Tea lovers can also find a variety of teas and teapots at Tea Leaves Australia.
Other fun things to do in Sassafras include visiting Geppetto’s Workshop, a unique toy shop with wooden toys, including colorful marionettes and hand puppets. And for a sweet treat, stop by Sassafras Sweet Co., a classic candy store.
Google Maps directions to Sassafras Village
10. TarraWarra Museum of Art
The TarraWarra Museum of Art focuses on Australian art made from the 1950s onwards. It’s a cool building with big windows that let you see the pretty hills outside. Inside, there are lots of famous artworks by artists like John Brack, Brett Whiteley, and Russell Drysdale. Sometimes they also show other kinds of art for a little while.
Once you’re done looking at all the cool art, you can walk around the building and outside. It’s a nice place to take it easy and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Address: 313 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville VIC 3777
Phone: (03) 5957 3100
Google Maps directions for TarraWarra Museum
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