Best Things to Do in the Dandenong Ranges Near Melbourne

Last Updated: October 2026

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the beautiful Dandenong Ranges feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With towering mountain ash trees, lush fern gullies, colourful gardens and charming little villages, this is one of our favourite places to escape into nature near Melbourne.

Having lived in Melbourne for many years, we visited the Dandenong Ranges countless times, and they never failed to impress us. Whether we were heading out for a peaceful forest walk, enjoying a leisurely lunch in one of the villages or simply soaking up the beautiful scenery, there was always something new to discover.

The region is particularly magical in spring, when the gardens burst into colour, but it’s a wonderful destination at any time of year. From riding the historic Puffing Billy steam train to exploring rainforest trails, visiting picturesque villages and admiring panoramic views, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

If you’re looking for an easy escape from the city, here are some of the best things to do in the Dandenong Ranges, including our favourite places to visit and tips for planning your trip.

How to Get to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne

The easiest way to explore the Dandenong Ranges is by car. Located approximately 40–50 kilometres east of Melbourne, the ranges are generally around 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive from the CBD, depending on traffic and your destination. Allow extra time during peak hours and busy weekends.

You can hire a car in Melbourne and travel via the Eastern Freeway and Eastlink, continuing towards the mountains along either Burwood Highway or Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. Having your own transport gives you the freedom to explore the charming villages, beautiful gardens and scenic lookouts at your own pace.

If you prefer public transport, you can catch a train from Melbourne to Belgrave or Upper Ferntree Gully, then use connecting buses to reach some of the villages and attractions. However, exploring several locations in one day is much easier with a car.

For current public transport routes and timetables, check Transport Victoria.

If you don’t like driving or are unable to drive, there are many guided tours that leave from the city centre.

What to do in the Dandenong ranges?

Ride the Historic Puffing Billy Railway

One of the most popular attractions in the Dandenong Ranges is the historic Puffing Billy Railway, a beautifully preserved steam train that has been winding its way through the mountains since 1900.

Departing from Belgrave, the train travels through lush forests, towering mountain ash trees and fern-filled gullies, offering a wonderful way to experience the scenery of the Dandenong Ranges. One of the highlights is crossing the iconic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, a favourite spot for photographs.

And yes, you can once again enjoy the famous Puffing Billy tradition of sitting on the open-sided carriage sills with your legs dangling outside! It’s a unique experience, although you must follow the railway’s safety instructions and use designated carriages.

The most popular journey is from Belgrave to Lakeside, where you can explore Emerald Lake Park, enjoy a picnic or visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre before returning to Belgrave. For a longer adventure, you can continue all the way to Gembrook, while the shorter journey to Menzies Creek is ideal if you’re limited on time.

Practical Information

• Location: Belgrave Railway Station, Dandenong Ranges.
• Journey time: Allow approximately four hours for the Belgrave to Lakeside return experience, including time at Lakeside. The full Gembrook return takes around 5.5 hours.
• Cost: Adult return tickets start from approximately AU$43.50 for the shorter Menzies Creek journey, with longer routes costing more (2026–27 fares).
• Bookings: Advance online bookings are required, and popular services can sell out, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
• Operating days: Services operate throughout the year, except Christmas Day, but routes and departure times vary.

For current ticket prices, timetables and bookings, visit the official Puffing Billy Railway website.

Hike the popular 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Track

The thousand steps Kokoda Memorial Track is a popular spot for Melbournians. It’s a great place to head to burn off a few extra calories! You’ll see many fitness enthusiasts walking or running up those steps, particularly on the weekend (try to visit during the week to avoid the crowds).

As you make your way up the steps, you are surrounded by Tree Ferns and Manna Gums. This three-kilometre track was built way back in the early 1900s. It was originally made from the trunks of tree ferns and those were eventually replaced by concrete and wooden steps. Along the track, you’ll find plaques depicting the lives of the soldiers who fought and died on the real Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, during World War II. It’s a pretty steep track but even if you are not super fit, it’s not that hard to complete. Just remember to do it at your own pace.

Tip: If visiting in the peak of summer, be sure to start really early in the day and bring lots of water with you.

Length: 3 kilometres
Time: 1.5 hr return depending on fitness level
Start/Finish: Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (under the Kokoda Memorial Archway)

Visit the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Formerly known as the National Rhododendron Gardens, the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden covers approximately 40 hectares in the charming village of Olinda. Its beautiful grounds are wonderful to explore at any time of year, with each season offering something different.

Spring is particularly spectacular, when thousands of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and other colourful flowers burst into bloom. In autumn, the changing leaves are equally beautiful. As you wander along the garden paths, you’ll also enjoy lovely views towards the Yarra Ranges.

Entrance: Free.

Opening hours: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm (gates close at 5 pm), except Christmas Day and certain days with dangerous fire or weather conditions.

Don’t miss the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda! Opened in 2023, this beautiful addition to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is a much larger recreation of the Australian garden that won Best in Show at the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show. Featuring a spectacular Waratah sculpture, waterfall, billabong and more than 15,000 native plants, it’s another wonderful place to explore. Entry is free, and it’s approximately 600 metres from the main botanic garden entrance.

Go for tea and scones at the Miss Marple’s Tea Room

Miss Marple’s Tea Room in Sassafras, is a popular establishment in the Dandenongs. They are famous for their traditional Devonshire Tea and scones, served with yummy jam and thick cream.

Tip: Miss Marple’s is extremely popular, particularly on weekends, and doesn’t accept reservations. If there’s a wait, you can leave your name with the staff and explore the lovely shops of Sassafras until your table is ready. The tearoom opens daily from 11 am, but check the official website for current hours.

Explore William Ricketts Sanctuary

Hidden among the towering mountain ash trees and lush fern gullies of Mount Dandenong, William Ricketts Sanctuary is one of the most unusual attractions in the Dandenong Ranges.

This peaceful outdoor sculpture garden features 92 ceramic sculptures created by Australian artist William Ricketts, who lived and worked here for much of his life. As you wander along the winding forest paths, you’ll discover faces, human figures and animals emerging from rocks, tree trunks and the surrounding landscape.

Many of the sculptures reflect Ricketts’ fascination with nature, spirituality and Aboriginal cultures. However, they represent his personal artistic interpretations rather than authentic representations of Aboriginal beliefs, and some aspects of his work are considered controversial today.

The sanctuary was closed for more than five years after severe storms caused extensive damage in June 2021. Thankfully, it reopened in August 2026, although restoration work is ongoing and some areas, including the original residence and gallery, remain closed.

It’s a fascinating place to explore, particularly if you enjoy art, photography and peaceful forest surroundings.

Practical Information

• Location: 1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong.
• Entry: Free.
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with last entry at 3.30 pm. Closures may occur during severe weather.
• Time needed: Allow approximately 45 minutes to an hour to explore at a relaxed pace.
• Accessibility: Some paths are steep, uneven and slippery, particularly after rain.
• Parking: The public car park is approximately 150 metres from the entrance, on the opposite side of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.

Enjoy the Views from SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

Perched at the top of Mount Dandenong, SkyHigh offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Dandenong Ranges. On a clear day, you can see Melbourne’s city skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Mornington Peninsula and distant mountain ranges.

There’s more to SkyHigh than just the views, with landscaped gardens, forest walks, a café and a hedge maze to keep the kids entertained. It’s a lovely place to relax and enjoy the scenery, particularly on a clear, sunny day.

However, parking isn’t free! SkyHigh currently charges AU$5 per car on weekdays and AU$10 on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. If you’re planning to explore the gardens or enjoy lunch, the fee might be worthwhile. But if you only want to stop for a quick photograph, we’d recommend heading to nearby Burkes Lookout instead.

Burkes Lookout offers equally impressive views towards Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay, without the parking fee. From the small parking area on Osprey Road, it’s an easy walk of approximately 20 minutes return along Kyeema Track. Parking is limited, particularly on weekends, but it’s a fantastic alternative if you’re simply looking for a beautiful viewpoint.

Tip: SkyHigh’s opening hours and dining arrangements have changed recently, so check the official website before visiting, especially if you’re hoping to catch the sunset.

Do some shopping in Olinda

Olinda is a quaint little village in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges. It is home to an array of antique stores and craft shops. You could spend hours looking for treasures in Olinda’s many stores and boutiques. Be sure to visit the old-fashioned sweets store!

Exploring more of Victoria? The Dandenong Ranges are just one of many fantastic escapes from the city. Check out our best day trips from Melbourne for more beautiful places to explore.

Where to stay in the Dandenong Ranges?

If you fancy an overnight stay, Olinda is a great base for any stay in the Dandenongs. There are many wonderful B&Bs, both in and around the village. You can find contemporary or classic style accommodation along with some more luxurious ones.

The Loft in the Mill

This is a beautiful B&B accommodation located opposite Olinda Village, It provides everything you might need, including breakfast every morning. Their rooms are stunning and each is individually decorated. If visiting in winter, book one with a fireplace. It’s walking distance to all the local amenities and it’s close to some great food options. Click here to check latest prices.

The Dandenong Ranges are really close to the Yarra Valley, If you have some spare time, why not combine the two together! A little bit of wine tasting (or maybe a lot!) mixed with the great outdoors is an excellent combination, I reckon!

Read more about the Yarra Valley here and find out about the best Yarra Valley wineries here.

Practical Information for Visiting the Dandenong Ranges

How long to spend: The Dandenong Ranges make a wonderful day trip from Melbourne, but with so many gardens, walking trails and charming villages, you could easily spend an entire weekend exploring. Allow a full day if you want to visit several attractions without rushing.

Best time to visit: The Dandenongs are beautiful year-round. Spring (September to November) is particularly spectacular for flowering gardens, while autumn (March to May) brings colourful foliage. Winter can be cold, misty and atmospheric, perfect for forest walks followed by a cosy café stop.

Getting around: Having a car is the easiest way to explore the region. The mountain roads can be narrow and winding, so allow plenty of time between attractions, especially on busy weekends.

What to bring: Pack comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket and a warm layer, even if Melbourne is enjoying sunshine. The weather in the mountains can be considerably cooler and wetter than in the city.

Avoiding crowds: Weekends and public holidays can get busy, particularly around Puffing Billy, the 1000 Steps and the popular villages of Olinda and Sassafras. Visit early in the morning or during the week for a more peaceful experience.

Park conditions: Some walking tracks may close after storms or during periods of high fire danger. Check the Parks Victoria website for current conditions before visiting.

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