Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s best-known preserved steam railway, travelling through the forests and townships of the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge line opened in 1900. The classic journey begins at...
Dandenong Ranges Activities
The Dandenong Ranges offer a wide variety of activities, from steam train rides and forest walks to gardens, family attractions, scenic lookouts and outdoor adventure. The current Dandenong Ranges Point activity listings include Puffing Billy Railway, the 1000 Steps, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, Sherbrooke Falls, golf courses, playgrounds, museums and walking tracks.
The region suits both active days out and slower sightseeing. Visitors can hike through mountain ash forest, ride Puffing Billy through fern gullies, visit seasonal gardens, enjoy panoramic views over Melbourne or spend time exploring family-friendly attractions around Belgrave, Olinda, Sassafras, Emerald and Mount Dandenong.
Explore Dandenong Ranges Activities
- Scenic railway experiences – Ride Puffing Billy Railway through forests and hill towns between Belgrave, Emerald and Gembrook.
- Walking and hiking – Tackle the 1000 Steps, explore Sherbrooke Forest or choose from easier nature walks and reservoir tracks.
- Gardens and lookouts – Visit Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and SkyHigh Mount Dandenong for seasonal colour and mountain views.
- Family activities – Discover playgrounds, cinemas, museums, picnic grounds and other attractions suited to children and families.
- Outdoor recreation – Enjoy golf, cycling, mountain biking, nature walks and other active experiences across the ranges and surrounding foothills.
Browse the listings below to find Dandenong Ranges activities, walks, family attractions and outdoor experiences for your next day trip or weekend away.
Puffing Billy
Belgrave, VIC
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Belgrave, VICDandenong Ranges National Park protects tall Mountain Ash forest, fern-filled gullies, waterfalls and steep volcanic hills on Melbourne’s eastern edge. Its walking tracks, picnic grounds and wildlife make it one...
1000 Steps
Upper Ferntree Gully, VICThe 1000 Steps is the popular name for the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in the Ferntree Gully section of Dandenong Ranges National Park. It is one of Melbourne’s best-known fitness walks, climbing steeply through...
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Olinda, VICDandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is one of the region’s signature attractions and Victoria’s premier cool-climate botanic garden, combining spectacular seasonal colour, sweeping views and an extensive...
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Mount Dandenong, VICSkyHigh Mount Dandenong occupies one of the highest public viewpoints in the Dandenong Ranges, with broad views towards Melbourne, Port Phillip and the surrounding suburbs in clear weather. Located approximately 633...
Sherbrooke Falls
Sherbrooke, VICApart from the hilly landscapes and various campgrounds, the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria is also quite popular for its gorgeous waterfalls. Sherbrooke Falls is a renowned oasis amid the picturesque landscape of the...
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Mount Dandenong, VICWilliam Ricketts Sanctuary is one of the most unusual attractions in the Dandenong Ranges, combining sculpture, forest and personal artistic expression in a setting unlike any conventional gallery. Hidden among the...
Treetops Adventure Belgrave
Belgrave, VICTreetops Adventure Belgrave is one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most distinctive active attractions, offering high ropes courses, ziplines and aerial challenges among the trees near Belgrave. Formerly known as Trees...
Grants Picnic Ground
Kallista, VICGrants Picnic Ground is a beautiful spot for picnics and one of the most popular destinations for outdoor lovers in the Dandenong Ranges. It was best known for its bird-feeding, but as of Wednesday 12 February 2020...
Emerald Lake
Emerald, VICEmerald Lake Park is one of the most versatile visitor destinations in the eastern Dandenong Ranges, combining lakes, walking tracks, picnic areas, playgrounds, heritage attractions and a station on the iconic Puffing...
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Sherbrooke, VICThe Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a great venue for all nature lovers. Located in Sherbrooke, these gardens are home to magnificent shrubs, flowering plants, and majestic Mountain Ash trees. Whether you’re...
Cameo Cinema
Belgave, VICCameo Cinema provides the perfect experience for the movie lover looking to enjoy the best of the big screen. This independent cinema offers both blockbuster movies, showcases excellent art-house movies and also offers...
Warratina Lavender Farm
Wandin North, VICWarratina Lavender Farm is a small family-run property in Wandin Yallock, near the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. Established in 1991, the farm grows, harvests, and processes lavender for its own body-care products...
Eastwood Golf Club
Kilsyth, VICEastwood Golf Club is a prestigious private club set on 48 hectares of lush land at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. Public access to the course is available during select times. With sweeping views of the magnificent...
Australian Rainbow Trout Farm
Macclesfield, VICThe Australian Rainbow Trout Farm is rated as the number one attraction in Macclesfield, Victoria. Just one hour outside Melbourne, it’s easily accessible and a fun way to spend time with the family in the great...
Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk
Kallista, VICEastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk is located in the verdant Sherbooke rainforest and is one of the region’s most spectacular destinations for bushwalking. The forest is located just 40 kilometres from the Melbourne...
George Tindale Memorial Gardens
Sherbrooke, VICThe George Tindale Memorial Gardens is a popular public park which features a number of rare and native flora species. The soil at this park is acidic and rich in minerals, therefore many rare plants grow here without...
Mount Dandenong Observatory
Mount Dandenong, VICTo get the most panoramic views of Mount Dandenong and its surroundings, visitors should head to the popular lookouts and the viewing points of the area. Much of the Mount Dandenong area is occupied by the Dandenong...
Olinda Creek Walking Track
Silvan, VICThe Olinda Creek Walking Track is one of the popular attractions in the Dandenong Ranges and is a favourite for outdoor lovers. The walking track traverses the ground between the Silvan Reservoir Park and Mount Evelyn...
Woolrich Lookout
Olinda, VICWoolrich Lookout is one of the most fascinating viewing spots located in the Dandenong Ranges. This lookout is tucked away in the RJ Hamer Arboretum and offers incredible views of the Dandenong Ranges National Park in...
One Tree Hill
Tremont, VICOne Tree Hill is a picnic ground located at the top of the famous Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, also known as the 1000 Steps, in the Dandenong Ranges. Nicely maintained by rangers, the Kokoda Track is a beautiful walking...
Aura Vale Lake Park
Selby, VICAura Vale Lake Park is a quiet lakeside recreation area near Cardinia Reservoir, offering fishing, paddling, picnicking and a peaceful natural setting on the southern edge of the Dandenong Ranges. While nearby Cardinia...
Mount Dandenong Arboretum
Mount Dandenong, VICEstablished in 1928, the Mount Dandenong Arboretum was created for the purpose of preserving conifers and deciduous trees that have environmental significance. At the outset, plants initially received at the arboretum...
Morrison Reserve West Playground
Mount Evelyn, VICMorrison Reserve West Playground is a delightful destination for families looking for a place where the kids can enjoy play in a fun and safe space. This playground is unique in that it boasts a country farm theme and...
Grey Gum Track Walk
Silvan, VICGrey Gum Track Walk is an easy walk that provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while visiting the Silvan Reservoir. The walking trail is short at just 2.4 kilometres (return) and has an easy grade...
Johns Hill Reserve Lookout
Kallista, VICJohns Hill Reserve Lookout is a quiet scenic viewpoint in the southern Dandenong Ranges, offering visitors a peaceful place to stop and enjoy views across the surrounding valleys, forests and distant landscapes. Unlike...
Waterford Valley Golf Course
Knoxfield, VICThe Waterford Valley Golf Course is a premier ‘pay for play’ par 72 golf course located just half an hour from the city. The course is specially designed for corporate golfing and this evidenced by its grand...
Living Bush Nature Walk
Ferntree Gully, VICLiving Bush Nature Walk is located in the scenic Ferntree Gully Area of Dandenong Ranges Park. This walk is an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle track or for those walking with children. The walking track...
Running Rabbits Military Museum
Upwey, VICThe Running Rabbits Military Museum is an important attraction in the Dandenong Ranges and houses a huge range of historic artefacts and photographs from the Boer War, WWI and WWII. The Museum opened on ANZAC Day in...
Trig Point Lookout
Lysterfield South, VICTrig Point Lookout is located in Lysterfield Park and provides excellent views of the surrounding region including Mount Macedon, You Yangs, Arthur’s Seat and Western Port Bay. As the highest point in the park...
Borthwick Park Playground
Belgrave, VICBorthwick Park Playground is an expansive playground specially designed to give young kids the chance to get lost in the world of play. This playground is a popular attraction for families touring the Dandenong Ranges...
What are the best activities in the Dandenong Ranges?
Popular choices include riding Puffing Billy, walking the 1000 Steps, exploring Dandenong Ranges National Park, visiting the Botanic Garden and taking in the views from SkyHigh Mount Dandenong.
What are the best Dandenong Ranges activities for families?
Family-friendly options include Puffing Billy, playgrounds, picnic grounds, easy walking tracks, gardens, cinemas and other attractions around Belgrave, Emerald and the surrounding villages.
What free activities can you do in the Dandenong Ranges?
Free options include the 1000 Steps, many national park walks, picnic grounds, lookouts and several public gardens and nature reserves.
Which towns are best for Dandenong Ranges activities?
Belgrave, Emerald, Olinda, Sassafras and Mount Dandenong are among the main activity hubs, with each offering a different mix of walks, gardens, attractions, cafes and scenic experiences.
