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 Attractions
The Dandenong Ranges are one of Victoria’s classic day-trip and weekend destinations, combining towering mountain ash forests, historic attractions, cool-climate gardens, scenic villages and some of Melbourne’s best-known walking tracks. The current Dandenong Ranges Point inventory includes Puffing Billy Railway, Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, Sherbrooke Falls, Emerald Lake Park and attractions across Belgrave, Olinda, Sassafras, Emerald and the surrounding hills.
The region’s appeal comes from that mix of nature and heritage. Visitors can ride a steam train through fern gullies, walk beneath huge mountain ash trees, explore landscaped gardens, enjoy panoramic lookouts or spend time browsing the cafes and shops of the mountain villages.
Explore Dandenong Ranges Attractions
- Puffing Billy Railway – Ride the historic steam railway through forests, fern gullies and hill towns between Belgrave, Emerald and Gembrook.
- National park and forest walks – Explore Dandenong Ranges National Park, Sherbrooke Forest, the 1000 Steps and numerous shorter walking tracks.
- Gardens and seasonal colour – Visit Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and other cool-climate gardens throughout the hills.
- Lookouts and mountain scenery – Take in broad views from SkyHigh Mount Dandenong and other elevated points across the ranges.
- Villages and family attractions – Explore Belgrave, Olinda, Sassafras, Emerald and Gembrook for cafes, shops, playgrounds, museums and family-friendly experiences.
Browse the listings below to discover Dandenong Ranges attractions, gardens, walks, villages and places to visit across the hills east of Melbourne.
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...
Olinda Falls
Mount Dandenong, VICOlinda Falls is one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most accessible waterfall experiences, offering visitors a short forest walk through Mountain Ash and fern-filled bushland to a small but scenic cascade. Located within...
Lysterfield Park
Lysterfield, VICLysterfield Park is one of Melbourne’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations, combining a freshwater lake, swimming beaches, walking trails, picnic areas, wildlife and one of Victoria’s best-known...
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...
Cardinia Reservoir
Narre Warren, VICCardinia Reservoir is one of Melbourne’s largest water storages and one of the most underrated outdoor destinations near the Dandenong Ranges. While many visitors associate the surrounding region with gardens...
Sherbrooke Forest
Sherbrooke, VICSherbrooke Forest is one of the top attractions in the Dandenong Ranges as it has a number of great picnic spots and relaxing walks. Some of the most popular locations within Sherbrooke Forest include Grants Picnic...
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...
Bunyip State Park
Gembrook, VICFrom 1898 to 1990, this area was used primarily for logging. Later it became Bunyip State Park; the picturesque spot we can visit and enjoy today. The Bunyip State Park offers a variety of trails for walking or hiking...
Tea Leaves
Olinda, VICTea Leaves is a specialty tea and teaware shop in Olinda, offering more than 300 tea varieties alongside teapots, infusers, mugs, and coffee and tea accessories. After operating in Sassafras for around 30 years, the...
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...
Cardinia Reservoir Park
Narre Warren, VICCurrent closure: Parks Victoria currently lists Cardinia Reservoir Park as temporarily closed due to protected industrial action. Visitors should check current conditions before travelling, as the closure status may...
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...
Geppetto’s Workshop
Sassafras, VICGeppetto’s Workshop is Australia’s finest themed toy store which is conveniently based in two locations in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges; Olinda and Sassafras. Geppetto’s Workshop stock toys from...
Rj Hamer Arboretum
Olinda, VICThe Dandenong Ranges is one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Victoria. The R.J Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenongs is one of the most amazing and unique gardens located in this region. With the gorgeous...
Tim Neville Arboretum
Ferntree Gully, VICLocated on Dorset Road in the Dandenong Ranges, the Tim Neville Arboretum is a popular playground for visitors to this area. The arboretum is essentially a fun-filled playground that is designed with children in mind...
Emerald Lake Model Railway
Emerald, VICThe Emerald Lake Model Railway is the largest model railway in the southern hemisphere. Located in the Dandenong Ranges just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this attraction is nestled within the heart of the...
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...
The Wall
Monbulk, VICCycling is one of the best ways to experience the charm of the scenic Dandenong Ranges, and there is no better place to do this than by cycling The Wall. The Wall is one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most popular...
Coonara Springs
Olinda, VICCoonara Springs Restaurant, Gardens and Accommodation is one of the oldest restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges and is a major attraction in the region. Located on 7 landscaped acres, the property has extensive views...
Ferntree Gully Quarry Reserve
Ferntree Gully, VICFerntree Gully Quarry Reserve is a distinctive local park built around a former quarry and its deep lake. Located below the surrounding streets, the reserve combines dramatic rock walls and water views with walking...
Cloudehill Gardens
Olinda, VICCloudehill Gardens are a magnificent escape tucked away at the top of the majestic Dandenong Ranges and is a must-visit for both locals and visitors touring the region. The gardens are an all-seasons source of...
Pirianda Gardens
Olinda, VICThe Pirianda Gardens are known for being one of the most picturesque parks in Victoria. The terraced gardens are beyond compare, especially in autumn, as the leaves turn to stunning shades of red, orange and yellow. The...
Sherbrooke Picnic Ground
Sherbrooke, VICSherbrooke Picnic Ground is just one of the many stunning picnic areas in the Dandenong Ranges. Located only a short drive away from the Melbourne CBD, the spot is ideal for a day trip filled with great food and a...
Silvan Reservoir Park
Silvan, VICSet at the base of the Dandenong Ranges, Silvan Reservoir Park is the perfect location for a day out of town and is just a short drive from Melbourne. The Park has a number of walking trails that visitors can use to...
Kurth Kiln Regional Park
Gembrook, VICKurth Kiln Regional Park is a popular park located in the Dandenong Ranges, and whose unique attractions make it a must-visit for those coming to the region. The park is best known for its kiln whose history can be...
Kuranga Native Nursery
Mount Evelyn, VICKuranga Native Nursery is home to many of the country’s most beautiful native plants and offers nature lovers the opportunity to purchase Australian fauna for their own garden. The nursery is also home to a cafe...
The Motorist Museum
Gembrook, VICThe Motorist Museum is a small, vintage motoring museum that houses a private collection of classic and vintage cars. It was established back in 1995 and is open for functions, group, and individual tours. The Motorist...
Birdsland Reserve
Belgrave Heights, VICBirdsland Reserve is an amazing getaway tucked away between Lysterfield Lake Park and Belgrave. This bushland reserve is best known for its rich birdlife and diverse species of native animals. The reserve’s rich...
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...
Burrinja Cultural Centre
Upwey, VICBurrinja Cultural Centre is the principal arts and cultural hub of the Dandenong Ranges, presenting visual art exhibitions, theatre, live music, comedy, workshops and community programs in Upwey. The centre combines...
King Henry Arts Cafe
Sassafras, VICKing Henry Arts cafe is a family-owned cafe located in scenic Sassafras, just an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. The most interesting aspect about this charming cafe is that it is more than a hundred years...
Arvys Gallery
Olinda, VICArvys Gallery is one of the most prized art galleries in the Dandenong Ranges. Art lovers and artists alike will appreciate its collection of amazing artworks created by both local and international artists. Arvys...
What are the top attractions in the Dandenong Ranges?
Popular attractions include Puffing Billy Railway, Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and SkyHigh Mount Dandenong.
What are the best Dandenong Ranges attractions for families?
Family-friendly choices include Puffing Billy, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, Emerald Lake Park, playgrounds, picnic areas and easy forest walks around the main villages.
What can you do for free in the Dandenong Ranges?
Popular free attractions include Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps, Sherbrooke Forest, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and many public walking tracks, picnic grounds and lookouts.
Which towns are best to visit in the Dandenong Ranges?
Belgrave, Olinda, Sassafras, Emerald, Gembrook and Mount Dandenong are among the main visitor areas, each offering a different mix of attractions, gardens, cafes, shops and outdoor experiences.
