Dandenong Ranges Nature

Nature is one of the defining reasons to visit the Dandenong Ranges, with towering mountain ash forests, fern gullies, waterfalls, wildlife, lookouts and walking tracks spread across the hills. The current Dandenong Ranges Point nature inventory includes Dandenong Ranges National Park, the 1000 Steps, Sherbrooke Falls, Olinda Falls, Birdsland Reserve, RJ Hamer Arboretum and scenic viewpoints such as Burkes Lookout.

The region works especially well for visitors who want an easy nature escape close to Melbourne. You can walk through cool forest, look for lyrebirds and other native wildlife, visit waterfalls after rain or head to elevated lookouts for wide views across the city and surrounding countryside.

Explore Dandenong Ranges Nature

• Forest walks and hiking – Explore Dandenong Ranges National Park, Sherbrooke Forest and the 1000 Steps for some of the region’s best-known walking experiences.
• Waterfalls and fern gullies – Visit Sherbrooke Falls and Olinda Falls, particularly after wetter weather when the cascades are at their best.
• Wildlife and birdwatching – Look for superb lyrebirds, wallabies, echidnas and native forest birds across reserves and walking tracks.
• Lookouts and mountain views – Head to Burkes Lookout and other elevated points for views across Melbourne, Port Phillip and the surrounding hills.
• Quieter nature reserves – Explore Birdsland Reserve, RJ Hamer Arboretum and other less crowded reserves for walking, photography and peaceful bushland scenery.

Browse the listings below to discover Dandenong Ranges nature attractions, waterfalls, forests, wildlife areas and scenic places to explore.