SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

SkyHigh 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 metres above sea level, the grounds combine viewing areas, landscaped gardens, short forest walks, family attractions, picnic spaces and casual dining.

SkyHigh reopened on 21 August 2026 under an interim operating arrangement following a temporary closure. The grounds and bistro are open, but current services and hours are more limited than many older guides suggest.

Current Operating Arrangements

The SkyHigh grounds and bistro currently open daily from 11am until 6pm. The front entry gate closes at 6pm, while the vehicle exit gate is locked at 6:30pm.

Visitors must return to their vehicles and leave the property before the exit gate closes.

The formal restaurant, dinner service and upstairs function room are currently closed. Anyone with an existing function booking or considering a future event should confirm arrangements directly with SkyHigh.

These operating arrangements may change as the venue continues under its interim arrangement. Visitors should check the latest information shortly before travelling.

Melbourne Views

The principal lookout faces west across metropolitan Melbourne. On a clear day, visitors can see the city skyline, Port Phillip and extensive areas of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Visibility varies considerably. Clear winter days and periods following a weather change can provide long views, while fog, smoke, cloud or humid summer haze may completely hide the skyline.

SkyHigh has historically been known for views of Melbourne’s lights after dark. However, night viewing is not currently available under the published 6pm closing time.

Visitors travelling primarily for the panorama should check weather conditions before leaving Melbourne. Conditions at Mount Dandenong can differ substantially from those in the city below.

SkyHigh Gardens

The landscaped grounds connect SkyHigh with the surrounding forests of the Dandenong Ranges. Visitors can explore established trees, native plantings, lawn areas and an English-style garden.

Recognisable features include the Australiana Tree and the oversized Giant’s Chair, both popular photo stops.

The gardens change throughout the year. Summer provides shaded areas and cooler temperatures than central Melbourne, while autumn brings seasonal colour. Camellias, daffodils and other cool-climate plants add interest during winter and spring.

Native birds are regularly seen around the grounds, and visitors may occasionally encounter wallabies or echidnas. Do not approach or feed wildlife.

Garden paths, slopes and outdoor surfaces can become slippery during wet weather. Supervise children around roads, retaining walls, and elevated areas.

SkyHigh Maze

The living hedge maze is a separate paid attraction within the SkyHigh grounds. Visitors navigate the pathways while collecting four stamps on a maze passport.

Standard maze admission is currently $8 for adults, $6 for children under 12 and $22 for a family of two adults and two children. Weekend and public holiday surcharges apply.

Opening hours vary seasonally:

• October-April: 12pm-5pm
• May-September: 12pm-3pm
• Summer, Easter and September school holidays: 12pm-5pm
• July school holidays: 12pm-3pm

On ordinary weekdays, visitors can arrange maze admission and make payment through the main bistro.

The maze does not operate during predicted poor weather or total fire bans. It may also close for maintenance, wet conditions, or limited daylight. Visitors travelling specifically for the maze should confirm its availability on the day.

Allow approximately 30-45 minutes for the maze, although families with younger children may take longer.

Bistro and Food

The SkyHigh bistro currently opens daily from 11am until 6pm. Coffee, drinks and kiosk items are available from opening, while the hot-food menu operates until 5pm.

The bistro uses counter ordering and has extensive unreserved seating, so you don’t need to book a table for lunch. Special-event menus may replace the usual menu on selected days.

The formal restaurant and dinner service remain closed. Older references to breakfast, evening dining and late-night restaurant bookings should not be relied upon under the current arrangement.

Visitors with dietary requirements should check the available menu before travelling specifically for lunch.

Picnics and Barbecues

SkyHigh has lawn areas and picnic tables where visitors can bring their own food or eat takeaway purchases from the bistro.

Gas barbecues are available for hire, with separate charges applying. Availability may be limited on weekends, during school holidays, and for private activities and special events.

Visitors should use designated picnic areas, dispose of rubbish responsibly and follow any fire restrictions in force. SkyHigh may suspend barbecue operations during dangerous fire conditions.

Parking and Entry Charges

Entry to the grounds is free for visitors arriving on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

SkyHigh charges vehicles to enter its private car parks:

• Cars Monday-Friday: $5
• Cars on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and school holidays: $10
• Motorbikes: $3
• Minibuses: $15
• Coaches: $25

The parking charge applies per vehicle, not per person. Parking spaces can fill during clear weekends, school holidays and major events.

The maze, barbecue hire, food and special activities are not included with the parking payment.

Toilets and Visitor Facilities

Toilets are available inside the main building behind the bistro and restaurant. A separate outdoor toilet block is generally opened during busy weekends, public holidays, school holidays and other peak periods.

The grounds include picnic tables and extensive outdoor areas, but some paths have slopes or surfaces affected by wet weather.

Visitors with mobility requirements should contact SkyHigh before travelling for current advice about parking, accessible routes and access to particular garden features.

Weather and What to Bring

Mount Dandenong is generally cooler, windier and wetter than central Melbourne. Conditions can change quickly, even when the city is warm and sunny.

Visitors should bring:

• A warm layer
• Rain protection
• Comfortable shoes
• Sun protection
• Drinking water
• A payment card for parking, food and maze admission

Fog is common and can remove the view entirely. Strong wind, storms, fallen trees or elevated fire danger may also affect road and property access.

How Long to Spend at SkyHigh

Allow approximately 60-90 minutes to visit the principal lookout and explore the gardens.

Two to three hours is more suitable if you combine the grounds with lunch, the hedge maze, or a picnic. Visitors planning several Dandenong Ranges attractions should allow additional time for slow mountain roads and weekend traffic.

Nearby Attractions

SkyHigh can be combined with the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden in Olinda, nearby forest walks and other Mount Dandenong viewpoints.

William Ricketts Sanctuary is a short drive away, but check opening arrangements separately.

The villages of Olinda and Sassafras offer cafes, restaurants, and shops you can visit before or after SkyHigh.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong FAQs

Is SkyHigh Mount Dandenong currently open?
Yes. SkyHigh reopened on 21 August 2026 and currently operates daily from 11am until 6pm.

Is the SkyHigh restaurant open for dinner?
No. The formal restaurant and dinner service are currently closed. The bistro operates during the day, with hot food available until 5pm.

Is there an admission fee for SkyHigh?
Pedestrian entry to the grounds is free. Visitors arriving by vehicle must pay the applicable parking charge.

How much is car parking?
Cars currently pay $5 from Monday to Friday and $10 on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and school holidays.

Can visitors see Melbourne at night?
Not under the current operating arrangements. The grounds close at 6pm, before Melbourne’s night-time lights are generally visible.

Is the bistro open?
Yes. The bistro currently opens daily from 11am until 6pm, with its hot-food menu available until 5pm.

Does the SkyHigh Maze cost extra?
Yes. The maze is a separately ticketed attraction. Standard admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children under 12 and $22 for a family of two adults and two children.

Is the maze always open?
No. Maze hours vary seasonally, and it may close because of poor weather, maintenance, limited daylight or a total fire ban.

Can visitors bring a picnic?
Yes. Lawns and picnic tables are available in designated areas.

Are barbecues available?
Yes. Gas barbecues can be hired for an additional charge, subject to availability and fire restrictions.

Are toilets available?
Yes. Toilets are located inside the main building. The outdoor toilet block generally opens during peak periods.

Should existing function bookings be confirmed?
Yes. The upstairs function room is currently closed, and previous bookings may have been affected by the change in operating arrangements.

Getting There

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong is located at 26 Observatory Road on the summit of Mount Dandenong.

From Melbourne

Allow approximately one hour by car from central Melbourne in ordinary traffic. Common approaches use Canterbury Road and Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.

Mountain roads are winding and can be affected by fog, storms, fallen trees and heavy weekend traffic.

From Olinda

Travel west along Ridge Road and Observatory Road. The drive generally takes around ten minutes.

By Public Transport

Route 688 serves the Mount Dandenong area through connections with Upper Ferntree Gully and Croydon. Visitors should check the current timetable and walking route between the nearest stop and SkyHigh.

Walking or Cycling

Visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle avoid the vehicle parking fee. However, the surrounding mountain roads and approaches are steep, narrow in places and frequently affected by fog or low visibility.

Cyclists should use lights, wear high-visibility clothing and be prepared for changing weather.

Parking

Private onsite parking is available. The front entry gate closes at 6pm, and the vehicle exit gate closes at 6:30pm.