The Dandenong Ranges are a group of hills forming the eastern boundary of Melbourne, Australia, about 35 km east of the central city. They can be seen from most parts of Melbourne, and are easily identifiable as a group of three hills with large television towers.
Four chunks of the ranges form the Dandenong Ranges National Park, whose highest peak is TV tower-topped Mount Dandenong itself (633 m). The valley between the hills has the pleasant towns of Olinda, Sassafras and Kallista, and the wineries of the Yarra Valley are just to the north. Although there is a suburb called Dandenong in Melbourne, it is 30km from the mountain of the same name. Make sure you double check!
- Puffing Billy. This historic steam train is the most popular attraction in the Dandenong Ranges. It runs on its original 24 km mountain railway track from Belgrave to Gembrook, through the beautiful lush bush of the ranges. It doesn't come cheap though: tickets are $31/48 single/return for adults, $15/24 for children.
- Kokoda Memorial Track (1000 Steps), Burwood Highway and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. Named in memory of the notorious Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, this is a steep 1.5-km long staircase that combines hiking through near-jungle conditions, with historical plaques documenting the battles against the Japanese and horrific conditions endured by Australian soldiers and their allies. At the top of the hill is the One Tree Hill picnic ground and a series of trails leading in all directions. Very popular on weekends!
- William Ricketts Sanctuary. Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Daily 10AM-4:30PM (except Christmas Day). May be closed during fire bans. William Ricketts is a well known Australian artist, and this, his previously private retreat, is dotted with amazing sculptures blended into the natural environment. Free entry.
- Mt Dandenong Scenic Lookout on the 633m summit is accessible by road and looks out across all of Melbourne
- Flower farms
- Devonshire tea houses with friendly parrots
- Mt Dandenong Arboretum. Unlike many arboreta in Australia, there is a focus on Southern Hemisphere conifers here.
- National Rhododendron Gardens. Daily 10AM-5PM except Christmas Day.
Puffing Billy. This historic steam train is the most popular attraction in the Dandenong Ranges. It runs on its original 24 km mountain railway track from Belgrave to Gembrook, through the beautiful lush bush of the ranges. It doesn't come cheap though: tickets are $31/48 single/return for adults, $15/24 for children.
Kokoda Memorial Track (1000 Steps), Burwood Highway and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Upper Ferntree Gully. Named in memory of the notorious [[Kokoda Track]] in Papua New Guinea, this is a steep 1.5-km long staircase that combines hiking through near-jungle conditions, with historical plaques documenting the battles against the Japanese and horrific conditions endured by Australian soldiers and their allies. At the top of the hill is the One Tree Hill picnic ground and a series of trails leading in all directions. Very popular on weekends!
William Ricketts Sanctuary. Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Daily 10AM-4:30PM (except Christmas Day). May be closed during fire bans. William Ricketts is a well known Australian artist, and this, his previously private retreat, is dotted with amazing sculptures blended into the natural environment. Free entry.
Mt Dandenong Scenic Lookout on the 633m summit is accessible by road and looks out across all of Melbourne
Mt Dandenong Arboretum. Unlike many arboreta in Australia, there is a focus on Southern Hemisphere conifers here.
National Rhododendron Gardens. Daily 10AM-5PM except Christmas Day.
Unless you're touring by car, you'll need to bring along your own supplies: there's a supermarket and a few basic eateries next to Upper Ferntree Gully station. The National Park has half a dozen picnic grounds with barbecues, shelters and water, as well as a cafe.
The Royal Hotel is across the road from Upper Ferntree Gully train station. There are also some bars in Belgrave, such as Ruby's which features live bands - check the gig guide.
- Parks Victoria office, Lower Picnic Ground, Ferntree Gully, Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Has park and track maps.
Parks Victoria office, Lower Picnic Ground, Ferntree Gully, Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Has park and track maps.