Near Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges make wonderful family playgrounds. Close enough for quick outings yet far enough away that it feels like an escape, these stunning mountains can provide ample adventure.

Explore soaring forests of mountain ash and fern gullies by foot or car, uncover beautiful gardens, charming villages, and tasty country cuisine.

Mount Dandenong Ranges is a nature lover’s paradise

Dandenong Ranges are a nature lover’s paradise located east of Melbourne. Visitors can indulge in an abundance of outdoor activities and scenic tours here, from hiking through rainforests to touring farms with picturesque farms, lush gardens and colourful flowers; plus there are charming country villages offering cultural attractions; those with green thumbs will delight at all the spectacular gardens bursting with rainbow-hued rhododendrons, fragrant blooms and fiery autumn colors lining its streets!

Forests throughout Sherbrooke Forest are home to an abundance of indigenous animals, such as lyrebirds, cockatoos and parrots that visitors may hear as they hike trails or picnic in parks. Hikers may hear birds chirping as they pass along shaded trails and enjoy picnicking at Grant’s Picnic Ground located within Sherbrooke Forest; here birdwatchers often spot cockatoos and king parrots amongst many other bird species! There are also popular hiking trails branching off this spot that offer breathtaking views!

The park is also famous for its botanical gardens. Alfred Nicholas Gardens – named after a philanthropist – are one of the most beautiful and well-known in the region, boasting blooms like rhododendrons and azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in summer, vibrant beech maple leaves in fall as well as its romantic water features – like fern-fringed lakes and soft-flowing waterfalls – making for one of the most romantic things to do in Dandenong Ranges!

Popular tourist activities in the park include exploring art galleries and taking a ride on a historic steam train. There is also a diverse array of wildlife here ranging from swamp wallabies, lyrebirds, and even Wombats (depending on the season).

Visitors should remember that this area forms part of the traditional homelands of the indigenous Wurundjeri people and should respect their culture. Visitors are advised to abide by strict wildlife guidelines when visiting the park and leave pets at home when visiting. They should bring along a reusable water bottle and pack appropriately for weather conditions.

It offers a variety of accommodations

Mount Dandenong Ranges offer self-contained cottages, luxury apartments and bed and breakfasts suitable for every need and taste – perfect for families, couples and business travellers. In close proximity to Olinda and Yarra Valley there is also an array of accommodation suitable for business travellers who visit this region.

Maison Belle Retreat’s exquisite villas can be enjoyed by both couples and individuals, and feature lush forests and European trees, beautiful rhododendrons, ferns, exotic birds such as lorikeets and king parrots; deer and wallabies can often be spotted roaming freely about. There are even several walking tracks for getting close to nature.

Villa d’Amour at Kaivalya Mount Dandenong, a luxury hotel located in Mount Dandenong, features spacious rooms that come fully-equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Furthermore, its convenient location means just minutes away from Yarra Valley wineries and within an hour’s drive of Melbourne CBD.

Cottages located at this property cover two hectares of natural rainforest and fern gullies, and feature deluxe spa baths and private balconies with panoramic mountain views. Within walking distance from Olinda village, each cottage also comes equipped with barbecue pits, TV’s with free internet access and its own parking spot for added convenience.

Lochiel offers luxurious villas that make an excellent romantic retreat, featuring amenities such as outdoor hot tubs, BBQ facilities, fire pits and firepits in addition to other features such as an indoor pool and sauna.

Mount Dandenong Retreat is just an hour’s drive from Melbourne city center and features luxurious suites that overlook century-old English gardens, providing beautiful scenery throughout the year. Nearby are National Rhododendron Gardens, Cuckoo Restaurant, Puffing Billy Railway and Grants Picnic Ground for added enjoyment.

It is easy to get around

Mount Dandenong Ranges offer an easy drive from Melbourne and offer plenty of cozy pubs and crafty shops, wild nature and manicured gardens – everything needed for an ideal getaway weekend or day trip from the city! Eucalyptus forests abound here along with rolling hills dotted with charming villages like Sassafras, Olinda and Kallista for you to discover and enjoy!

National Park offers peaceful strolls through its rugged, moss-covered forests where you may spot lyrebirds, echidnas and wallabies. There are multiple walking trails within this park including Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track, Olinda Creek Walking Trail and Margaret Lester Forest Walk; additionally William Ricketts Sanctuary features 92 sculptures depicting Aboriginal spirituality spread out among tranquil forest pathways.

A great budget-friendly day trip, take the train from Belgrave or Upper Ferntree Gully to Emerald Lake – featuring an impressive trestle bridge and new museum/cafe complex, this train is a favourite with steam-train enthusiasts such as Michael Portillo; tickets are reasonably priced too!

Public buses offer another convenient method for reaching Olinda without a car, with Bus 698 traveling between Upper Ferntree Gully and Olinda with stops in Belgrave or Upper Ferntree Gully; additionally it stops at several local attractions; check schedules accordingly!

While in Australia, make sure not to miss visiting Olinda Tea House; one of Australia’s premier afternoon tea spots! Their extensive menu also offers breakfast and lunch items allowing them to stay for an entire day’s visit.

Proserpina Bakehouse in Ferny Creek offers something more luxurious for visitors looking for something with more class. This large space serves as a bakery, cafe and delicatessen offering specialty cakes, gourmet pizzas and pasties made using flour milled on-site.

Quest Dandenong offers accessible apartment-style accommodation that is suitable for families with both pets and non-pets alike. Their 1 and 2 bedroom units feature kitchens, laundry facilities and open plan lounge & dining rooms equipped with wheelchair accessibility. In addition, this property features an accessible swimming pool complete with change rooms located close to hospitals such as Monash Health.

It is home to a variety of delicious local cuisine

The Dandenong Ranges are an incredible day trip destination from Melbourne, providing visitors with breathtaking natural beauty. Ranging from stunning mountaintop views to cozy cafes with charming ambience, there is something here for everyone – and its villages of Mount Dandenong, Sassafras and Olinda boast vibrant cafe culture while national parks nearby provide opportunities for hiking and exploring.

A great time to visit the Dandenong Ranges is in spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and dry – an ideal opportunity to spot wildflowers, explore parks and gardens, as well as enjoy Alfred Nicholas Gardens which features gorgeously-landscaped art deco mansions with colorful landscaping that changes throughout the seasons, fern gullies for exploring, waterfalls rushing over rocks, and stunning colors throughout all four seasons.

Sherbrooke Forest is another highlight of the region, as this cool temperate rainforest hosts an array of wildlife and is home to the world’s tallest flowering plant – making this paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Hikers can catch Puffing Billy Railway; an iconic steam train that travels through lush fern gullies beneath mountain ash forests before ending at Grants Picnic Ground or Sherbrooke Falls trail for an accessible adventure!

Dandenong Ranges are not complete without stopping at one of their charming cafes, such as Cuckoo Restaurant with its Bavarian ambience and delectable dishes to offer. Experience an unforgettable dining experience for yourself, here! This family-friendly eatery provides you with plenty of tasty meals in one sitting.

Maples-Gatehouse Bed and Breakfast provides luxurious accommodations to those seeking a more personal experience. Situated in Olinda, this property provides spacious apartments that are fully wheelchair-accessible; guests can also take in breathtaking scenery from their private balcon or walk to nearby attractions like Dandenong Ranges Botanical Garden or Sky High Mount Dandenong.