Dandenong Ranges - National Park

Dandenong Ranges - National Park
Dandenong Tourist Road, Dandenong.
Victoria.

The Dandenong ranges are on the eastern side of Melbourne and have a myriad of things to do, activities, bush walks etc. Going from one suburb to another is most probably the best way to see this area. Experience the sheer beauty & ruggedness of the Australian Flora & Fauna. Take the Mt Dandenong Tourist road to all these places.

• Olinda - The National Rhododendron gardens are open from 10am to 5pm daily and are located on the Georgian road, Olinda. The train will take you up to the Upper Ferntree Gully station from here you can catch the Olinda bus and the gardens are just a short walk away from the town. Mostly known for its rhododendron plants & other flowering plants such as azaleas, daffodils etc which are a treat to see in spring time although it remains beautiful during other times as well due to other shrubs & trees. Apart from this there are plant nurseries, Olinda golf course, bed & breakfast places and other shops of interest.



• Sassafras - Is located on the Mt Dandenong tourist road in the Dandenong Ranges and is a beautiful place to visit especially if you are interested in antiques, galleries and plenty of cafes. Every time I go to this place I visit the various cafes & and have Devonshire tea and just relax & take in the peaceful settings.



• Kalista - Mainly known for the Sherbrooke forest, grants picnic ground, forest walks, tea rooms, galleries & Beagley's bridge.



• Upwey - Mostly noted for the Burrinja gallery which is said to have one of Australia's best collection of aboriginal art & artefacts. This is located on the corner of Glenfern road & Matson drive, Upwey.



• Sherbrooke - Dandenong Ranges are also popular for Sherbrooke walks, Sherbrooke Picnic Grounds, George Tindale & Alfred Nicolas gardens. You can see Rainbow parakeets & kookaburra's flying from tree to tree in the forest area.



• Silvan - Mostly noted for Tesslar tulip farm where during spring they host a tulip festival. It's an incredible to see the many varieties & colours of tulips on this farm. Apart from this are the Silvan reservoir and many plant nurseries around this area.



• Belgrave - Best way to get here is to catch the Belgrave train and stroll to the local strip shops. If you have kids you might want to catch the Puffing Billy train (steam engine) which goes up to Gembrook station through lush forests. During Autumn & Spring they have Thomas the Tank Engine pulling the carriages which is really exciting for kids who adore Thomas. At Puffing Billy Emerald Town Station witness the 'Thomas' and 'Fat Controller' pantomime along with other activities.



• Emerald - Here you will find the Emerald Lake where you can try your skills at paddle boating, see the model railway display, lakeside train station, BBQ facilities etc.



• Gembrook - Is a small little town up in the hills which is the last station for Puffing Billy. Has a small garden & kids play area next to the station.
Puffing Billy is a steam train of historic importance and is literally a museum on wheels which has become a tourist attraction for kids & adults as well. Puffing Billy runs all year through with the exception of Christmas day. Puffing Billy starts from Belgrave station and has a stop over at Emerald Lake Park thereafter it goes up to Gembrook.

Opening hours: As these are different suburbs the best times will be 10am to 5pm except Christmas day.

Entry: Check Tour availability & Book your tickets now.

How to get there: If your going by car take the scenic Mt Dandenong Tourist road to all these places.

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