The north of the Dandenong Ranges National Park includes the area's highest peak, Mount Dandenong. This is a popular area for walks and picnics. Here you will find the historic site of the former Doongalla Homestead among beautiful gardens, magnificent Olinda Falls and stunning views from Burkes Lookout and Kalorama.
Escape to this wonderful cool temperate rainforest on Melbourne's doorstep. The northern Dandenong Ranges is a place of majestic scenery, stunning views, beautiful gardens and noisy, colourful wildlife.
Enjoy forest walks under the canopy of the world's tallest flowering plant, the Mountain Ash Tree. Take a moment to rest quietly and you might see a lyrebird scratching in the soil or a wallaby browsing in the undergrowth.
One of the best views in the Dandenongs is from Burkes Lookout, from where you can see the Kinglake Ranges, Mt Macedon, the You Yangs, Port Phillip and the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas on a clear day. Kalorama Lookout offers another great view – across to Silvan Reservoir.
Olinda has always been known for its gardens. The Dandenong Ranges Botanical Garden is hugely popular in spring when Rhododendrons bloom and cherry trees blossom, while the Mount Dandenong Arboretum is spectacular in autumn.
The Dandenong Ranges is a place where a spot of rain means you are more likely to see the natural wonders of the area. After a shower, the lyrebirds come out to feed, Olinda Falls flows more – and you might see a rainbow over the verdant hills.
Enjoy forest walks under the canopy of the world's tallest flowering plant, the Mountain Ash Tree. Take a moment to rest quietly and you might see a lyrebird scratching in the soil or a wallaby browsing in the undergrowth.
One of the best views in the Dandenongs is from Burkes Lookout, from where you can see the Kinglake Ranges, Mt Macedon, the You Yangs, Port Phillip and the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas on a clear day. Kalorama Lookout offers another great view – across to Silvan Reservoir.
Olinda has always been known for its gardens. The Dandenong Ranges Botanical Garden is hugely popular in spring when Rhododendrons bloom and cherry trees blossom, while the Mount Dandenong Arboretum is spectacular in autumn.
The Dandenong Ranges is a place where a spot of rain means you are more likely to see the natural wonders of the area. After a shower, the lyrebirds come out to feed, Olinda Falls flows more – and you might see a rainbow over the verdant hills.
Things To Do
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Garden) is host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around.
Doongalla Homestead
The Doongalla Homestead was established in the 1890s but destroyed by a bushfire in 1932. The remnant gardens and open lawn areas make this a great location for a family picnic.
Kalorama Park
Boasting spectacular views over Silvan Reservoir and the south-eastern face of the Dandenong Ranges, Kalorama Park is perfect for picnics, barbecues or simply relaxing whilst enjoying the magnificent surrounds.
Olinda-Falls
Starting at the Olinda Falls Picnic Ground, follow the Falls Track. After 300m, you will come to the top viewing platform across Olinda Creek as the steady flow of water cascades over the rocks. A further 140m leads to the lower viewing platform and a small bridge over the creek.
RJ Hamer Arboretum
Take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads of the Arboretum and take in the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley out to the Warburton Ranges and beyond.
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again.
How to get there
Dandenong Ranges National Park North
The north of the Dandenong Ranges National Park includes the area's highest peak, Mount Dandenong. This is a popular area for walks and picnics. Here you will find the historic site of the former Doongalla Homestead among beautiful gardens, magnificent Olinda Falls and stunning views from Burkes Lookout and Kalorama.
Facilities
Picnic Area
BBQ
Carpark
Lookout
When you're there
Dandenong Ranges National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. The Eagle Nest and Valley picnic grounds close at 6.00pm during Daylight Saving and at 4.00pm at other times of the year. The Doongalla Homestead Site and Stables picnic ground opens at 9.00am each day. It closes at 6.00pm during Daylight Saving and at 4.00pm at other times of the year. The park is closed when the local fire danger rating is 'Severe' and may also close when there is a forecast for damaging winds of 80kph or more. Check this page before your visit. Download the Dandenong Ranges National Park north visitor guide for more information about this part of the park.
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Nearby Events
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Need to know
Dandenong Ranges National Park North
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Grants Picnic Ground Hardy Gully Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Hardy Gully Nature Walk Temporary Closure
Hardy Gully Nature Walk in Sherbrooke Forest is closed to visitors for environmental protection reasons for 4 weeks. Alternative short walks include the Margaret Lester Forest Walk and Clematis Track opposite Grants Picnic Ground. -
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk closed until further notice
In response to advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer about COVID-19, the 1000 Steps/Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is closed until further notice. For more information, please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid19
