The southern section of Dandenong Ranges National Park includes Ferntree Gully, Sherbrooke Forest and pretty hilltop towns. Tackle the famous and popular 1000 Steps - or relax at Grants Picnic Ground and meander around the all-abilities walk there. Either way, you'll see magnificent Mountain Ash forests and colourful birds.
The southern Dandenong Ranges is a popular getaway for Melburnians to escape the heat of the city in the summer – or just to unwind all year round. Here you can relax surrounded by the verdant sights, earthy smells and raucous sounds of nature.
These misty mountains are home to some of the most popular walks in Victoria. Enjoy the challenge of the 1000 Steps and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign. Explore Sherbrooke Forest from Grants Picnic Ground. The Margaret Lester Forest Walk is an accessible walk perfect for people who are mobility impaired
There are also quieter walks that are just as spectacular. The Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk is one of the best bushwalks in Victoria for more experienced hikers looking to escape the throng. It's quieter places such as these where you are most likely to spot the Dandenongs' most celebrated resident
Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Sherbrooke Falls is best after rain - and if there's been a downpour, you're more likely to see a lyrebird.
These misty mountains are home to some of the most popular walks in Victoria. Enjoy the challenge of the 1000 Steps and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign. Explore Sherbrooke Forest from Grants Picnic Ground. The Margaret Lester Forest Walk is an accessible walk perfect for people who are mobility impaired
There are also quieter walks that are just as spectacular. The Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk is one of the best bushwalks in Victoria for more experienced hikers looking to escape the throng. It's quieter places such as these where you are most likely to spot the Dandenongs' most celebrated resident
Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Sherbrooke Falls is best after rain - and if there's been a downpour, you're more likely to see a lyrebird.
Things To Do
1000 Steps
Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps was originally made from the trunks of tree ferns laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier. These were replaced by wooden palings before the more permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950.
Sherbrooke Falls
Tracks leading from Sherbrooke and O’Donohue Picnic Ground provide the easiest walk to the falls through the attractive landscape of tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns. The falls are most inspiring after rain when the swollen Sherbrooke Creek rushes over the rocks.
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
The gardens will delight all year round. In Spring, it is blooming with rhododendrons, azaleas, camelias, kalmias and flowering cherries on the lake. Summer is the time to see hydrangeas, fuchsias, native ferns, rhododendrons and native terrestrial orchids. In Autumn the foliage of maples, beech and the famous golden ginkgos on the lake is stunning. In Winter you will see camelias and the early rhododendrons.
Dandenong Ranges National Park accessibility information
Grants, O’Donohue, Sherbrooke, One Tree Hill and Ferntree Gully picnic grounds were assessed for accessibility in June 2020, providing information about the accessibility of these areas and photos.
Pirianda Garden
With magnificent views and a backdrop of ever-changing colours, photographers and bird watchers are in for a treat at Pirianda Garden, while the lawns are perfect for spreading out with a picnic feast.
Guided Park Walks
Meet new people and connect with nature on a free guided Park Walk in one of Victoria’s beautiful parks. Walks are led by our trained and friendly volunteers, so you can relax, enjoy the serenity of the bush and chat with other group members. Go on a walk as a once-off to explore somewhere new or become a regular and add it to your wellbeing or fitness routine.
How to get there
Dandenong Ranges National Park South
Catch a train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station on the Belgrave train line. It's just an 800 metre walk to the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and a 1.4 km walk to the base of the 1000 Steps.
Belgrave Station on the same line is a 1km walk to Coles Ridge Track on the park boundary and a 3km walk to Grants Picnic Ground.
To get further into the Dandenong Ranges on public transport, you can catch a bus along Mt Dandenong Tourist Road. Bus route 688 runs between Croydon Train Station and Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/4805
Belgrave Station on the same line is a 1km walk to Coles Ridge Track on the park boundary and a 3km walk to Grants Picnic Ground.
To get further into the Dandenong Ranges on public transport, you can catch a bus along Mt Dandenong Tourist Road. Bus route 688 runs between Croydon Train Station and Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/4805
Facilities
BBQ
Carpark
Picnic Area
Toilets
When you're there
Dandenong Ranges National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. Opening times apply to vehicle traffic for the One Tree Hill Picnic Ground, which has an automatic gate in operation and is open 6.00am to 9.00pm daily. The Ferntree Gully entrance of the 1000 Steps has automatic boom gates that close at 9.00pm, preventing access to the 1000 Steps and Kokoda memorial walk (vehicles can exit at any time over road spikes). 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. For more information about this part of the park, download the visitor guide.
Need to know
Dandenong Ranges National Park South
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. Grants, O’Donohue, Sherbrooke, One Tree Hill and Ferntree Gully picnic grounds were assessed for accessibility in June 2020, providing information about the accessibility of these areas and photos.
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.
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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Closures due to storm damage
- Valley Picnic Ground is closed to picnicking; visitors can use Boundary Road to access the park however no vehicle access is permitted.
- Sections of Sassafras Creek/Menzies Creek walking track
- Wattle Track in Sherbrooke
- William Ricketts Sanctuary
- Areas of Silvan/Olinda forest
Attachments: DR Storm Damage Works - Autumn 2022 Flyer (1,671KB)
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Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet Closed
The toilet block is closed temporarily awaiting connection to the sewer, the nearby O'Donohues Picnic Ground toilet is open.
