A 32-room mansion was built here in 1892 and burned down 40 years later. You can still see the stone steps that formed a grand approach to the old house in the remains of the gardens.
Families will appreciate the well-equipped picnic areas - each with its own car park - while nature lovers will fall for the landscaped gardens and winding trails that quickly transport you into the calm tranquillity of towering rainforest and birdsong.
The relatively easy Stables Track Loop walk departs from the Doongalla Stables Picnic Area. Follow the Stables Track until you reach a T-intersection. Turn right and climb until you join the Camelia Track. Turn right again here and walk until you join the unsealed Doongalla Forest Road which will take you back to the Stables carpark. Tread carefully and you might spot a lyrebird dashing across the track ahead of you.
Another much more challenging walk offers fit hikers the promise of one of the most spectacular views from the Dandenongs. Take the Channel 10 Track from the top of the Doongalla Homestead carpark and then take the Zig Zag Track uphill to Burkes Lookout. At 611 metres high, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Return down the Zig Zag Track and if you want to make a loop walk, turn right on the Channel 10 Track before making a left at Rankin Track and left onto Camelia Track.
A fantastic picnic area, ample parking, challenging and easy forest walks… remind you of anywhere? Doongalla Homestead is a peaceful alternative to the 1000 Steps Walk and Ferntree Gully Picnic Area, which get very crowded on weekends. Other picnic areas near Olinda include Valley Picnic Ground, Eagle Nest Picnic Ground and Olinda Falls Picnic Ground.
Things to do in the area
Bird watching
Day trips
Family activities
Picnics
How to get there
Doongalla Homestead
Facilities
When you're there
The picnic grounds open at 9:00 am each day, and close at 4:00 pm.
Accessibility
Doongalla is a steeply sloping area at the foot of Mt Dandenong. There is an unofficial parking area on a dirt road beside the picnic lawn and gardens that can be used by visitors with a disability. From this point the site is more easily accessible. No accessible toilet facilities are provided. The Stables Picnic Ground is only a short distance along the road and has water and recently installed accessible toilets.
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.
When to go
Nearby Events
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Need to know
Doongalla Homestead
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 Parks
Track closures
Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the closure of the following trails,Track 12, Track 24, Melba track, Pipeline track, Down hill, Yabung, Link trail, Magpie trail, Bakers dozen from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burn is scheduled from 24/2/2021 and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status ofcurrent planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.auTrack closures
Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the closure of the following trails,Track 12, Track 24, Melba track, Pipeline track, Down hill, Yabung, Link trail, Magpie trail, Bakers dozen from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burn is scheduled from 24/2/2021 and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status ofcurrent planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
New closing time
Please note that Kalorama Park, Doongalla Homestead Site and Stables picnic ground, Eagle Nest picnic ground, Valley picnic ground, and Silvan Reservoir Park close at 4:00 pm.