Explore
Slow down at the Dandenong Valley Parklands and forget you’re in the heart of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Surround yourself with good friends and family in the wide, open spaces of Jells Park, Nortons Park and Shepherds Bush. Wander, cycle or run the tree-lined Dandenong Creek Trail. And bird lovers, set up in one of the bird hides for your chance to spot darters, pelicans, herons and cormorants.
Running through the heart of the park, the Dandenong Creek begins its journey as a series of springs on the western slopes of the Dandenong Ranges before flowing into urban areas and meeting up with the 49km Dandenong Creek Trail. Run, walk or cycle along the scenic trail with your four-legged pooch. The wide-open spaces of Jells Park, Shepherds Bush and Nortons Park were made for fun days out with family, friends and your four-legged pooch. Come prepared for a picnic or barbecue. Or book in at Madeline’s at Jells for something a little more civilized.
As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Jells Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Things to do in the area
Madelines at Jells
Picnic areas and playgrounds in Jells Park
BlindSquare app Jells Park
Bird watching
Tours in the area
Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.
If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.
Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.
How to get there
When you're there
Need to know
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.
Parks Victoria's social script resources for children on the autism spectrum have been developed with the professional assistance of AMAZE to increase the accessibility of its parks for people on the autism spectrum.
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.
BlindSquare GPS-app
Parks Victoria has partnered with Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) to facilitate the installation of BlindSquare at Jells Park, the world’s most widely used accessible GPS-app for people who are blind or with low vision. Through Customised Location Services (CLS), BlindSquare describes where a user is in the park and aids them in finding their way around, including areas not covered by standard GPS like walks, public toilets, picnic areas and barbecues. This app enables visitors who are blind or with low vision to explore the park safely and independently and to receive the many health benefits. A free version of the BlindSquare app is available called BlindSquare Event .
For further information, visit the BlindSquare or Guide Dogs Victoria websites.
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.
How we keep it special
A new nature-based all-abilities playspace is coming to Jells Park. A $3 million investment will create a playspace that will spark imaginations and encourage active play and include a changing places toilet in the playspace precinct.
