Dandenong Ranges

Dandenong Ranges Tourism

Tourist Attractions in and Around the Region of Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia

Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Australia is a region of natural beauty and a hugely popular tourist destination for both Australian and international visitors. With its lush greenery, fabulous scenery, and rich cultural heritage, Dandenong Ranges has a wide range of tourist attractions to suit all visitors looking for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In this article, we will explore some of the best tourist attractions in and around Dandenong Ranges, categorize them according to activities and interests, and provide you with the necessary contact information to help you plan your trip.

Natural Attractions

A nature lover's paradise, Dandenong Ranges boasts some of the best natural attractions in Australia. From soaring mountain peaks to picturesque gardens, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular natural attractions to visit:

1. William Ricketts Sanctuary: A unique combination of natural beauty and Aboriginal art, this conservation park features a series of outdoor clay sculptures created by William Ricketts depicting the culture of the local indigenous community.

2. Sherbrooke Forest: One of the most popular parks in Dandenong Ranges, the Sherbrooke forest is home to some of the region's most spectacular natural wonders, including giant eucalyptus trees, rushing waterfalls, and diverse bird species.

3. Olinda Falls: A short hike from the village of Olinda takes you to the spectacular Olinda Falls, which cascade into a lovely pool of clear water.

Cultural Attractions

Dandenong Ranges is also known for its cultural heritage attractions, which provide insight into the region's rich history and traditions. Here are some of the most popular cultural attractions to visit:

1. Puffing Billy Railway: This historic steam train ride operates between Belgrave and Gembrook and takes visitors on a scenic ride through the forest through to the historic town of Gembrook.

2. Montsalvat: An artist's colony in Eltham, Montsalvat was founded in 1934 and is one of the oldest surviving artist colonies in Australia. It's open to the public and has art galleries, craft workshops, and a historic chapel.

3. Warratina Lavender Farm: For a taste of the region's agricultural heritage, visit this beautiful, fragrant farm that grows more than 8000 lavender plants of different types.

Outdoor Activities

Dandenong Ranges is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region's incredible landscape. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to do:

1. SkyHigh Mount Dandenong: SkyHigh offers breathtaking views of Melbourne's CBD skyline from high on the Dandenong Ranges. It has paved walking tracks to take in the stunning views, a restaurant, bistro, and picnic grounds.

2. Alfred Nicholas Gardens: This beautiful gardens was established in the early 1930s and features many unique and exotic plants and is just one of the great Dandenong Ranges locations to relax or have a family picnic.

3. Trees Adventure (Glen Harrow Park): Experience the rush of high-flying through the trees in a truly unique way at Trees Adventure with zip lines, obstacles, bridges, flying foxes, and more being offered to challenge everyone from beginners to high level adventure seekers.

With its diverse range of natural, cultural, and outdoor attractions, Dandenong Ranges has something to offer every visitor to the region. From hiking to train rides, art museums to lavender farms and more, there's no shortage of things to do and see. Why not plan your visit to Dandenong Ranges today?

Contact Information

For more information on the previously listed attractions, their hours of operation, fees and other details please contact:
William Ricketts Sanctuary: (03) 9755 2888
Sherbrooke Forest: 13 19 63
Olinda Falls: (03) 9758 7111
Puffing Billy Railway: Phone: (03) 9757 0700
Montsalvat: Phone: (03) 9439 7712
Warratina Lavender Farm: (03) 5964 4650
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong: (03) 9751 0443
Alfred Nicholas Gardens: (03) 9751 2376
Trees Adventure (Glen Harrow Park): 1300 880 446