Dandenong Ranges National Park


Covering 3215 hectares, the park plays an important role in protecting its population of famous lyrebirds. Since June 1997 Olinda State Forest and the Mt Evelyn Forest have also been included in Dandenong Ranges National Park. The Superb Lyrebird is its most famous inhabitant. People the world over are fascinated by the ability of this bird to mimic the calls of other bird species. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow faced Honeyeaters and Pied Currawongs are some of the native birds most frequently seen in the park.

Things to Do

Visit the Mt Dandenong Observatory for great views, try a walk, or cycling or horse riding (certain tracks only).

Enjoy a picnic at the Lower Picnic Ground near Ferntree Gully or at One Tree Hill or in Sherbrooke Forest.

Near the park are coffee shops and restaurants, craft shops, antique shops, gardens and the historic Puffing Billy train from Belgrave to Lakeside.

Horse riders are welcome to explore the designated horse riding trails in the quieter parts of the National Park.
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Bike riders are welcome to explore the network of cycling tracks that wind through the park.
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Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track: Meandering and criss-crossing the cool, clear waters of the Sassafras, Woori Yallock and Menzies Creeks is the 17 kilometre Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track. This intimate track passes through fern-filled gullies, eucalypt covered ridges and over numerous bridges and boardwalks. The walk can be undertaken from either direction, starting from the quaint little township of Sassafras, or from Emerald. You can also break up the walk into shorter sections, stopping off at any of the picnic grounds along the way. The walk is graded moderate to easy with some undulating terrain and some steeper sections.
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Living Bush Nature Walk: This great Ferntree Gully walk enables you to experience beautiful native bushland, including spectacular fern gullies and tall eucalypt trees. Discover features of the bush that you may not have been aware of before - not only things to see, but also to hear, touch and smell - along this 3 km medium grade track. Allow about 1.5 hours for the walk. Head through the archway at the top carpark of the picnic ground, turn right along the track just behind the playground to start the walk. Numbered posts beside the track indicate points of interest.
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Olinda Creek Walking Track: The walk extends from Silvan Reservoir Park in the east to Mt. Evelyn in the west. Passing through many different vegetation types from dry open forest areas to spectacular fern-filled gullies, the walking track provides an ideal setting to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Australian bush. Along the way watch out for some of the native animals that inhabit the area, such as Short-beaked Echidna, Superb Lyrebird and Black Wallaby.
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Facilities

This is mostly a day visit area and camping is not permitted. There is now, however, an increasing number of bed and breakfasts in and around the Dandenongs that are popular for short weekend breaks.

How to Get There

The 40 km drive from Melbourne via Burwood Highway or Canterbury Road takes about 1 hour. Alternatively, take the train to Upper Ferntree Gully or Belgrave station. More >> Website >>










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