The dandenongs are a beautiful region of Australia, perfect for a day trip from Melbourne. Located just 30 km from the city, this area offers a variety of activities to enjoy.
The Dandenong Ranges are home to several towns and a national park. These areas have stunning landscapes and hiking trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Take a train
The Dandenong Ranges are a stunning rainforest getaway on Melbourne’s doorstep, with steep volcanic hills covered in stands of the world’s tallest flowering tree. Several peaks exceed 1,600 ft (500 m), and they’re home to a wide range of native Australian mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates.
With a high level of migrant settlement, Dandenong is one of Australia’s most diverse suburbs. Its 2011 Census found that 67% of its population were born overseas – slightly higher than Greater Dandenong and over twice the corresponding metropolitan proportion of 33%.
Many Melburnians make the trip to this scenic region at least once a year, and if you’re visiting, you can easily get there on a day trip from Melbourne. There are many iconic experiences to be had here, including an energetic walk up the 1000 Steps at Ferntree Gully Picnic Area and a ride on the Puffing Billy railway through towering forests and charming villages.
The Dandenongs are also home to a host of beautiful gardens, flaunting everything from rainbow-hued rhododendrons to fragrant blooms and fiery fall colors. And there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with the wildlife here, from lyrebirds and wombats to sugar gliders.
A popular way to explore the Dandenongs is by train, especially on the Belgrave line of the Metro network. It chugs through the stunning scenery, passing through lush fern glades and towering forests and over historic trestle bridges.
There are many ways to get around Dandenong, and it’s best to plan your journey in advance. A good place to start is Moovit, which offers free maps and live directions on public transit routes in the city.
Another option is to use the rail map on your smartphone and follow the directions given there. You can even see the status of your route in real time, and find out when trains are scheduled to arrive at your destination.
You’ll want to keep an eye out for the famous bluestone houses of Olinda and Sassafras, where you’ll find evocative art galleries exhibiting one-off designs in jewellery, furniture and glasswork. You can also visit quaint country villages where you’ll find cafes and restaurants serving up tasty meals and refreshing beverages. If you’re looking to spend more time exploring the Dandenong Ranges, there are numerous hiking trails for you to take in this gorgeous part of Victoria.
Take a bus
If you want to go to the Dandenongs but don’t have your own car, there are a few ways to get there. One of the easiest options is to take a bus. You can also use a train.
Moovit is a free app that helps you find the best bus and train routes to your destination. Just enter your starting point and destination, and Moovit will provide you with step-by-step directions on how to get there.
The app is easy to use and has live GPS tracking for each ride. You can even see when the bus or train will arrive and how much it costs.
It’s also possible to compare prices and timetables from different transit operators. With Moovit, you can easily compare prices for buses and trains to Dandenong and other cities in Australia.
Another way to travel is to catch a ferry. The Dandenong Ferry connects the city with the Port of Melbourne. This is a great option for those who are looking to avoid the traffic on the freeway and enjoy a more scenic route across the water.
For those who aren’t keen on driving, there are bus services that will take you directly to the dandenongs from melbourne. For example, the bus service 688 will take you from Croydon Station up to Upper Ferntree Gully. You can then walk a few minutes to the start of one of many bushwalking tracks in the area.
There are also some buses that will take you from Yarra Glen to Healesville. You can also catch a Ventura bus to Warburton or Olinda. However, these services are not always available, so it’s best to check the timetable before you head out.
Take a guided tour
When you’re planning to visit the Dandenong Ranges from melbourne, the best way to get around is with a guided tour. These tours can last from 6 hours to a day, and you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will show you the best of the region.
During your tour, you’ll also have the chance to sample local wines or chocolates while soaking in the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges national park. It’s a fun and rewarding way to spend a day.
The dandenongs are known for their breathtaking mountain views and lush fern gullies. You can also enjoy a scenic Puffing Billy train ride and explore quaint country towns such as Olinda and Sassafras.
It’s easy to see why the dandenongs are one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne. The area is home to a slew of pristine parks and forest areas, which make it an ideal place for hiking or cross-country skiing.
You can enjoy some amazing scenery while you’re here as well, and the dandenongs are a popular destination for families with children. Whether you’re looking to take a scenic train ride or enjoy a family-friendly activity such as a picnic and fishing at Emerald Lake, the Dandenongs has something for everyone.
There are also a number of spectacular gardens to explore in the dandenongs. These gardens are filled with gorgeous azaleas, cherry-tree blossoms and rhododendrons.
Another great thing to do in the dandenongs is to go fruit picking during the summer. The rich soils of the Dandenong Ranges are perfect for growing berries, cherries and apples, and you’ll be able to pick these fruits at several berry farms in the region.
This makes a trip to the dandenongs perfect for people who love to garden and enjoy fresh produce from their surroundings. You can find a number of beautiful, award-winning gardens here, including Cloudehill Gardens and William Ricketts Sanctuary.
The dandenongs are also home to some fantastic fine dining restaurants. You can enjoy delicious meals in elegant settings at places like Coonara Springs and the Forest Lounge, which use regional produce in sophisticated dishes.
Drive
The Dandenongs are a short drive from Melbourne and a must for all visitors to this vibrant city. The area is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and wide range of activities.
The ranges are best visited in spring when the beautiful rhododendrons, azaleas and daffodils burst into flower. Visit the Botanic Garden to watch this spectacular show or gaze at a sea of bright tulips at Tesselaar Tulip Farm.
There are several ways to get to the Dandenongs, including by train, bus and car. You can take a scenic train trip on the Puffing Billy, an iconic steam train that runs between Belgrave and Gembrook. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Dandenong Ranges and is a landmark Victorian experience.
Another option is to take a guided tour that includes visiting a national park and a local village. Depending on your group’s interests and abilities, the tour will include hikes, picnicking or fruit picking.
If you are looking for a unique day trip to the Dandenongs, book a private tour with an experienced tour guide. They will share their knowledge about the region and the history of its inhabitants.
Taking a private tour to the Dandenongs is an excellent way to see all of the region’s attractions in one day, and a great way to experience the culture of Australia. It also provides a safe environment for children and adults to explore the natural world.
A day trip to the Dandenongs is a fantastic idea for families and groups of friends, as well as couples and singles. The region is home to a number of beautiful and historic sites that are a must-see for all travellers.
The Dandenong Ranges are a place of stunning landscapes and lush rainforests. These forests have plenty of waterfalls and other attractions to explore, along with a variety of hiking trails.
You can also go berry picking in season at Cherryhill Orchards and Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, as well as Kookaberry Berry Farm. There are also a number of great cafes and restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges to enjoy a meal or drink with your family.
