An experience in The Dandenongs goes far beyond strolling through picturesque hill villages; it encapsulates an intricate web of craft traditions interlaced with customs, daily rhythms, and the knowledge accumulated over generations past.
Explore gallery art collections and meander through rural hamlets on foot or ride the Puffing Billy Railway past historic trestle bridges and through lush fern gullies on an exciting journey!
Laurel Lodge & Benga House
At first glance, Laurel Lodge dazzles visitors with its native-stone masonry, spacious wraparound porch, and abundance of windows. However, closer inspection reveals this house to be full of surprises: bayonets and bullets were embedded into its masonry while old tools and gears were built into its porch pillars – not something one would normally expect in contemporary structures of its day. Laurel Lodge also displayed a degree of sophistication uncommon for contemporary structures of its time.
Information panels have been strategically installed around the home. They tell its history from its builders, owners, and tenants and guide visitors from Langhorne Street up the path toward it.
Laurel Lodge was designed in 1912 at the peak of American Arts and Crafts movement, reflecting this architectural style in its architecture. According to Glynn, it is “eminently eligible” for National Register listing as it stands out in terms of architectural style, construction date, period of its completion as an example of upper class social networks in Dandenong and more.
As well as serving as a residence, this property also served as the site for an elite ladies private school and convent. Purchased from Mrs Woodcock’s estate in 1951 and opened to the public as an historic house museum in 1973.
Property includes gardens designed to complement the interior design of the building. Public access is allowed from 10am-4pm Tuesday-Friday.
Churchill Park is an important remnant of Melbourne’s natural bushland and forest that existed prior to European colonization. The park shows evidence of land clearing practices through disused aqueducts, channels, and abandoned quarry sites as well as offering an array of vegetation including eucalypts, gum trees, and heaths.
Location: Dandenong 8 km northeast off Churchill Park Drive
Heritage Hill
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is Victoria’s premier cool-climate garden, boasting stunning views over Yarra Valley and boasting extensive collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and other shrubs such as camellias. Additionally, artist William Ricketts created 92 striking sculptures within this sanctuary; interconnecting paths meander through beautiful fern gullies while visitors can take either a self-guided audio tour or simply stroll
Location: Upper Ferntree Gully The Sanctuary in Upper Ferntree Gully offers visitors both locals and tourists an intimate and enchanting place of beauty and serenity, making for an exceptional experience. Part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape belonging to the Wurundjeri people and Parks Victoria recognises their deep connection to these lands.
Fern gullies are lined with ancient, scarred eucalypts that tell a special tale. These trees provided food and water resources to Indigenous communities as well as being used for tool making and canoe building; their scarred bark serves as a constant reminder of their heritage.
Heritage Hill Brewery offers a great experience, featuring an assortment of craft beers on tap as well as delicious pizza. Popular among locals, its outdoor seating and lovely atmosphere provide the perfect place to unwind and unwind.
One of the most beloved attractions in Dandenongs is the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, an immensely popular hike that honors Australian soldiers who lost their lives fighting the Japanese in Papua New Guinea during World War II. Nicknamed ‘1000 Steps”, this hike has gained considerable acclaim since being established as an outlet to remember those lost soldiers. It first started being conducted back in 2014 – quickly gaining in popularity with each subsequent edition and ceremony to honour these fallen.
Palladino highlighted the significance of keeping these events, while maintaining Heritage Hill’s legacy.
Food trucks, live entertainment and artisan vendors will all be featured at this festival, along with campsites for those who prefer sleeping out under the stars. Heritage Hill Brewing Company in Georgia is currently the only brewer that operates a hops breeding program, so Palladino hopes this festival will convince more growers to invest in this aspect of their industry.
Potter’s Sanctuary
An hour outside Melbourne lies this sanctuary filled with William Rickett’s 92 clay sculptures. Set amongst fern and mountain ash trees covered in moss, his works fit right in. A relaxing walk through the woods leads visitors to a small cabin for reflection and prayer.
Potter’s Sanctuary’s history and craft are deeply interwoven with that of its neighborhood, Adams Morgan. In the 1970s, Adams Morgan became an epicenter for activism and social change; local residents battled discrimination under the banner of Black Power while church members began accompanying children at Junior Village (a city-run orphanage) until eventually providing living options and organizing to close it down.
By the late ’80s, church members began responding to the needs of neighbors struggling with poverty and marginalization. Family Place and Columbia Road Health Services opened their doors for support services for families; while Eighth Day and Jubilee churches helped mobilize protests against US foreign policy abroad; moreover dozens of local residents signed the Pledge of Resistance.
Even as these efforts were underway, Potter’s House continued to provide space where neighbors could come together and celebrate their shared gifts, explore big questions, and build movements for change. Rustic coffeehouses on Columbia Road welcomed all with open arms; local artists displayed their work at exhibitions through Potter’s House Press publications; drummers and singers regularly performed at Coffeehouse performances – providing another important space where neighbors could come together.
The Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges offer an abundance of hidden delights, from charming mountain towns and beautiful gardens to world-class restaurants, boutique wineries and luxury accommodation. Just an hour from Melbourne CBD, they provide memorable nature, culinary and cultural experiences that won’t soon be forgotten.
From the moment you drive into The Dandenongs, you are welcomed by lush forests and picturesque hilltop villages adorned with towering mountain ash trees, giant tree ferns, vibrant colors and leafy country roads that lead to cozy village cafes and boutique shopping strips. Additionally, The Dandenongs boast superb wines, breweries, cellar doors, gourmet produce restaurants as well as boutique artisan studios and shops that make up its local economy.
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, wealthy families from Melbourne began coming to the mountains as weekend retreats, which drastically changed the area as elaborate country houses and guesthouses were constructed to cater for their friends and family. Over time, permanent residents settled down permanently in this district where farming became important – it remains so today, particularly around Monbulk and Emerald.
The National Park itself is an idyllic destination for exploration and hiking enthusiasts, featuring scenic trails that wind through temperate rainforest with waterfalls and historical sites along their paths. You can also hop aboard Australia’s oldest steam train Puffing Billy which runs between Belgrave, Upper Ferntree Gully, Gembrook and Croydon Stations on an eight-hour journey between them; take time out during your ride for morning/afternoon tea/luncheon in one of the restored dining cars for an enjoyable journey!
Dandenong Ranges National Park offers stunning mountainous beauty that serves as the inspiration behind many charming cottages and grand hill homes dotting its hills, providing the ideal home base for exploring its diverse wildlife and scenery. Many villages within its boundaries provide accommodation, restaurants and coffee shops suitable to everyone in their village; local artisans such as Joanne Maggs’ handthrown ceramics at Lillypilly Pottery as well as organic body products at Soap Opera as well as Truffaux Hatmakers provide stunning fedoras, caps and Panama hats for visitors alike – its stunning natural beauty serves both creative locals as well as visitors to come see its delights for themselves!
