Dandenong Ranges lie just east of Melbourne and offer picturesque towns and villages as well as breathtaking natural features like towering Mountain Ash trees, fern gullies, and walking trails for exploration.

There’s much to see and experience here, from taking in the sights on board Puffing Billy steam train, exploring Sherbrooke Falls or just admiring their beauty after a rain shower. When visiting, try timing your visit after rain showers so as to capture its best appearance.

Sherbrooke Falls

Sherbrooke Falls are located within an idyllic forest setting where a small creek cascades down into a delightful gully, offering visitors a delightful walk along its course. Access is via Grants Picnic Ground or O’Donohue Picnic Ground; both offer access points leading to this fantastic rainforest hike, boasting Mountain Ash trees, stringybark, lush tree ferns and earthy aromas that come alive after it rains – this is also when your chances of seeing Lyrebirds rise!

Sherbrooke Forest is an idyllic escape for city residents seeking fresh air and breathtaking views in Melbourne, providing them with an ideal place to recharge their batteries and unwind from everyday stressors. As a cool temperate rainforest it hosts an array of wallabies, lyrebirds, wombats as well as other fauna including wallabies. One of the larger sections of Dandenong Ranges National Park it feels remote despite being near hilltop villages and vibrant tourist centres like Ferntree Gully.

Sherbrooke Forest is known for its breathtaking Mountain Ash forests and myriad walking trails suited for families as well as more challenging routes with steep volcanic hills and challenging terrain. It is an amazing place to explore on foot after rainstorms when the lyrebirds come out to play and waterfalls start flowing freely, creating an enchanting experience to discover on foot.

From Sherbrooke Falls you can choose either the Hillclimb Track or Ridge Track back to Sherbrooke Picnic Ground. Both tracks are well signposted and used by local joggers and walkers as an accessible form of exercise.

For those travelling by public transit or without their own car, Belgrave Station and bus stop provide easy access. This hotel is also within close proximity to both.

Robert W Graham, an ex-sea captain who had lived in Quebec in Canada and moved his family to Sherbrooke Falls during the late 1700s, first settled the region. Graham is widely credited with discovering Sherbrooke Falls and giving it its current name; also responsible for creating his house called Merrimu within its forest using horizontal slab walls, an adobe floor, weatherboards, which still stands as part of a National Heritage listed building today.

Olinda Falls

As you descend the track to Olinda Falls, the mellifluous sound of cascading water will accompany your steps. Lush landscape dotted with towering ferns and ancient trees offers a tranquil natural setting ideal for leisurely strolls and peaceful picnics; plus there’s the invigorating scent of eucalyptus filling the air to help recharge you in nature’s embrace.

Olinda is a popular tourist destination situated between Sassafras and Kallista villages, boasting cafes, boutique restaurants, antique and craft shops as well as stylish accommodation establishments. Olinda also features breathtaking gardens bursting with gorgeous blooming hydrangeas during the summer months – a true draw.

Olinda Falls are permanent cascades best seen after it rains. From the car park, walk to both upper and lower falls takes about 10-15 minutes – beware the steep Olinda Falls track with uneven rocky steps at its lower section but do not let this deter you from experiencing this gorgeous waterfall in all its glory!

Olinda is home to an abundance of native wildlife, such as wallabies, wombats, lyrebirds and rosellas. Visitors to Olinda may also witness kangaroos, koalas and other creatures roaming freely through its forests.

Dandenong Ranges National Park provides Melbourne residents with a rainforest getaway just a short train or bus ride from their city. Steep volcanic hills feature lush fern gullies and Mountain Ash forest while dry ridges sport stringybark and gum trees for an idyllic tropical experience.

Olinda Waterfall in the Dandenong Ranges is easily accessible for children and pets alike, making it an excellent place for outdoor fun in any season. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and clothes when visiting during warmer seasons; for cooler times be sure to bring extra layers.

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens is an absolute haven for garden enthusiasts, offering stunning rock gardens, fern gullies and lush lawns. Just recently named a Botanic Garden after previously being known as the National Rhododendron Garden, spring sees these gardens blossom with brilliantly hued blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and cherries but even visits in other seasons can bring pleasure; enjoy rich bark textures or intricate patterns of seed capsules while taking in nature’s rich textures or patterns.

Wander the grounds to be delighted by a collection of plantings and trees from different parts of Australia and overseas. One highlight is the Arboretum – which includes maturing deciduous and coniferous trees as well as large plantings of northern hemisphere forest species, creating an outstanding autumn display.

Visit Lakeside Settings and Japanese Gardens, featuring tranquil water features like koi ponds and an ornamental bridge, along with lakeside settings. Indulge yourself with various events and workshops throughout the year that showcase horticultural artistry!

There are various picnic spots and cafes throughout the Yarra Valley Gardens to take in stunning views, as well as enjoying food while taking in native bird song and taking advantage of some quiet retreat areas away from crowds.

Olinda Monbulk Road provides easy access to these gardens by car, with both main and side carparks offering designated disabled parking spots of 3.6 metres width.

Melbournians flock to this region year-round in search of relief from summer heat or soothing comfort during winter. The gardens provide an oasis of calming and restorative escape with lush forests, charming hilltop towns and charismatic wildlife such as wallabies and lyrebirds abounding – not forgetting Cambridge Cottages which offers luxurious country-luxe self-catered packages with spa services that allow them to indulge in ultimate indulgence after exploring the gardens all day long!

Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy, Australia’s beloved steam train, weaves through lush fern gullies and tropical rainforests of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges National Park. As one of Australia’s most beloved attractions (except Christmas Day! ), Puffing Billy operates daily except Christmas Day.

This 2 ft 6 in (762mm) narrow gauge railway was created to open up remote areas and was the first low-cost narrow gauge line constructed in Victoria during the early 1900s. Today’s route runs along an original 24 kilometre mountain track from Belgrave to Lakeside and Gembrook – 40 kilometers east of Melbourne – making this railway one of the oldest and most celebrated attractions worldwide, drawing visitors from both Australia and internationally.

To preserve this line for future generations, the Puffing Billy Historic and Cultural Features Reserve was formed in 1973 and managed by an independent not-for-profit company. The Reserve also includes Emerald Lake Park and Wright State Forest – two beautiful destinations which you can experience by riding Puffing Billy Railway today! Today they operate open side carriages as close to those on original line as possible so visitors can get the full effect of natural environment through taking a ride on Puffing Billy Railway!

Make sure to visit the new visitor centre while in town; its stunning architecture features rugged materials clad with TERROIR’s Monument (r) finish that blends in perfectly with both its surroundings and history. This striking structure has won multiple architecture awards and stands out as one of the region’s most distinct structures.

Join the Train of Lights for an unforgettable railway adventure and be amazed by an evening trip on board its timeless steam train, combined with mesmerising light displays! Your 2.5-hour return trip from Lakeside Station to Gembrook will leave you speechless.

Puffing Billy offers several family-friendly events such as murder mystery trains and high tea expresses; fans of Thomas the Tank Engine should definitely plan a visit during one of his events!