If you are planning a day trip to the Dandenongs from Melbourne, you need to consider a few things. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to get there, the attractions you can visit while you are there, and tips on how to make the most out of your trip.

Getting there by public transport

Getting to the Dandenongs from Melbourne by public transport is a great way to explore the countryside. With spectacular flora and lush greenery, this region is a great destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, a family picnic, or stunning scenic views, this area has something for everyone.

One of the best ways to get to the Dandenongs from Melbourne is by taking a train. The Mount Dandenong train departs from the Flinders Street station and travels to Upper Ferntree Gully Station. Alternatively, the Puffing Billy steam train runs through the eastern end of the ranges. This train takes you on a journey through some of the most scenic parts of Victoria.

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the National Rhododendron Gardens. You can view some of the world’s biggest rhododendrons, as well as beautiful gardens and an ornamental lake.

Another popular attraction is the William Ricketts Sanctuary. This aboriginal site is home to striking sculptures and meaningful artworks.

If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, consider visiting Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens. These beautiful grounds are home to some of the best gardens in Australia. Also, if you want to get a bird’s-eye view of the area, the SkyHigh Mount Dandenong offers 360-degree views.

The Yarra Valley is a great area to see the vine-strung hills and rolling vineyards. During the summer, this region is cool and perfect for picnicking. In addition, there are numerous visitor centres in the major towns.

Day trips from Melbourne to the Dandenongs

The Dandenongs are a lush and tranquil area in Melbourne. A day trip to the Dandenongs is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the Yarra Valley, the region features lush forests, cool fern gullies, and verdant valleys.

For a great overview of the area, take a guided tour. These tours usually offer transportation, snacks, and other activities. Some include a visit to the National Rhododendron Gardens.

Another interesting attraction is the Puffing Billy Steam Train. This classic train is the oldest operating steam train in Australia. It runs 25 kilometers from Belgrave to Emerald Lake. You can enjoy a comfortable ride on board the train, while absorbing the beautiful landscape of the area.

Other attractions in the Dandenongs are the 1000 Steps walk, which offers an exhilarating walk to the top of the mountain. There are also a number of villages in the area, which are popular sightseeing destinations.

The Yarra Valley is just south of the Dandenongs. Here, you can visit the National Rhododendron Gardens, as well as the Alfred Nicholas Gardens. During autumn, the gardens are filled with vibrant fall colors. In spring, the flowers are in full bloom.

The Dandenong Ranges are a great base from which to explore the surrounding Yarra Valley. Visitors can find accommodation in the local villages. If you’re looking for a more private tour, you can hire a car and explore the area in your own time.

Attractions in the Dandenongs

There are a variety of things to do in the Dandenongs from Melbourne. You’ll find gorgeous mountain ranges, lush bushland, wildlife parks and picturesque villages. Whether you’re looking for a nature retreat, a romantic getaway or a family trip, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy.

One of the most popular attractions in the Dandenongs is the Puffing Billy Railway. The steam train has been transporting passengers around the region since the 1900s, and is considered one of Australia’s most well-known tourist attractions. This quaint steam train takes you through scenic countryside and quaint villages.

Another Dandenongs attraction is the Alfred Nicholas Gardens. This stunning garden features ornamental lakes and a fern-fringed lake. Its lush landscapes are perfect for hiking and bushwalking.

Visitors can also enjoy the stunning landscape at the Mount Dandenong Observatory. The observatory provides awe-inspiring views of the landscape and Port Phillip Bay. A gazebo and restaurant are available for visitors.

Another great place to visit in the Dandenongs is the William Rickett’s Sanctuary. Located on a small hillock of rocky outcrops, this sanctuary celebrates Aboriginal culture. At its heart is a garden filled with 90 sculptures and a collection of plants and ferns.

For a truly unique experience, take a trail through the forest. Here you’ll find rare plants, wildflowers, and birds. Many of the paths are wheelchair accessible, and TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs are available for rent.

Aboriginal people occupied the Dandenongs

The Dandenongs are a volcanic range of mountains east of Melbourne. They have been an important source of timber since the early days of European settlement.

The first recorded European expedition to the Dandenongs was undertaken by Daniel Bunce in 1839. Bunce became a botanist, making extensive records of flora and fauna in the area.

In the late 19th century, aborigines were allowed to move freely around the Dandenongs. These tribes mounted frequent raids against white settlers and were often subjected to reprisals.

Some of the aborigines were involved in hop picking and agriculture. Many worked as stock riders. Others worked as hunters.

When the white man arrived in the 1840s, the Bunurong occupied the upper reaches of the Lodden and Goulburn Rivers. A group of the Bunurong, known as the Stolen Generation, was located in the Knox area.

Another group, the Wurrunjerri, occupied the lower Olinda Creek. Its members hunted lyrebirds in the higher ranges. Their bird tail feathers were sold to Melbourne exporters.

The Kulin Nation was a nation of Aboriginal people who occupied the central Victoria area, including Knox. They occupied the upper reaches of the Lodden, Loddon, and Goulburn rivers, as well as the wetlands surrounding the city.

A number of other aboriginal groups occupied the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. Some were hunters and fishermen, while others were nomadic.

An Aboriginal Protectorate was established in the Dandenongs in 1839, after recommendation by a British House of Commons committee. This was ineffective in achieving reconciliation between Europeans and Koories.

Thousands Steps trail

If you’re looking for a good half-day walk in the vicinity of Melbourne, the 1000 Steps Trail is a must. This trail is suitable for all levels of fitness and has excellent facilities.

The trail begins in the upper Ferntree Gully region of the Dandenong Ranges. The trail is popular with both locals and tourists. It has various tracks and a cafe that serves a number of foods.

A few of the more interesting features of the trail include the aforementioned tree-lined pathway and the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. The latter is actually a 1.4 km flight of stairs.

Another notable feature is the aforementioned water fountain. At the top of the hill, there are a number of benches. You can also enjoy a view of the town below.

There are also a number of rest stops along the way, including one with a playground. The official name of the 1000 Steps is the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk.

The best part about the trail is that it is incredibly easy to get to. A car park is located at the 1000 Steps Dandenong carpark, which is open from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and 7am to 9pm on weekends.

In addition to the 1000 Steps Walk, the Dandenong Ranges offers a plethora of other scenic trails. Most of these can be found within the park. However, the park is best reached by public transport.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong from Melbourne is an elevated viewing deck that boasts one of the city’s best views. Located in the lush Dandenong Ranges, the site is less than an hour’s drive from the city centre.

Despite its obscurity, the site has something for the entire family. It has a gift shop, an aptly named maze, and a contemporary cafe. The area is also home to a number of avian species, including the iconic Australiana tree. For those with disabilities, the site offers a range of accessible options.

A little more than half an hour from the city centre, the site is also close to some of the state’s most spectacular scenery. There are also some great options for lunch, dinner and drinks. Alternatively, try the cafe for a taste of the local fare.

The site has a few more things to offer, like a maze, a gift shop and an aviary. One of the more interesting features of the site is the SkyHigh maze, which was designed by John Connellan. Although the maze itself is relatively small, the maze’s other noteworthy features include a trompe l’oeil display, a telescope, a maze-like pathway, and garden squares around fountains.

The SkyHigh Licensed Bistro/Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. With its long paneled glass windows, it’s a nice place to dine. They also have a buffet area that’s worth a look.