Dandenong Ranges are located approximately 35 kilometres east of Melbourne and provide a tropical rainforest retreat. Their steep volcanic hills covered with dense temperate forest and fern gullies provide habitats for an array of native animals such as swamp wallabies, lyrebirds and the powerful Owl.

Walking tracks such as the 1000 Steps Walk have also become a memorial to veterans of the Kokoda Track Campaign as they took to foot to complete their arduous journey.

The 1000 Steps Walk

One of Melbourne’s premier scenic attractions, the 1000 Steps Walk offers an invigorating and rewarding hiking experience. Set against lush fern valleys, Mountain Ash trees and cool rainforest vegetation, the 1000 Steps is an arduous yet rewarding trek through Dandenong Ranges National Park that tests strength and endurance. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts, its steep eucalyptus-clad trails culminate at One Tree Hill summit; suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels alike with some sections being particularly difficult for older visitors.

The Thousand Steps was initially constructed of tree fern trunks; today it has been updated with more permanent concrete steps for your convenience. A round trip from the park’s main entrance to its summit can take 30 to 1.5 hours depending on your fitness level; go at your own pace and avoid overexerting yourself! Take note of memorial plaques along the route as a historical marker, plus check out Kokoda Track Memorial Walk which honors Australian soldiers who participated in 1972 Kokoda campaigns.

Visitors are advised to bring water bottles and wear comfortable footwear when visiting. Early spring or autumn are the ideal times, when leaves burst with vibrant color across the landscape. In addition, there are numerous picnic tables at this park making it an ideal spot for family outings or friends visiting for a daytrip.

To reach the park from Melbourne, take the Belgrave Line train and alight at Upper Ferntree Gully station. From here it is an 800 meter stroll east along Burwood Highway towards Burwood Highway to reach parking area of 1000 Steps. Alternatively you could try walking Ramblers Track Loop which passes through old-growth forest for an alternative experience; please remember dogs are prohibited so leave them at home before visiting! Additionally parking may be limited near 1000 Steps so it would be wise to book tickets online beforehand for maximum satisfaction!

Heritage Hill

Heritage Hill is a historic precinct located in Dandenong that encompasses three heritage buildings and two acres of beautifully maintained historic gardens, making it an ideal destination for family outings, public programs, exhibitions and group tours.

The Laurel Lodge and Benga houses are living testaments to Dandenong’s domestic cultural heritage. Replete with period pieces to give visitors a peek into life of an elite family in earlier days, visitors can witness for themselves how people lived then and experience how people experienced daily life then.

Heritage Hill project by architects is an impressive demonstration of how new works can be seamlessly integrated with existing heritage infrastructure. Its new bridge echoes the rhythm of 1927 timber bridge while offering fishing platform. Furthermore, a bronze kookaburra sculpture stands proudly upon it.

The Dandenongs are a series of low mountain ranges located approximately 35 kilometres (22 mi) east of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. Home to dense temperate rainforest with tall mountain ash trees and lush fern-filled gullies, the ranges attract thousands of tourists each year from both domestic and overseas visitors for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, as well as scenic drives.

Heritage Hills has made great efforts over time to ensure its unique architectural legacy is maintained for residents to continue enjoying. Alongside this dedication, they also work towards keeping Heritage Hills’ landscape looking its best and maintaining historic homes within its community.

This property offers an abundance of amenities, such as five pools, six tennis courts, four pickleball courts, two bocce courts and paddle courts, a lake and recreation center. Residents may also take advantage of Lake Lodge which features meeting rooms and theater space for performances as well as areas for billiards, table tennis and bridge in addition to art and sculpture studios.

Heritage Hills community is overseen by a volunteer board comprising 15 members. This board oversees various recreational activities in addition to building maintenance. Residents are invited to take part in these events which promote socialization between neighbors. Furthermore, there is also a shuttle bus available that takes residents directly to nearby Metro North train station.

Ferntree Gully National Park

Dandenong Ranges are famously characterized by eucalypt-dominated landscape, providing tranquil forest walks, charming hilltop towns and charismatic animals. Experience Olinda Falls or conquering 1000 Steps for amazing Melbourne city views in this magnificent park.

The Dandenong Ranges have long been significant to clans of Wurundjeri people as well as European explorers since colonisation began. Today they provide timber, agricultural produce and leisure activities – something no other region in Australia can match!

Upper Ferntree Gully became one of the earliest resort areas to experience large scale tourism after the opening of the railway in 1889 and the development of motorised transport, when large scale tourism became possible in this region.

At 40 kilometres east of Melbourne lies an abundant natural environment of temperate rainforest and cool fern gullies – an experience unlike any other! As altitude increases, so too do temperatures: they vary by up to 1 degree for every 100 metres in elevation with summer months being especially hot.

Early European settlers dramatically altered the landscape by clearing land and cutting timber, as well as creating public parks and private reserves throughout. Ferntree Gully became the first national park declared in this region, while more sections were designated later.

Historic houses within the park include Rev James Clow’s former home at Corhantuan (which now serves as its education centre) and Andrew and Ephraim Hansen’s Ambleside house – built by Swedish immigrants Andrew and Ephraim Hansen who cultivated vegetables and flowers for local markets; its gardens now open to the public are considered of particular heritage value.

The park offers several walking tracks that were originally logging or bullock trails but have since been converted to fire management trails since forestry operations have ceased in the Park. These provide access for walkers, cyclists, joggers and horse riders.

Dandenong Ranges National Park forms part of the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People and Parks Victoria is proud to acknowledge their continuing relationship to these lands.

Olinda Falls

Olinda Falls Reserve in Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges offers a small picnic area and walking trail leading directly to Olinda Falls, making for a beautiful stroll after it has rained. For an even greater adventure, the longer Cascade Track offers even greater views but requires more fitness from you!

Olinda Falls reserve is one of the rare areas within the Dandenong Ranges to boast cool temperate rainforest with tall gum trees and ferns, offering visitors breathtaking views and picturesque waterfalls along their journey. Perfect for relaxing picnics while listening to birdsong and enjoying its scent; Olinda is also an excellent place for seeing local wildlife like emus, wombats, and possums!

Olinda offers many charming cafes, antique and handicraft galleries, art studios, sculpture studios and sculpture parks as part of its cultural heritage and tourist draw; not to mention artists and artisans from around the globe! No wonder it has become such a sought-after tourist destination!

Olinda Village features beautifully restored buildings that are open for visitors. Additionally, shops sell locally made products. Olinda Carnival, one of Brazil’s most acclaimed festivals with dances like frevo maracatu and caboclinho is held here annually.

Village life in Lahaina is also famed for its music scene, boasting several bands that specialize in traditional folk, jazz and classical tunes. Some groups even perform during carnival rehearsals and there’s usually an impressive parade taking place the day before the actual festival starts – making music and dancing part of its history and an irresistible draw for visitors alike.

Olinda is an idyllic village nestled within Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges, ideal for hiking through lush forests and gardens, exploring national parks such as Dandenong Ranges National Park or touring attractions like Puffing Billy Steam Train or SkyHigh Mount Dandenong.