Known for its lush rainforests, farms and a bounty of tourist attractions, the Dandenong Ranges is a sensory-delightful escape from Melbourne.
Hiking in the Dandenongs is an experience that offers a sensory feast, as waterfalls splash over rocky outcrops and crimson rosellas call out to the air. It’s also one of the best places to spot Australian wildlife.
1. Miss Marple’s Tea Room
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy high tea in the Dandenong Ranges, look no further than Miss Marple’s Tea Room. Located in Sassafras, a quaint township that’s a popular day trip destination, this English-style tea and scone experience is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Despite its charming Tudor-style building and scrumptious savoury and sweet treats, this tea house can get quite busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. That’s why it’s a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation.
After you’ve sipped on a pot of tea, you can enjoy your meal in the cozy restaurant. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes including classic scones, soups and sandwiches, as well as an extensive list of desserts.
In addition to a traditional tea, this restaurant also offers a number of different specialty high teas that are crafted to suit your needs and tastes. For example, the Chocolaterie High Tea at Yarra Valley Chocolatier features a delectable selection of treats, including their famous Peach Melba ice-cream.
While we all know that you can indulge in delicious devonshire teas and scone treats at home, there’s something about taking it to the next level that just makes the whole experience more enjoyable. There are many options for enjoying high tea in the dandenongs, from traditional venues to those that take the concept a step further and offer Burlesque and even a henna painting!
Another option is Cloudehill Gardens, a lush oasis in the Dandenong Ranges where you can relax and lose yourself among towering rhododendrons and hydrangeas. The gardens also feature a stunning water garden, fern-fringed lakes, and a boathouse that’s often the subject of wedding photographs.
For a more adventurous experience, you can take a walk on the 1,000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Trail or head out on a waterfall hike. There are also several other hiking trails in the area, which will give you a chance to explore some of the more beautiful scenery in the Dandenong Ranges.
If you’re looking to visit the best devonshire tea location in the dandenongs, make sure to download the Moovit App or Website before you go. It’s the best way to plan your route and see all available routes and times. Using the app is free and easy, and with millions of users worldwide, it’s the best way to find a reliable bus or train ride.
2. King Henrys Sassafras
Sassafras is a quaint model village that draws tourists from far and wide to admire its nineteenth century charm and lush English gardens. Visitors can hop from brunch to late lunch and dinner, savouring devonshire tea along the way at a range of cafes and restaurants.
One of the best places to enjoy high tea in the Dandenongs is King Henry’s Sassafras, a family-owned restaurant situated in a regal old guest house in this historic town. This traditional British restaurant has a charming decor that showcases King Henry himself, making it the perfect place to visit with the kids or for an intimate wedding.
There is something for everyone at King Henry’s, serving up classic British cuisine from braised beef cheeks and bacon pies to tasty scones and muffins. You can also enjoy a good glass of beer, gin or scotch in this cosy eatery.
You can dine in a secluded setting and soak up the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges. William Rickett’s Sanctuary is a popular tourist destination that celebrates the rich culture of the Aboriginal people. Nestled in a garden of ferns and mountain ash trees, these beautiful gardens feature more than 90 intricate ceramic sculptures depicting the traditional Aboriginal people.
During winter, visitors can experience a romantic yuletide stroll through this lush and mystical park. The fern-fringed lake and waterfalls are a sight to see, while hiking trails wind through the forest.
This regal garden is a popular spot for weddings and boasts a variety of blooms, including rhododendrons and azaleas in spring, hydrangeas and native ferns in summer, and colorful autumn foliage. The garden is also known for its evocative water features, such as a pond with a boathouse and soft waterfalls.
The Dandenong Ranges is a beautiful region full of quaint towns that are a delight to explore. These enchanting destinations are scattered with antique stores, galleries and historical buildings. It’s a great place to find a tranquil escape from the city and to enjoy a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of life.
The dandenongs is a place where nature lovers can get in touch with their inner green thumbs. It’s a stunning natural environment with a bevy of scenic gardens, and it’s home to numerous species of birds. Some of the most popular things to do in the dandenongs include exploring evocative art galleries, visiting quaint country villages and taking in a ride on a historic steam train.
3. Cream at Sassafras
Located in the quaint village of Sassafras, Cream at Sassafras is one of the best devonshire tea locations in the dandenongs. This cafe is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a gourmet meal while also soaking up the beauty of the dandenong ranges.
Indulge in a classic devonshire tea, or try the famous peach melba. This mingling of peach, raspberry and vanilla ice-cream is an absolute treat! This restaurant is a must visit when you’re in the area.
A swathe of greenery and a horde of fern-draped trails, the Dandenong Ranges is a popular playground for outdoor enthusiasts. But this region is much more than just a place to go hiking and frolic in nature. It’s also home to a number of excellent restaurants.
There are plenty of options to satisfy the appetite, from cosy pubs serving local beers and a hearty lunch to whitewashed minimalist cafes dishing up inventive breakfasts. And while you’re out for a stroll, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs along the way.
Miss Marple’s Tea Room is the quintessential dandenong ranges experience, serving up devonshire tea and delicious savoury treats inspired by Agatha Christie. It’s a great choice for those with vegetarian or gluten free diets, too.
Other great places to visit in Sassafras include Geppetto’s Workshop, which offers wooden toys and handmade puppets. You can also stop by the Tea Leaves shop to pick up a teapot as a souvenir or purchase some black, green and herbal teas.
Olinda Tea House is another wonderful destination for a high tea in the dandenongs. The venue is architecturally designed and completely immersed in nature. You can see friendly alpacas roaming around and even spot some native wildlife. After your high tea, take some time out in the beautiful gardens and soak up the peace & tranquillity that the Dandenong Ranges has to offer!
The best part about the dandenongs is that you don’t have to choose between dining and exploring. You can do both in one trip!
4. Olinda Tea House & Restaurant
If you’re looking for a more relaxed tea experience, head over to Olinda Tea House & Restaurant in the Dandenong Ranges. This modern environmentally sustainable building is located in the midst of 17 acres of mountain ash forests and historic flower gardens, so you can enjoy the beauty of nature while you relax.
Whether you’re visiting Olinda on business or you want to spend some time with your loved one, this is the perfect place to do so. The staff are extremely friendly and they’ll provide a delicious devonshire tea to make your day special.
Olinda Tea House & Restaurant is situated at 86a Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda, Victoria, and it’s open six days a week (Wednesday to Monday). It’s not on the Quandoo menu yet, so you’ll need to contact them to make a reservation.
The restaurant is a popular choice for locals and tourists who visit the area to see Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens or the Puffing Billy Railway. It offers good belly pork, fried prawns and beef tenderloin.
They also have a nice jasmine tea and a delicious wine that pairs well with the food. They also have various catering services, including tastings and sit-down dinners.
If you’re planning a wedding, this is the perfect venue. They’ll work with you to tailor a package that suits your needs and budget, so that you can have the most amazing wedding.
Featuring floor to ceiling windows and bi-fold doors, your reception will be surrounded by the beautiful gardens and bushland backdrop. They also have a wide selection of tables, chairs, centrepieces and flowers for you to choose from.
Located in the midst of the scenic Dandenong Ranges, Olinda Tea House & Restaurant is the perfect venue for a romantic wedding. They have a versatile function room that can be adapted to suit your style and needs, as well as outdoor areas for dining and ceremonies. Their staff and management are experienced in weddings, so they’ll be able to make sure your day goes as smoothly as possible.
