The Dandenongs offer many scenic locales near Melbourne for exploration. Hiking trails wind through lush fern gullies and dense forests of Mountain Ash trees.
The park is famous for its diverse wildlife, where visitors can spot native animals like koalas, tree goannas and swamp wallabies. Springtime brings blooming rhododendrons that visitors can admire.
Belgrave Treetops Adventure
Treetops Adventure: Belgrave Park offers balance, bravery and stunning nature all under one roof – the ideal combination. Challenge yourself on an obstacle course set high among The Dandenongs treetops by scaling obstacles that reach 15 metres tall! There are over 100 challenges spanning this course’s two kilometers; 23 flying foxes extend out an astounding 120 meters! And this course caters for every ability and age group!
An adrenaline pumping activity, the high-ropes park at Puffing Billy Belgrave station of Glen Harrow Heritage Gardens provides an unforgettable experience and adventure for the whole family (3+ yrs). It offers unparalleled thrills!
From Yarra Valley, take Warburton Highway towards Belgrave and exit on Monbulk Road towards Old Monbulk Road before following signs to Treetops Adventure. Parking may be available on-site; please inquire before your visit for fees associated with parking spaces.
On arrival, you will be fitted with a harness and safety gear before being briefed by experienced staff on how to safely navigate our courses. Next up will be a tour of our courses before venturing off into the trees!
Once at the top, take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking view from above before beginning your trek through tree-top obstacles and zip lines as you discover this thrilling activity.
Experiences typically last approximately two hours, so bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, along with comfortable clothing featuring closed-toe shoes for optimal results.
Treetops Adventure is ideal for family fun! Come create unforgettable memories together.
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Yarra Valley and Yarra Ranges from its elevated position overlooking the Yarra Valley, featuring picnic and barbecue facilities, public barbecues (charges apply), restaurants and a maze. Just an hour from Melbourne, this popular tourist attraction is one of Victoria’s premier tourist attractions and provides entertainment for the whole family – be it lunch, dinner or just taking a quick coffee break, you are in for an experience you won’t soon forget!
SkyHigh Bistro, Melbourne’s main attraction, features stunning panoramic views of Greater Melbourne from their restaurant seating. Open all year with an inviting atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or coffee service throughout the year – this venue boasts innovative Modern Australian cuisine using seasonal fresh local produce; dishes include seared prawns with macadamia nut sambal and green mango salad as well as roasted lamb rump served with peperonata, chard, polenta and red wine jus for dessert!
SkyHigh Gardens are well worth exploring; spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic or BBQ on one of its lush lawns while taking in the spectacular vista. Cultivated since 2005, these lush gardens boast stunning shady lawns and vibrant flower beds – drawing families and groups out for picnics and barbeques (charges apply) every weekend in summer and fall (charges may apply). Furthermore, William Ricketts created over 90 sculptures featuring Aboriginal Australians throughout these grounds which make an impressionist impressionist landscape of Australian life that are found nowhere else!
The Park and Gardens feature many other fantastic surprises, including an English Garden, Australiana Tree, Percy Possum’s House, Hedged Maze and Giant’s Chair. In addition to these treasures there are trails designed for walking through native bush. These gardens make a wonderful day trip destination with your family or as wedding or event venues with wedding reception rooms featuring floor to ceiling windows offering truly spectacular views from inside out!
Cloudehill Gardens
The Dandenong Ranges make for a wonderful weekend getaway destination, offering plenty of things to see and do, such as dormant volcanoes, waterfall trails, mountain views and lush forests. Plus you’ll discover charming village towns offering cozy eateries and scenic attractions!
Sherbrooke Falls Trail offers a scenic 2.4-kilometer round trip trek that winds through fern gullies and forests of mountain ash and stringybark eucalyptus trees, rich with birdlife including multiple species of lyrebirds that call this forest home. A popular trail among nature enthusiasts and nature photographers alike during peak season; especially around its stunning waterfall. In addition, Grants Picnic Ground trail and Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk provide easy yet rewarding hikes as alternatives.
Healesville Sanctuary is an established wildlife park that features iconic Australian species. Visitors can meet kangaroos, wombats, and koalas at Meet the Handler encounters while the 30-hectare park also boasts a picturesque lake as well as an authentic-looking pioneer farmstead.
Cardinia Reservoir is another must-see activity in the Dandenongs, popular among both individuals and families for strolls and al fresco BBQs. Visitors to this lake often spot kangaroos as they take in breathtaking scenery while relaxing amid tranquil surroundings.
If you’re seeking a more challenging hike in the Dandenongs, the 1000 Steps Track should definitely be on your itinerary. This 17km one-way trail winds its way through lush Dandenong Ranges National Park near Warburton and boasts beautiful natural landscapes as well as rich history – but due to severe storm damage in 2021 several sections are currently closed due to reconstruction work being performed on them.
The Yarra Valley is an idyllic region full of delightful activities for visitors of all ages – from high teas to historic train rides and flower shows, not forgetting nature-rich wonders such as rainforests and waterfalls. Visitors can explore this charming region on foot or horseback; be sure to experience its legendary wine trail! It makes an excellent day trip destination from Melbourne. There are various transportation routes leading there.
Warburton Adventure Company
Warburton Adventure Company offers Melbourne locals and visitors alike an exhilarating adventure experience in their backyard. A charming township located in the Upper Yarra Valley, Warburton lies on traditional Wurundjeri land amidst rivers, creeks, mountains and rainforests. Warburton Adventure Company offers nature-based adventures such as caving, river sledding, mountain biking, hiking mindfulness walks and overnight camping for maximum fun and discovery! Their friendly team at Warburton Adventure Company look forward to sharing their favorite spots with travellers as well as locals alike!
Dandenong Ranges National Park provides scenic lookouts, lush fern-filled valleys and towering mountain ash woodlands that make the park an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. A network of walking paths criss-cross its rugged terrain with Sherbrooke Falls trail and the 1,000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk being two highlights; for more casual outings Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trails are popular amongst joggers and cyclists respectively.
Healesville Sanctuary is another must-see attraction, offering visitors the chance to witness native Australian animals in an authentic Australian setting. Home to kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and koalas; visitors can join meet the handler sessions and interact with these extraordinary creatures! Additionally, binoculars should come handy so as to catch sight of some bird species like wedge-tailed eagles!
Are you searching for the perfect place to unwind and indulge? Look no further! The Yarra Valley wine region boasts over 80 cellar doors, microbreweries and cider houses offering world-class dining, accommodation, scenic beauty and outstanding art – some of Australia’s biggest producers such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, Yering Station & Oakridge all call the Dandenong Ranges home!
The Yarra Valley is an ideal destination for families traveling with young children, offering numerous attractions like Healesville Sanctuary and Puffing Billy that provide ample opportunities for exploration while keeping little ones engaged. Furthermore, family-friendly hikes and picnic spots can be found throughout both Yarra Valley and Dandenongs.
