Dandenong Ranges National Park

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Dandenong Ranges National Park

The forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges are a place of tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns and charismatic animals such as lyrebirds and wallabies. Conquer the famous 1000 Steps, discover Olinda Falls and enjoy commanding views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.

The Dandenong Ranges is a rainforest getaway on Melbourne's doorstep. A short drive or train ride from the city you will find steep volcanic hills covered in stands of the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash. Living among the greenery are wallabies, lyrebirds, wombats and the Powerful Owl so please ensure you leave your dogs at home to avoid disturbing the local wildlife.

Take an energetic walk up the 1000 Steps from Ferntree Gully Picnic Area and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign.

The mountains of the Dandenong Ranges offer stunning views across Melbourne. Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Olinda Falls and Sherbrooke Falls are best after rain. Just don't forget to wear hiking boots!


Opening hours

Dandenong Ranges National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays.

The entire Dandenong Ranges National Park (including 1000 Steps at Ferntree Gully) will be closed on days when the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or above.

Opening times apply to vehicle traffic for the following picnic grounds:

Doongalla Picnic Ground
Daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.

Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (including 1000 steps)
Open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.

One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
Daylight savings gates open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.

Valley and Eagles Nest picnic grounds
Daylight saving gates open 9.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 9.00 am to 4.00 pm daily.

Dandenong Ranges garden guide – 7 unique gardens close to Melbourne

You’ve probably heard of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, but did you know there are six other unique gardens and parks to explore nearby?

Two women walk up the 1000 steps track.

1000 Steps Walk

The 1000 Steps is probably Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk. Officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, runners love the challenge of the steep trail, locals appreciate the convenience and tourists just want a picture of a gorgeous rainforest walk.

Sherbrooke Falls in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Sherbrooke Falls walk and picnic area

Deep in the Sherbrooke Forest, you'll find Sherbrooke Falls, where little creek cascades into a delightful gully.

Two men mountain biking at Silvan Reservoir, Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

The steep terrain and tall canopy of the Silvan area of Dandenong Ranges National Park makes for an exciting mountain bike destination. The area hosts a combination of single trail and management vehicle tracks with opportunities for beginner and intermediate skill levels.

Need to know

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Storm Damage affected track and trails

    Approximately 15km of tracks and trails in the Dandenong Ranges National Park have been damaged by a heavy rainfall storm event in July 2024. Visitors are requested to remain alert to changing track/trail conditions and to observe any track/trail closures. This advice will stand until further updates are made as repairs take place, this may take several years due to lengthy delays involved with insurance claim processing.

  • Sherbrooke Track (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Wattle Track - Long Bridge is now open to the public

    After a 5 year wait, the Wattle Track pedestrian bridge over Sherbrooke Creek has been rebuilt and is now open to the public. The National Park team are very pleased with the new bridge which introduces a new style of construction that is built to last and is more easily repaired if damaged, we hope you enjoy crossing the creek once again.

  • Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet is Closed due to tree damage

    The Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet has been severely damaged by a fallen tree, the toilet block is closed until further notice. Please use the nearby O'Donohue Picnic Ground Toilets

    Attachments: Sherbrooke Toilet Damage (319KB)

  • Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform and Toilets are Closed

    The Olinda Falls lower viewing platform is currently closed due to severe damage caused by a fallen tree. All access to the lower falls area is closed to the public. The viewing platform is expected to be replaced sometime in 2025. 

    The picnic facilities and upper viewing platform remain open with the exception of the toilets, the toilets are closed permanently.

  • Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Valley Picnic Ground now open to vehicle access

    Valley Picnic Ground access road will reopen to visitors cars on Saturday the 10th of May 2025, this will allow you to drive all the way into the picnic facilities at the carpark.
    The Picnic area has had a bit of a makeover with two new tables on concrete slabs and a re-positioned wood fired BBQ, please bring your own firewood.

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

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