Explore
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!
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 walk and picnic area
Deep in the Sherbrooke Forest, you'll find Sherbrooke Falls, where little creek cascades into a delightful gully.
When you're there
Download the Dandenong Ranges National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Please note; dogs are not allowed in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Need to know
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Grants, O’Donohue, Sherbrooke, One Tree Hill and Ferntree Gully picnic grounds were assessed for accessibility in June 2020, providing information about the accessibility of these areas and photos.
Margaret Lester Forest Walk
TrailRider
Journey among the tallest flowering plants in the world, the Mountain Ash. Picnic with the melodious song of the Superb Lyrebird in the background. Discover rare orchids and marvel at the tree ferns with their link to ancient Gondwanaland. A TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair is the perfect way for park visitors with significant mobility limitations to explore the magnificence of Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Education Excursions
This park offers curriculum-aligned ranger-guided excursions for school students. Download the Education Program to find out more and book your visit.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Weddings
While Parks Victoria offers a range of stunning natural landscapes to hold your special day, please note that we do not accept any wedding ceremony or photography bookings in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Find out more about wedding ceremony and wedding photography and filming permits for other Parks Victoria venues.
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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.
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Dandenong Ranges National Park
Doongalla Tracks Closure - Dandenong Ranges NP
Planned burning and Candeling operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the closure of- Dacite Tk and Channel Tk from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burn is scheduled from May 24th, 2022
and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns Further closures will be announced as works progress. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Olinda/Silvan Storm Recovery Works Occurring
Following the 2021 storm events, Parks Victoria is partnering with other government agencies to support recovery efforts on public land. In the Silvan and Olinda areas, VicForest will remove debris and treat hazardous trees to reduce the bushfire risk and enable safe and rapid response to emergencies. Works will also re-establish safe public access and allow the forest to regenerate. Environmental and cultural values are being identified and managed during this process. For your safety please observe signage, do not enter work sites and beware of machinery and trucks.The following tracks remain closed until dry weather allows crews to complete:Yallambie Tk (area 3 - see map).The following tracks will be closed from 18 May to 1 June:Board Tk, Rd 2, Rd 16 and Rd 15 (area 2 - see map).Attachments: Silvan.Olinda Recovery Overview Map (288KB)
Closures due to June 2021 storm damage
- Valley Picnic Ground is closed to picnicking, visitors can use Boundary Road to access the park however no vehicle access is permitted.
- 1000 Steps/Kokoda Memorial Walk
- Sassafras Creek/Menzies Creek walking track
- Mechanics Track from the Tourist Rd to Falls Rd near Olinda Falls
- May Moon Walk at Kalorama Park
- William Ricketts Sanctuary
- Areas of Silvan/Olinda forest
Attachments: DR Storm Damage Works - Autumn 2022 Flyer (1,671KB)
Lyrebird Track closure due to recovery works
From the 30th of May to the 4th of June recovery works will occur on Lyrebird Track and 1000 Steps. Thereafter, Lyrebird Track will re-open but 1000 Steps will remain closed for insurable repairs to the stairs.
There is a alternative route along School Tk, Belview Tk and Ramu Tk (green line on map). Indicative signs will be placed at every turn along this route, which is less steep but will take longer (3.5km one way).Attachments: Alternate route to Lyrebird Track (113KB)
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 the all 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.
How we keep it special
We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.
