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.

  • Grants Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Temporary closure of Grants Picnic Ground Cafe

    Grants Picnic Ground Café is temporarily closed while Parks Victoria undertakes an Expression of Interest process to secure a long-term lease for the site. In the meantime, a mobile coffee van will be operating on-site from Tuesday to Saturday for the duration of the process.

  • Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet Update

    The Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet was severely damaged by a fallen tree, the toilet block has now been repaired and we are waiting on power to be restored to operate the sewer pump, this should take place in the next week or two. Once the toilet is opened (by mid October) this notice will be updated.

    In the interim please use the nearby O'Donohue Picnic Ground Toilets.

  • Olinda Falls Picnic Area

    Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform Closure Update

    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 prior to the end of December 2025.

     

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

  • Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Margaret Lester Walk

    The Margaret Lester walk track has rough and uneven surfaces, and is no longer suitable for people with accessibility requirements. 

    Parks Victoria will be undertaking upgrade works in the near future, this page will be updated as more is known. 

    We apologise for any inconvenience caused.


  • Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Predator Control Program Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. 

    Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) and sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poison baits will be used for the duration of the program.

     Fox baiting will occur between May and November 2025 at strategic locations across the park. 

    Under the National Parks Act 1975, dogs and cats cannot be taken into, or be allowed to remain within the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dogs and Cats are at risk from poison if they enter the National Park. 

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

Parks Victoria

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