Explore
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Dandenong Ranges National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
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.
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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
Large areas in Dandenong Ranges National Park closed due to storm damage
Dandenong Ranges National Park was heavily impacted by severe storms on 9 June 2021 and a large section of the park will be closed until further notice. The following sites are open (updated 22 July 2021):- Ferntree
Gully Picnic Ground, One Tree Hill Picnic Ground, and most surrounding
tracks including Lyrebird Track are now open. The 1000 Steps/Kokoda
Memorial Track REMAINS CLOSED. Musk, Acacia, and Ramblers Tracks to the
east of the 1000 Step are also CLOSED.
- 1000 Steps Café
- East Sherbrooke (east of Monbulk Road), including Grants Picnic Ground
- Sherbrooke and O'Donohue Picnic Grounds and tracks to the east and north. Sherbrooke Falls REMAINS CLOSED.
- Silvan Reservoir Park
- Doongalla
Picnic Ground and most tracks to the east and north. Zig Zag track,
Channel Ten Track, Burkes lookout and area around the Mount Dandenong
Observatory REMAIN CLOSED.
- Olinda Precinct
- Black Hill Reserve (Selby)
All other parts of the park remain closed- see the attached map for more information.Assessments are still ongoing, but it is anticipated that more areas in the park will be able to open in the coming weeks. Areas where there is extensive damage may be closed for some time. We recommend you check this page for updates on closures.It is dangerous and illegal to enter closed areas and there is still high risk of further trees and branches falling.Attachments: Closure Map 22 July 2021 (4,593KB)
- Ferntree
Gully Picnic Ground, One Tree Hill Picnic Ground, and most surrounding
tracks including Lyrebird Track are now open. The 1000 Steps/Kokoda
Memorial Track REMAINS CLOSED. Musk, Acacia, and Ramblers Tracks to the
east of the 1000 Step are also CLOSED.
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Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Olinda Falls Toilets Closed
The public toilets at Olinda Falls are closed at least until the end of 2021, due to a major plumbing issue, Parks Victoria is working to resolve the matter as soon as possible. We acknowledge that the toilets have already been closed for a lengthy period, however due to planning and operational constraints the toilet works have been significantly delayed. Other public toilets nearby are at Kalorama Park or the Olinda Township. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
New closing time
Please note that Kalorama Park, Doongalla Homestead Site and Stables picnic ground, Eagle Nest picnic ground, Valley picnic ground, and Silvan Reservoir Park close at 4:00 pm.
Tours in the area
Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.
If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.
Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.
How we keep it special
