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.
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 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 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
Need to know
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Accessibility
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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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Parks closed due to Total Fire Ban
The following parks are closed on Thursday 21 November 2019 due to a Total Fire Ban in the Central Forecast District: Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, George Tindale Memorial Gardens, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Pirianda Garden, RJ Hamer Arboretum, William Ricketts Sanctuary, Dandenong Ranges National Park (including One Tree Hill, Sherbrooke, O’Donohue and Valley Picnic Ground, Eagles Nest Picnic Ground, Doongalla Homestead, Grants Picnic Ground, Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, Kalorama Park, 1000 Steps - Kokoda Memorial Walk and Olinda Falls), Black Hill Reserve, Perrins Creek, Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve and Silvan Reservoir Park.Visit the Emergency Management Victoria website at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond for live fire warnings, Fire Danger Ratings and incidents. -
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Wattle Track (in Sherbrooke Forest) closed indefinitely
Wattle Track in the Sherbrooke Forest area of the Dandenong Ranges National park is closed indefinitely due to a tree falling and destroying the Wattle Track (Long Bridge) foot bridge. Walkers can use Monument Track as an alternative route.Ramblers Track closed
Ramblers Track at Ferntree Gully is closed until further notice due to a fallen tree blocking access.Sassafras Creek Trail closed between Moxams Road and Baynes Park
Sassafras Creek Trail is closed between Moxams Road and Baynes Park until further notice due to severe damage from a fallen tree. -
Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Olinda Falls lower viewing platform and creek crossing closed
The Olinda Falls lower viewing platform and creek crossing is closed indefinitely due to severe damage from a fallen tree. Access to the lower falls is closed to the public.Toilets closed at Olinda Falls Picnic Area
The toilet facilities at Olinda Falls Picnic Ground are closed until further notice. Alternate toilets are located at Kalorama Park, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, and Olinda Township. -
Doongalla Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Lawrence Walk closed
Lawrence Walk is closed at Doongalla Picnic Ground until further notice due to an uprooted tree. -
Kays Picnic Area (Sassafras Creek N.C.R)
Kays Picnic Ground Closure
Visitors, please note Kays Picnic Ground is closed due to a tree hazard. -
Grants Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
BBQ out of order.
BBQ number 4 is currently out of order.Bird feeding at Grants Picnic Ground
As of February 2020, bird feeding will no longer be offered at Grants Picnic Ground in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. -
Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
BBQ out of order
BBQ 3 is currently out of order. -
Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
BBQs out of order
Several BBQs in the picnic ground at Ferntree Gully are currently out of order.
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.
