Enjoy forest walks under the canopy of the world's tallest flowering plant, the Mountain Ash Tree. Take a moment to rest quietly and you might see a lyrebird scratching in the soil or a wallaby browsing in the undergrowth.
One of the best views in the Dandenongs is from Burkes Lookout, from where you can see the Kinglake Ranges, Mt Macedon, the You Yangs, Port Phillip and the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas on a clear day. Kalorama Lookout offers another great view – across to Silvan Reservoir.
Olinda has always been known for its gardens. The Dandenong Ranges Botanical Garden is hugely popular in spring when Rhododendrons bloom and cherry trees blossom, while the Mount Dandenong Arboretum is spectacular in autumn.
The Dandenong Ranges is a place where a spot of rain means you are more likely to see the natural wonders of the area. After a shower, the lyrebirds come out to feed, Olinda Falls flows more – and you might see a rainbow over the verdant hills.
Things To Do
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda
Doongalla Homestead
Kalorama Park
Olinda-Falls
RJ Hamer Arboretum
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park
Guided Park Walks
How to get there
Dandenong Ranges National Park North
Facilities
When you're there
Dandenong Ranges National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays.
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.
The park is closed when the local fire danger rating is 'Severe' and may also close when there is a forecast for damaging winds of 80kph or more. Check this page before your visit and download the Dandenong Ranges National Park north visitor guide for more information about this part of the park.
Need to know
Dandenong Ranges National Park North
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.
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.
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
Mechanics Track partially closed
Mechanics Track has been reopened between Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Farndons Road. The section of track between Farndons Road and Falls Road is expected to be re-opened by the end of July 2024. Re-opening has been slow given the amount of large trees and damaged assets that required removal and repairs from the 2021 major storm event. Note that the walking track is mostly an earthen trail and is wet and muddy for most of its length.Park Areas Closed Due To Deer Control Activities
Parks Victoria are continuing deer control ground-shooting operations in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This program will be taking place between the hours of 6pm and 6am on a number of nights in 2024. Current dates of operation are;
10th- 14 June 2024
26th- 28th June 2024These control works are being undertaken by accredited and authorised contractors.For reasons of public safety, various areas of the park will be inaccessible during the evening throughout this period.Signage will be in place at official access points when control activities are occurring. For your own safety please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.For further information please call 131963Attachments: Neighbour_Notification_Map_DRNP_2324_09012024010908957 (2,529KB)
Fox Control Dandenong Ranges National Park
Parks Victoria are continuing the fox control program in the Dandenong Ranges National Park to relieve predation to native fauna.Poison Baiting will occur between May - November 2024.Programs involve the use of buried poison baits and canid pest ejectors containing Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080) and Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) in strategic locations across the park. Domestic dogs and cats are at risk from exposure to both poisons.Under the National Parks Act (1975) dogs and cats cannot be taken into or be allowed to remain within the Dandenong Ranges National Park. -
Kalorama Park Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Kalorama Park toilets are closed with the disabled toilet open for use
Kalorama Park toilets are closed due to asbestos being discovered in the building, recent vandalism exposed the wall panelling revealing that it contains asbestos. For public safety the affected toilets are closed until works are completed to remove and replace the wall panelling. The disabled toilet does not have asbestos wall cladding and will remain open for the public to use. A time frame for the remediation works is unknown and as soon as funding is secured the works will commence. -
Grants Picnic Ground Hardy Gully Walk
Hardy Gully Nature Walk Closed due to storm damage
Hardy Gully Nature Walk has been badly impacted by a heavy rainfall event on the 15th of July 2024. Visitors are requested not to enter the closed trail due to deep scouring of the track surface. A repair date is unknown at this stage as we wait on the outcome of a possible insurance claim. -
Eagle Nest Picnic Area
Eagles Nest Picnic Ground access road closure
Eagles Nest picnic ground access road is permanently closed to visitors vehicles at Silvan Road. Pedestrian access remains open. -
Valley Picnic Ground
Valley Picnic Ground access road is closed to cars
- Valley Picnic Ground access road is closed to visitors cars, visitors are still able to walk in and use the facilities.
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Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk
Margaret Lester Forest Walk Upgrade Works
In 2024 the Margaret Lester Walking Track is being upgraded to provide an all abilities accessible walking experience. The track will have a 1.2metre wide concrete surface and handrails. Five new stopping points will be created along the track and directional and education signage will be upgraded so people can learn more about the area. Once complete, the track will be a Grade 1 walk, suitable for visitors with prams, wheelchairs or limited mobility, to enjoy the forest.For more information visit:www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-region/dandenong-ranges-national-park-grants-picnic-area-upgrades -
Olinda Falls Picnic Area
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 2024.
The picnic facilities and upper viewing platform remain open with the exception of the public toilets, the toilets are closed permanently.