Dandenong Ranges National Park North

A couple enjoying a picnic of cheese and fruit on a rug on grass, a tall tree fern sits behind them and deciduous trees in autumn colour.

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Dandenong Ranges National Park North

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The north of the Dandenong Ranges National Park includes the area's highest peak, Mount Dandenong. This is a popular area for walks and picnics. Here you will find the historic site of the former Doongalla Homestead among beautiful gardens, magnificent Olinda Falls and stunning views from Burkes Lookout and Kalorama.

Escape to this wonderful cool temperate rainforest on Melbourne's doorstep. The northern Dandenong Ranges is a place of majestic scenery, stunning views, beautiful gardens and noisy, colourful wildlife.

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

 
People walk along a paved path surrounded by mature autumnal European trees.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Garden) is host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around.
A landscaped garden with winding paths, a large pond and filled with mature native Australian plants.

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

Located in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, this beautiful native garden is a re-creation of the award-winning ‘Australian Garden’ exhibit, the first ever Australian entry to win at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show.
A man in a blue puffer jack walks towards a women with black hair wearing a cream jumper to join a picnic.

Doongalla Homestead

The Doongalla Homestead was established in the 1890s but destroyed by a bushfire in 1932. The remnant gardens and open lawn areas make this a great location for a family picnic.
The stunning view from the top of Kalorama Park in the northern section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Kalorama Park

Boasting spectacular views over Silvan Reservoir and the south-eastern face of the Dandenong Ranges, Kalorama Park is perfect for picnics, barbecues or simply relaxing whilst enjoying the magnificent surrounds.
Water cascades over Olinda Falls

Olinda-Falls

Starting at the Olinda Falls Picnic Ground, follow the Falls Track. After 300m, you will come to the top viewing platform across Olinda Creek as the steady flow of water cascades over the rocks. A further 140m leads to the lower viewing platform and a small bridge over the creek.
The view from the RJ Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

RJ Hamer Arboretum

Take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads of the Arboretum and take in the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley out to the Warburton Ranges and beyond.
A sculpture looks over a walking path in the William Ricketts Sanctuary.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again.
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.
A ground take a volunteer led tour through the Flying Fox environments on the banks of the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park

Guided Park Walks

Meet new people and connect with nature on a free guided Park Walk in one of Victoria’s beautiful parks. Walks are led by our trained and friendly volunteers, so you can relax, enjoy the serenity of the bush and chat with other group members. Go on a walk as a once-off to explore somewhere new or become a regular and add it to your wellbeing or fitness routine.

How to get there

Dandenong Ranges National Park North

The north of the Dandenong Ranges National Park includes the area's highest peak, Mount Dandenong. This is a popular area for walks and picnics. Here you will find the historic site of the former Doongalla Homestead among beautiful gardens, magnificent Olinda Falls and stunning views from Burkes Lookout and Kalorama.
Dandenong Ranges National Park North

Facilities

Picnic Area
BBQ
Carpark
Lookout

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.

This park is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.

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.

When to go

Escape the heat of the city. The Dandenongs are consistently a few degrees cooler than built up areas in lower altitudes.

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Olinda/ Silvan Area- Georges Track pedestrian access only

    Due to unstable ground from a damaged underground culvert, temporary fences have been installed at Georges Track and Herman Track intersection prohibiting vehicle access.

    This portion of the track is pedestrian use and horse riding only. Parks Victoria and DEECA are working to fix this issue to reinstate full access.

    Margaret Lester Forest Walk Condition Update

    The Margaret Lester Walk at Grants Picnic Ground has historically provided visitors with an accessible forest experience through the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    Due to the age and condition of the trail surface and associated infrastructure, the walk no longer meets the expected standard of an all abilities trail. Visitors may encounter uneven surfaces, drainage issues and sections of trail that may be difficult for some users to safely navigate.

    Planning work has been undertaken for a future upgrade of the trail, however delivery timeframes are still being confirmed.

    Until improvement works are completed, visitors are encouraged to assess whether the current trail conditions are suitable for their individual needs and abilities.

    Parks Victoria acknowledges the importance of accessible visitor experiences and appreciates the community’s patience while future options for the Margaret Lester Walk are progressed.

    Temporary Closure of Grants Picnic Ground Cafe

    Grants Picnic Ground Café is temporarily closed while Parks Victoria works through an Expression of Interest process to secure a long-term and appropriate 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.

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