Dandenong Ranges National Park South

Two females enjoying a walk through a ferny forest path.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Dandenong Ranges National Park South

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The southern section of Dandenong Ranges National Park includes Ferntree Gully, Sherbrooke Forest and pretty hilltop towns. Tackle the famous and popular 1000 Steps - or relax at Grants Picnic Ground and meander around the all-abilities walk there. Either way, you'll see magnificent Mountain Ash forests and colourful birds.
The southern Dandenong Ranges is a popular getaway for Melburnians to escape the heat of the city in the summer – or just to unwind all year round. Here you can relax surrounded by the verdant sights, earthy smells and raucous sounds of nature.

These misty mountains are home to some of the most popular walks in Victoria. Enjoy the challenge of the 1000 Steps and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign. Explore Sherbrooke Forest from Grants Picnic Ground. The Margaret Lester Forest Walk is an accessible walk perfect for people who are mobility impaired

There are also quieter walks that are just as spectacular. The Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk is one of the best bushwalks in Victoria for more experienced hikers looking to escape the throng. It's quieter places such as these where you are most likely to spot the Dandenongs' most celebrated resident

Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Sherbrooke Falls is best after rain - and if there's been a downpour, you're more likely to see a lyrebird.

Things To Do

 
Two women walk up the 1000 steps track.

1000 Steps

Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps was originally made from the trunks of tree ferns laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier. These were replaced by wooden palings before the more permanent concrete steps were installed in 1950.
Sherbrooke Falls in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Sherbrooke Falls

Tracks leading from Sherbrooke and O’Donohue Picnic Ground provide the easiest walk to the falls through the attractive landscape of tall Mountain Ash and tree ferns. The falls are most inspiring after rain when the swollen Sherbrooke Creek rushes over the rocks.
A couple in their sixties walk their two flat coated retriever dogs through the Alfred Nicholas Gardens among the changing autumn colours .

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

The gardens will delight all year round. In Spring, it is blooming with rhododendrons, azaleas, camelias, kalmias and flowering cherries on the lake. Summer is the time to see hydrangeas, fuchsias, native ferns, rhododendrons and native terrestrial orchids. In Autumn the foliage of maples, beech and the famous golden ginkgos on the lake is stunning. In Winter you will see camelias and the early rhododendrons.
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk - Dandenong Ranges National Park

Dandenong Ranges National Park accessibility information

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.
A garden path forks in two directions surrounded by autumn-coloured trees.

Pirianda Garden

With magnificent views and a backdrop of ever-changing colours, photographers and bird watchers are in for a treat at Pirianda Garden, while the lawns are perfect for spreading out with a picnic feast.
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 South

Catch a train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station on the Belgrave train line. It's just an 800 metre walk to the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground and a 1.4 km walk to the base of the 1000 Steps.

Belgrave Station on the same line is a 1km walk to Coles Ridge Track on the park boundary and a 3km walk to Grants Picnic Ground.

To get further into the Dandenong Ranges on public transport, you can catch a bus along Mt Dandenong Tourist Road. Bus route 688 runs between Croydon Train Station and Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/4805
Dandenong Ranges National Park South

Facilities

BBQ
Carpark
Picnic Area
Toilets

When you're there

Dandenong Ranges National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. Opening times apply to vehicle traffic for the One Tree Hill Picnic Ground, which has an automatic gate in operation and is open 6.00am to 9.00pm daily. The Ferntree Gully entrance of the 1000 Steps has automatic boom gates that close at 9.00pm, preventing access to the 1000 Steps and Kokoda memorial walk (vehicles can exit at any time over road spikes). 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. For more information about this part of the park, download the visitor guide.

When to go

The Dandenong Ranges does get hot in the summer, but it is generally a little cooler than the city.

Need to know

Dandenong Ranges National Park South

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.

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.

  • Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Wattle Track Bridge Closed

    Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest is closed due to significant structural damage to the Foot Bridge. Parks Victoria is currently finalising the repair works with a contractor, it is anticipated that the bridge will be opened by June 2024 if not earlier.

  • 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. All access to the lower falls is closed to the public.

    Olinda Falls Toilet Closed

    The Olinda Falls toilet is closed indefinitely, nearby toilets at Kalorama Park or in the Olinda Township are open.

  • Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Mechanics Track Partially Closed

    • A section of Mechanics track from the Tourist rd. to Falls rd. near Olinda Falls Picnic Ground is closed due to significant damage from the June 2021 Storm.  

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Doongalla Closed to Vehicles due to ongoing vandalism

    Doongalla Forest Road is closed to visitors cars for the time being due to ongoing vandalism and hoon behaviour in the Picnic Grounds, visitors are still able to access the park and picnic ground on foot or by bike. Parks Victoria apologises for any inconvenience. 
    An automatic gate is planned to be installed by mid October 2023 after which the Doongalla picnic grounds will be opened again to visitors cars.

    Hillclimb Track and O'Donohues Track

    Sections of Hillclimb track and O'Donohues track are extremely muddy and slippery, visitors are asked to exercise caution while walking along these tracks.

    BBQS out of Order

    The BBQs at Kalorama Park and One Tree Hill Picnic Ground are currently out of order, Parks Victoria is working towards having the BBQs operational as soon as possible.

  • One Tree Hill Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    BBQs out of Order

    The BBQ at One Tree Hill Picnic Ground is out of order due to an electrical issue, Parks Victoria apologies for any inconvenience caused.

  • Kalorama Park Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    BBQS out of Order

    The BBQs at Kalorama Park Picnic Ground are out of order due to an electrical issue, Parks Victoria apologies for any inconvenience caused.

X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm