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
1000 Steps
Sherbrooke Falls
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Dandenong Ranges National Park accessibility information
Pirianda Garden
Guided Park Walks
How to get there
Dandenong Ranges National Park South
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
Facilities
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).
This park is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.
For more information about this part of the park, download the visitor guide.
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.
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Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet is Closed due to tree damage
The Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet has been severely damaged by a fallen tree, the toilet block is closed until further notice. Please use the nearby O'Donohue Picnic Ground Toilets.Works to repair the toilet building should be starting in the next few months (August/September 2025) -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Stables Track in Doongalla is temporarily closed, access to the Stables Picnic Ground is restricted.
Temporary Closures for TV Series Filming – GraniteFilming and set building for the upcoming television series Granite will be taking place until 22 July 2025. As part of this production:-
Stables Track will be closed for the entire duration of the filming period.
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Stables Picnic Ground may be closed at times; however every effort will be made to keep it open on weekends.
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Track closures and diversions will be marked with signage.
Additionally Doongalla Forest Road will be closed to public access on the following dates:-
Monday 7 July (late afternoon/evening) – vehicle access for equipment delivery
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Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 July – filming days
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Friday 11 July (early morning) – vehicle exit for equipment removal
Traffic management personnel will be stationed at park entry points during these closures to assist with directions and ensure public safety. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.Attachments: Granite_Filming_Track_Closure_Flyer_Final (108KB)
Storm Damage affected track and trails
Approximately 15km of tracks and trails in the Dandenong Ranges National Park have been damaged by a heavy rainfall storm event in July 2024. Visitors are requested to remain alert to changing track/trail conditions and to observe any track/trail closures. This advice will stand until further updates are made as repairs take place, this may take several years due to lengthy delays involved with insurance claim processing. -
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Grants Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Temporary closure of Grants Picnic Ground Cafe
Grants Picnic Ground Café is temporarily closed while Parks Victoria undertakes an Expression of Interest process to secure a long-term 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. -
Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
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 2025.
The picnic facilities and upper viewing platform remain open with the exception of the toilets, the toilets are closed permanently.
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Sherbrooke Track (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Wattle Track - Long Bridge is now open to the public
After a 5 year wait, the Wattle Track pedestrian bridge over Sherbrooke Creek has been rebuilt and is now open to the public. The National Park team are very pleased with the new bridge which introduces a new style of construction that is built to last and is more easily repaired if damaged, we hope you enjoy crossing the creek once again.
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Valley Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park, RJ Hamer Arboretum)
Valley Picnic Ground now open to vehicle access
Valley Picnic Ground access road will reopen to visitors cars on Saturday the 10th of May 2025, this will allow you to drive all the way into the picnic facilities at the carpark.The Picnic area has had a bit of a makeover with two new tables on concrete slabs and a re-positioned wood fired BBQ, please bring your own firewood. -
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Predator Control Program Dandenong Ranges National Park
Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna.Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) and sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poison baits will be used for the duration of the program.Fox baiting will occur between May and November 2025 at strategic locations across the park.Under the National Parks Act 1975, dogs and cats cannot be taken into, or be allowed to remain within the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dogs and Cats are at risk from poison if they enter the National Park.