Dandenong Ranges National Park South

Two females enjoying a walk through a ferny forest path.

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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Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps was originally made from the trunks of tree ferns laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the climb a little easier.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.

  • 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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    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.

    ngurrak barring - RidgeWalk Art Installation Works

    Shire of Yarra Ranges contractors will soon be starting works across a range of sites within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the works include path upgrades, wayfinding signage and Land Art Installations. For details regarding the project click on this link. https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ridgewalk

  • 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

    Attachments: Sherbrooke Toilet Damage (319KB)

  • Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Valley Picnic Ground Access Road is closed to visitors cars

    Valley Picnic Ground is currently closed to visitor vehicles. This decision has been made due to ongoing issues of vandalism, illegal firewood cutting, and rubbish dumping in the area.
    To protect the environment and the integrity of the picnic ground facilities, the access road will remain closed until further notice. Parks Victoria will continue to monitor the situation and will review the closure decision in due course. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to protect the National Park. An alternative setting is the Doongalla Picnic Ground located via this link

  • Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Removal of the Fitness Station at the top of the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk


    The Fitness Station at the top of the 1000 steps will be removed as it has been deemed unsafe. The work area will be partially closed whilst works are carried out, but the 1000 Steps will remain open. Some large timber benches will be installed in place of the Fitness Station. It is expected that the work will be completed by the end of January 2025.

  • Eagle Nest Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Eagle Nest Picnic Ground is now open

    Parks Victoria is pleased to advise that the Eagle Nest Picnic Ground is now fully open. Car access is now permitted right through to the picnic ground. The access road will be closed after the Easter long weekend and re-open again on Melbourne cup weekend. The closure will occur annually to assist with reducing illegal firewood collection and rubbish dumping that regularly occurs in the area.

  • Sherbrooke Track (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Wattle Track Foot Bridge Replacement

    Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest has been closed for an extended period due to damage caused by a fallen tree. The bridge was destroyed, and since then, Parks Victoria has been awaiting funding for its replacement.
    While plans for the new bridge have been drawn up, there are further delays in the project’s delivery. It is currently anticipated that work to replace the bridge will commence sometime in 2025. Once a specific start date is confirmed, it will be made publicly available.
    We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to restore this important infrastructure.
    For updates, please visit the Parks Victoria website or contact us directly.
    Thank you for your understanding.

  • 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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