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
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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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.