Explore
Dandenong Ranges National Park
The forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges are a place of tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns and charismatic animals such as lyrebirds and wallabies. Conquer the famous 1000 Steps, discover Olinda Falls and enjoy commanding views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.
The Dandenong Ranges is a rainforest getaway on Melbourne's doorstep. A short drive or train ride from the city you will find steep volcanic hills covered in stands of the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash. Living among the greenery are wallabies, lyrebirds, wombats and the Powerful Owl so please ensure you leave your dogs at home to avoid disturbing the local wildlife.
Take an energetic walk up the 1000 Steps from Ferntree Gully Picnic Area and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign.
The mountains of the Dandenong Ranges offer stunning views across Melbourne. Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Olinda Falls and Sherbrooke Falls are best after rain. Just don't forget to wear hiking boots!
Opening hours
Dandenong Ranges National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays.
The entire Dandenong Ranges National Park (including 1000 Steps at Ferntree Gully) will be closed on days when the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or above.
Opening times apply to vehicle traffic for the following picnic grounds:
Doongalla Picnic Ground
Daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.
Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground (including 1000 steps)
Open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
Daylight savings gates open 6.00 am to 9.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 6.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.
Valley and Eagles Nest picnic grounds
Daylight saving gates open 9.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.
Non-daylight saving gates open 9.00 am to 4.00 pm daily.
Dandenong Ranges garden guide – 7 unique gardens close to Melbourne
You’ve probably heard of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, but did you know there are six other unique gardens and parks to explore nearby?
1000 Steps Walk
The 1000 Steps is probably Melbourne’s most popular bushwalk. Officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, runners love the challenge of the steep trail, locals appreciate the convenience and tourists just want a picture of a gorgeous rainforest walk.
Sherbrooke Falls walk and picnic area
Deep in the Sherbrooke Forest, you'll find Sherbrooke Falls, where little creek cascades into a delightful gully.
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.
When you're there
Download the Dandenong Ranges National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
See the Dandenong Ranges National Park map for an overview of the area. For a detailed look, see maps of Doongalla Area, Fern Tree Gully Area, Olinda Area and Sherbrooke Area. Dandenong Ranges maps are also available on Avenza Maps.
Please note, dogs are not allowed in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Need to know
Dandenong Ranges National Park
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.
TrailRider
Journey among the tallest flowering plants in the world, the Mountain Ash. Picnic with the melodious song of the Superb Lyrebird in the background. Discover rare orchids and marvel at the tree ferns with their link to ancient Gondwanaland. A TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair is the perfect way for park visitors with significant mobility limitations to explore the magnificence of Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Education Excursions
This park offers curriculum-aligned ranger-guided excursions for school students. Download the Education Program to find out more and book your visit.
Assistance Dogs
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.
Weddings
While Parks Victoria offers a range of stunning natural landscapes to hold your special day, please note that we do not accept any wedding ceremony or photography bookings in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Find out more about wedding ceremony and wedding photography and filming permits for other Parks Victoria venues.
Fire danger rating
This park is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.
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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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
FIRE PREPAREDNESS WORKS NOTIFICATION - Olinda Area Tracks
Debris removal along track edges will take place in Dandenong Ranges National Park in preparation for planned burning.Date: Mid to late March 2026
Duration: Approximately 2 weeks (weekdays only)
Location: Bartlett Track and Barges Track, near Olinda (see map)Why:
This work involves debris removal and rearrangement along track edges to support a planned burn scheduled to be delivered in 2026/2027. This area sits within a Bushfire Moderation Zone, which aims to reduce the intensity, rate of spread, and ember loads from significant bushfires.Impact:
Work crews and heavy machinery will be working in this area. There will be restricted access to tracks in the area including Bartlett, Barges, VW, Rifle Range Gully and Bobcat Link Tracks and Tchans Mountain Bike Track during works, park users may experience some delays. You should avoid this area if possible, but if you must use the tracks, follow the instructions of the crew working on site.Environmental and cultural heritage assessments have been undertaken to ensure important areas are protected.For more information about bushfire risk reduction activities visit the FFMVic website or call 136 186.Attachments: Track Closures March 2026 (182KB)
Planned Burn, Trig Track Park Area Closure - Mount Dandenong
Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in Mt Dandenong- Trig track burn areas and tracks within the area being closed from the time burns are approved for ignition until areas are declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from Monday 23rd March and is subject to favourable weather.Check the status of current planned burn at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/burn-site/898669Wood Fire BBQs No longer available in the National park
Over recent months, several newly constructed concrete-based fire pits have exploded during use, projectingburning debris into surrounding areas. These incidents pose a serious risk of injury to staff, volunteers, and visitors.As a result the fire places in the National Park have been removed until a review is complete and a safe design standard is confirmed. This may take considerable time to complete as this is a Statewide issue.Track Improvement Works
Track repair works are currently taking place (30/3/26) on the following tracks:- Feather, Boulevard and Himalaya Tracks
- Belview and Ramu Tracks
Tracks are expected to remain open but with restrictions, visitors are requested to follow all site safety signage and direction from the contractors working on site, works are expected to be completed in the next two weeks.Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Guide
🍁 Dandenong Ranges Gardens – Autumn Foliage GuideBetween March and May the Dandenong Ranges Gardens — including the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, and R.J. Hamer Arboretum — come alive with stunning autumn colour.🌲 When to Visit
Expect larger crowds during autumn, especially on weekends and during the Easter school holidays. For a quieter experience, consider visiting mid-week, early in the morning or later in the afternoon.🚗 Parking
On-site parking is limited at each garden site. If car parks are full, we recommend exploring another nearby garden.🌳 Prefer a Peaceful Visit?
Try one of these gardens for a quieter experience:- Pirianda
Garden
- George
Tindale Memorial Garden
- R.J.
Hamer Arboretum
- Mt
Dandenong Arboretum
🍂 Understanding Autumn FoliageBecause it’s a natural process, the timing and intensity of autumn colours vary each year. Some trees start changing in late March, but the peak display usually occurs from mid-April to early May.The quality of autumn colour depends on weather conditions:- Good rainfall during summer
leads to brighter foliage.
- Dry conditions or warm weather
can delay colour change and dull the display.
- Cool nights and mild days bring
out the best colours.
- Strong winds or heavy rain can
shorten the season by removing leaves too early.
🧭 AccessibilityThe garden’s hilly terrain and layout may present challenges for some visitors. While garden paths are sealed and wide, they can be steep. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended. The two arboretums only feature unsealed paths.🚌 Garden Tour Bus (Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden):
A great option for visitors with limited mobility, this paid, one-way audio tour covers the original Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (not the new Chelsea Australian Garden). Click here for more information.🚫 Visitor GuidelinesTo protect these special places for everyone, please note:- Dogs
on lead only
- No
dogs permitted at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
- No
bins provided – please carry in, carry out all rubbish.
- No
drones permitted
- No
picking or removing vegetation – leave for others to enjoy!
🚌 Coach ParkingThere is a dedicated coach/bus drop-off zone beside the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden entrance (24 The Georgian Rd, Olinda). Once passengers have exited, coaches should park at the nearby Olinda Pool & Community House Car Park (79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda), before returning to the same location for passenger collection.📖 Attached: Garden GuideUse the garden guide attached to explore stunning gardens of the Dandenong Ranges.No matter when you visit, the gardens always offer something beautiful to enjoy.Attachments: Explore stunning gardens in the Dandenong Ranges 2023 (4,237KB)
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Dandenong Ranges National Park
Night closures for deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park
Parks Victoria are continuing deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This program will be taking place between the hours of 4pm and 7am on a number of nights between March 15th 2026 and May 20th 2026. These 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 access points when control activities are occurring. For our own safety please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.For further information please call 131963Attachments: DRNP control zones map Jan 2026 (701KB)
Restricted night access to Dandenong Ranges National Park due to deer control program
Parks Victoria are continuing deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This program will be taking place between the hours of 4pm and 7am on a number of nights between March 16th and May 12th 2026. These 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 access points when control activities are occurring. For our own safety please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.For further information please call 131963Attachments: DRNP control zones map Jan 2026 (701KB)
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Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Margaret Lester Walk
The Margaret Lester walk track has rough and uneven surfaces, and is no longer suitable for people with accessibility requirements.Parks Victoria will be undertaking upgrade works in the near future, this page will be updated as more is known.We apologise for any inconvenience caused. -
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.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How we keep it special
We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.