Spend a day at this former grand homestead and lost gardens in the Dandenongs, close to Melbourne. It’s a perfect spot for a family picnic, while those who like to explore will enjoy spotting relics of the mansion, which burned down in 1932. The trails are also popular with runners.
Doongalla is a former estate perched in the hills above Melbourne. Easily accessible from the eastern suburbs, it feels a million miles away from city stresses. ‘Doongalla’ is said to mean ‘Place of Peace’.
A 32-room mansion was built here in 1892 and burned down 40 years later. You can still see the stone steps that formed a grand approach to the old house in the remains of the gardens.
Families will appreciate the well-equipped picnic areas - each with its own car park - while nature lovers will fall for the landscaped gardens and winding trails that quickly transport you into the calm tranquillity of towering rainforest and birdsong.
The relatively easy Stables Track Loop walk departs from the Doongalla Stables Picnic Area. Follow the Stables Track until you reach a T-intersection. Turn right and climb until you join the Camelia Track. Turn right again here and walk until you join the unsealed Doongalla Forest Road which will take you back to the Stables carpark. Tread carefully and you might spot a lyrebird dashing across the track ahead of you.
Another much more challenging walk offers fit hikers the promise of one of the most spectacular views from the Dandenongs. Take the Channel 10 Track from the top of the Doongalla Homestead carpark and then take the Zig Zag Track uphill to Burkes Lookout. At 611 metres high, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Return down the Zig Zag Track and if you want to make a loop walk, turn right on the Channel 10 Track before making a left at Rankin Track and left onto Camelia Track.
A fantastic picnic area, ample parking, challenging and easy forest walks… remind you of anywhere? Doongalla Homestead is a peaceful alternative to the 1000 Steps Walk and Ferntree Gully Picnic Area, which get very crowded on weekends. Other picnic areas near Olinda include Valley Picnic Ground, Eagle Nest Picnic Ground and Olinda Falls Picnic Ground.
A 32-room mansion was built here in 1892 and burned down 40 years later. You can still see the stone steps that formed a grand approach to the old house in the remains of the gardens.
Families will appreciate the well-equipped picnic areas - each with its own car park - while nature lovers will fall for the landscaped gardens and winding trails that quickly transport you into the calm tranquillity of towering rainforest and birdsong.
The relatively easy Stables Track Loop walk departs from the Doongalla Stables Picnic Area. Follow the Stables Track until you reach a T-intersection. Turn right and climb until you join the Camelia Track. Turn right again here and walk until you join the unsealed Doongalla Forest Road which will take you back to the Stables carpark. Tread carefully and you might spot a lyrebird dashing across the track ahead of you.
Another much more challenging walk offers fit hikers the promise of one of the most spectacular views from the Dandenongs. Take the Channel 10 Track from the top of the Doongalla Homestead carpark and then take the Zig Zag Track uphill to Burkes Lookout. At 611 metres high, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Return down the Zig Zag Track and if you want to make a loop walk, turn right on the Channel 10 Track before making a left at Rankin Track and left onto Camelia Track.
A fantastic picnic area, ample parking, challenging and easy forest walks… remind you of anywhere? Doongalla Homestead is a peaceful alternative to the 1000 Steps Walk and Ferntree Gully Picnic Area, which get very crowded on weekends. Other picnic areas near Olinda include Valley Picnic Ground, Eagle Nest Picnic Ground and Olinda Falls Picnic Ground.
Things to do in the area
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Day trips
Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
Family activities
Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
Picnics
Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
How to get there
Doongalla Homestead
Doongalla Homestead is near Olinda in the northern part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. From the city of Melbourne, take the Eastern Fwy (M3) and exit onto Boronia Rd. Continue as Boronia Rd merges into Forest Rd, then turn right into Basin-Olinda Rd, left into Sheffield Rd and right again into Doongalla Rd. For a scenic route, take the windy Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd from the Burwood Highway at Ferntree Gully.
Facilities
BBQ
Carpark
Picnic Area
Toilets
When you're there
Doongalla has two picnic areas, the Stables Picnic Ground and the Homestead Picnic Ground. Both have picnic tables, wood barbecues, car parking and toilets. The Homestead has open lawns perfect for kids to play, while the Stables, surrounded by tall Mountain Ash trees and tree ferns, is a much more shaded location – and even quieter. Bring your own wood for barbecues.
The picnic grounds open at 9:00 am each day, and close at 4:00 pm.
The picnic grounds open at 9:00 am each day, and close at 4:00 pm.
When to go
Need to know
Doongalla Homestead
Accessibility
Doongalla is a steeply sloping area at the foot of Mt Dandenong. There is an unofficial parking area on a dirt road beside the picnic lawn and gardens that can be used by visitors with a disability. From this point the site is more easily accessible. No accessible toilet facilities are provided. The Stables Picnic Ground is only a short distance along the road and has water and recently installed accessible toilets.
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. -
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.
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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