Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

Explore

Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

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, hosting a combination of single trail and management vehicle tracks with opportunities for beginner and intermediate skill level.

The area has 13km of dedicated mountain bike trails and a significant management vehicle track network suitable for riding. The trails can be enjoyed individually, with friends or you can join a local riders club.

Download the Dandenong Ranges Mountain Bike Fact Sheet for detailed trail maps and more information.

The mountain bike trails are managed by Parks Victoria with the support of the local club - Yarra Ranges Mountain Bikers (YRMTB). If you’re interested in being involved in building new trail features or helping maintain trails, get in touch with Parks Victoria or YRMTB to volunteer.

Similar trails

 
Three mountain bikers turn left through a berm.

Mountain biking at Lysterfield Park

Explore a 24km network of purpose-built mountain bike trails at Lysterfield Park, suitable for all skill levels.
Two downhill mountain bikers descend Bowden Hill in Kinglake National Park.

Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area

Experience the thrills of downhill mountain biking at Bowden Spur Mountain Bike Area. Shepherds Track will challenge and delight the most seasoned mountain bike riders. With dirt jumps, rock gardens, flowing earth berms and off-camber riding, there's excitement at every twist and turn.
Mountain bike riders on their bikes in the park

Mountain biking in Arthurs Seat State Park

Enjoy the park's large trail network with friends or individually, or you can join a local riders club. There are options for all abilities.
A young mountain biker attempts a drop while cheered on by his father and older sister at the You Yangs Regional Park.

Mountain biking at the You Yangs Regional Park

The You Yangs has two designated mountain biking areas that contain over 50 kilometres of exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for riders of all ages and ability.

How to get there

Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

If visiting by car, start your mountain bike trail experience from the Silvan Reservoir Picnic Area. Facilities include parking, toilets, picnic tables and barbeques. From the picnic area, head 500m south west on Stonyford Road until you access the Track 13 management vehicle track which will take you into the “Forest Flow” trail network.

Alternatively, park at RJ Hamer Arboretum and head east along Chalet Road to start at descending Blue Grade Huds Track.

Need to know

Mountain bike trails in Dandenong Ranges National Park

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Board Track Closure for Fuel Reduction Burn

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in Olinda- Board Track planned 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 12th May 2025 and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
     

    Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Information

    Between March and May is the peak foliage display for the Dandenong Ranges Gardens (including Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden & R.J. Hamer Arboretum). Over this 12-week period, the gardens bursts with a variety of autumn foliage colour. 
     
    Being products of nature, the annual foliage display does not occur exactly at the same time each year, and from season to season.  There is no “magical switch” that turns on all the autumn leaves all at once!  While some trees might start changing as early as late March, generally the peak of vibrant colour is usually in the middle of the autumn season.  The best time to see autumn foliage in Victoria is typically from mid-April to early May, with colours often peaking in late April and early May.
     
    The vibrancy of autumn foliage is significantly influenced by the weather during the preceding summer and early autumn.  One of the key factors is consistent rainfall throughout the summer.  Drought can stress the trees, causing them to shed their leaves early, as well as resulting in duller colours. Other factors to consider include the tree species; with different tree species changing colour at different times, with the exact peak-time varying depending on each location and tree type.  Milder temperatures, cold nights and higher rainfall also contribute to more stunning displays. Likewise, too-much wind or heavy rain during the foliage display knocks the leaves off the trees prematurely!
     
    Unfortunately, in the lead up to autumn 2025, we have experienced above average warmer day and nighttime temperatures and much-less rainfall than normally experienced.  We anticipate this autumn foliage season will most likely be delayed, less vibrant and of shorter duration.  So far this year, we have not experienced any typical autumn weather conditions to support a successful 2025 foliage display.
     
    During autumn, we expect larger crowds, especially on weekends. Consider if you can visit mid-week or early in the morning when the gardens may be quieter.  Parking is limited at most gardens, so if the car parks are full, we recommend you visit another site.
     
    Whenever you choose to visit, there will always be something new to see and discover. Seasonal changes ensure the garden is a year-round delight!

    Attachments: Explore stunning gardens in the Dandenong Ranges 2023 (4,237KB)

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

Things to do

 
The view from the RJ Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

RJ Hamer Arboretum

Take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads of the Arboretum and take in the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley out to the Warburton Ranges and beyond.
A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket and woman wearing a cream knitted jumper turn and walk away from a lake in the Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Garden) is host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around.
A man in a blue puffer jack walks towards a women with black hair wearing a cream jumper to join a picnic.

Doongalla Homestead

The Doongalla Homestead was established in the 1890s but destroyed by a bushfire in 1932. The remnant gardens and open lawn areas make this a great location for a family picnic.
The stunning view from the top of Kalorama Park in the northern section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Kalorama Park

Boasting spectacular views over Silvan Reservoir and the south-eastern face of the Dandenong Ranges, Kalorama Park is perfect for picnics, barbecues or simply relaxing whilst enjoying the magnificent surrounds.
Water cascades over Olinda Falls

Olinda-Falls

Starting at the Olinda Falls Picnic Ground, follow the Falls Track. After 300m, you will come to the top viewing platform across Olinda Creek as the steady flow of water cascades over the rocks. A further 140m leads to the lower viewing platform and a small bridge over the creek.
A sculpture looks over a walking path in the William Ricketts Sanctuary.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm