Dandenong Ranges National Park

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Dandenong Ranges National Park

Dandenong Ranges National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

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! 

Two women walk up the 1000 steps track.

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 in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Sherbrooke Falls walk and picnic area

Deep in the Sherbrooke Forest, you'll find Sherbrooke Falls, where little creek cascades into a delightful gully.

Need to know

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

    Doongalla Closed to Vehicles due to ongoing vandalism

    Doongalla Forest Road is closed to visitors cars for the time being due to ongoing vandalism and hoon behaviour in the Picnic Grounds, visitors are still able to access the park and picnic ground on foot or by bike. Parks Victoria apologises for any inconvenience. 
    An automatic gate is planned to be installed by mid October 2023 after which the Doongalla picnic grounds will be opened again to visitors cars.

    Hillclimb Track and O'Donohues Track

    Sections of Hillclimb track and O'Donohues track are extremely muddy and slippery, visitors are asked to exercise caution while walking along these tracks.

  • Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Wattle Track Bridge Closed

    Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest is closed due to significant structural damage to the Foot Bridge. Parks Victoria is currently finalising the repair works with a contractor, it is anticipated that the bridge will be opened by June 2024 if not earlier.

  • Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Olinda Falls lower viewing platform and creek crossing closed

    The Olinda Falls lower viewing platform and creek crossing is closed indefinitely due to severe damage from a fallen tree. All access to the lower falls is closed to the public.

    Olinda Falls Toilet Closed

    The Olinda Falls toilet is closed indefinitely, nearby toilets at Kalorama Park or in the Olinda Township are open.

  • Dandenong Ranges National Park

    Mechanics Track Partially Closed

    • A section of Mechanics track from the Tourist rd. to Falls rd. near Olinda Falls Picnic Ground is closed due to significant damage from the June 2021 Storm.  

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.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

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