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!
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.
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.
Margaret Lester Forest Walk
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.
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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
Closures due to storm damage
- Valley Picnic Ground is closed to picnicking; visitors can use Boundary Road to access the park however no vehicle access is permitted.
- Sections of Sassafras Creek/Menzies Creek walking track
- Wattle Track in Sherbrooke
- William Ricketts Sanctuary
- Areas of Silvan/Olinda forest
Attachments: DR Storm Damage Works - Autumn 2022 Flyer (1,671KB)
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Grants Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Access changes during Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program upgrade works
Works to upgrade picnic facilities as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program have started. During these works, access to picnic tables and barbecues will be limited.For more information about these upgrades please visit the Parks Victoria Project Page, or contact the Parks Victoria team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963. -
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.
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Sherbrooke Picnic ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet Closed
The toilet block is closed temporarily awaiting connection to the sewer, the nearby O'Donohues Picnic Ground toilet is open.
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.
