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Dandenong Valley Parklands

Jells Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes 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

Dandenong Valley Parklands is a network of parks running alongside Dandenong Creek in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Loved by the locals, the green spaces of Jells Park and Chesterfield Farm make for great days out, while Corhanwarrabul and Bush Park Wetlands are perfect for birdwatching.

Slow down at the Dandenong Valley Parklands and forget you’re in the heart of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Surround yourself with good friends and family in the wide, open spaces of Jells Park, Nortons Park and Shepherds Bush. Wander, cycle or run the tree-lined Dandenong Creek Trail. And bird lovers, set up in one of the bird hides for your chance to spot darters, pelicans, herons and cormorants.

Running through the heart of the park, the Dandenong Creek begins its journey as a series of springs on the western slopes of the Dandenong Ranges before flowing into urban areas and meeting up with the 49km Dandenong Creek Trail. Run, walk or cycle along the scenic trail with your four-legged pooch. The wide-open spaces of Jells Park, Shepherds Bush and Nortons Park were made for fun days out with family, friends and your four-legged pooch. Come prepared for a picnic or barbecue. Or book in at Madeline’s at Jells for something a little more civilized.

The playgrounds at Jells Park will entertain adventurers of all ages and abilities all day long. Visit our newest playspaces at Yabbie Hill and Jells Park East, where young explorers can climb, hide, swing, slide and scamper like the critters and creatures of the Dandenong Creek catchment. Wide paths, quiet spaces, specific ground coverings and carefully selected play equipment ensure this play space will provide entertainment and adventure for everyone.

As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Jells Park is a safe and enjoyable one.

Things to do in the area

 
Madelines Cafe at Jells Park

Madelines at Jells

Located in the heart of Jells Park and open 7 days for breakfast and lunch,. Madeline’s is the perfect place for a coffee or bite to eat, with views to match. Enjoy the beauty of Jells Park with a little bit of Madeline’s hospitality.
Two friends welcome another couple to share a picnic with them.

Picnic areas and playgrounds in Jells Park

Enjoy a picnic at picturesque Jells Park. With a range of facilities, there are several spots including the Oaks and Ashes, Stringybark and Pines Picnic Areas.
Visitor using the BlindSuare GPS app at Jells Park

BlindSquare app Jells Park

The BlindSquare app is available for Jells Park. The app provides accessible GPS for people who are blind or with low vision. BlindSquare describes where a user is in the park, helping them in finding their way to areas like walks, public toilets, picnic areas and barbecues.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

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.

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

How to get there

Dandenong Valley Parklands

Just a short distance from the Monash Freeway, Dandenong Valley Parklands are easily accessible by car.

Need to know

Dandenong Valley Parklands

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

    Access changes during Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program upgrade works

    Works to upgrade park facilities as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program have started.
     
    During these works:
    • Southern picnic area: Access to picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, and shelters will be limited or closed.
    • Eastern picnic area: Access to picnic tables and barbecues will be limited or closed.
    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.

    BBQ use in Jells Park

    Please note, no solid fuel BBQs are permitted in Jells Park (solid fuel includes coal or wood fuelled BBQs).

    There are publicly available electric BBQs located at Jells Park in the following locations:
    - Stringybark Picnic Ground
    - Pines Picnic Area
    - Playscape Area 
    - Jells South Picnic Area (in both the Ashes Picnic Ground and Oaks Picnic Ground)

    These electric public BBQs are free to use and available at a first in first served basis.
    Visitors may also bring their own portable gas fuelled BBQs into Jells Park. 

  • Dandenong Valley Parklands

    Jells Lake Track Closure

    A section of trail behind Jells Park Lake has been permanently closed for revegetation.  The main path behind the lake is still accessible.

    Koomba Park Boardwalk Closure

    The Koomba Park Boardwalk will be closed until further notice.

    Shepherds Bush Track closure

    Shepherds Bush boardwalk has been closed to the public due to floods in 2022.

    Attachments: Trail Closure alternate route shep bush KE (158KB)

Contact Jells Park

Waverley Road
Wheelers Hill VIC 3150
13 1963
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