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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.

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

 
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

    Dandenong Ranges Park Closure Notification: Thurs 13 Feb 2025

    In accordance with the Emergency Management Plan for the Dandenong Ranges National Park and Dandenong Ranges Gardens, the declaration of an EXTREME Fire Danger Rating on THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2025 for the Central Fire Weather District will trigger the closure of the following Parks Victoria sites:
     
    Dandenong Ranges National Park, including:
    • Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground.
    • 1,000 Steps - Kokoda Memorial Walk.
    • One Tree Hill Picnic Ground.
    • Sherbrooke Picnic Ground.
    • Grants Picnic Ground.
    • Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground.
    • Olinda Falls Picnic Ground.
    • O’Donohue Picnic Ground and
    • Kalorama Park.
    Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
    Perrins Creek Reserve
    Black Hill Reserve and
    Silvan Reservoir Park.
     
    Dandenong Ranges Gardens, including:
    • Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly National Rhododendron Garden).
    • William Ricketts Sanctuary.
    • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden.
    • George Tindale Memorial Garden.
    • Pirianda Garden.
    • R.J. Hamer Arboretum.
    • Mt Dandenong Arboretum and
    • Olinda Golf Course Reserve (Olinda Precinct).
     
     
    These sites will be closed from 12:01am until 11:59pm on Thursday 13 February 2025.  They are expected to re-open on Friday 14 February 2025 following completion of the Extreme Fire Danger Rating.  Parks Victoria regrets any inconvenience this may cause.
     
    Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility.  Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency smartphone app, or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
     
    For information on CFA Fire Danger Ratings or Fire Weather Districts click here
     
    For park information please contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au
     

  • Dandenong Valley Parklands

    Jells Park Shared-Use Trails works

    Works on the Jells Park Shared-Use Trails are underway, and some areas of the northern and southern parts of the park are currently closed for construction.
     
    Please view the attached map for more information on the current temporary closures in place, and alternative detour routes that can be used in the interim.
     

    Attachments: Stage 2 - Detour Signage (4,115KB)

    Shepherds Bush - Paperbark Trail Closed

    The Paperbark trail in Shepherds Bush has been closed in the interest of visitor safety. 
    Please refer to attached map for further detail. 

    Koomba Park Boronia Road Carpark closed

    Koomba Park Boronia Road Carpark is closed until further notice

    Koomba Boardwalk Closure

    Koomba Boardwalk will be closed until further notice

Jells Park is a much-loved park located in Melbourne’s south-east on Wurundjeri Country. Its fantastic green spaces, picnic areas, playscapes and all abilities features make it one of Melbourne’s most popular parks, hosting close to a million visitors each year. The Victorian Government has invested more than $13 million to deliver a range of projects across Jells Park, ensuring visitors continue to enjoy this special location.

Contact Jells Park

Waverley Road
Wheelers Hill VIC 3150
13 1963
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