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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.

  • Dandenong Valley Parklands

    Koomba Park (Boronia Rd) Carpark Closed

    Koomba Carpark off Boronia Road is currently closed due to safety concerns and potential damage to vehicles. Do not enter. 

    An alternative carpark is available off Mountain Highway, near the tennis club. 


    Jells Park Cafe

    The lease for the Jells Park Visitor Café at Jells Park ended in late February 2024. In line with the Leasing Policy for Victorian Crown Land 2023, an EOI process ran during 2023 seeking suitably qualified operators to provide a food and beverage offer at the café.
     
    A suitable new operator has now signed the lease and the café will be closed to the public while they set up. A coffee cart is now operational on site - so visitors can continue to enjoy coffee, juices and cakes in the interim. The cart will be open 8am to 3pm on weekdays and 8am to 4pm on weekends.
     
    Any further updates on the café will be maintained on this page.

    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. 

    Shepherds Bush Boardwalk Closure

    The Shepherds Bush Boardwalk is currently closed due to flood damage.
    An alternative route can be found in the below document. 

    Attachments: Shepherds Bush Boardwalk closure - alternate route (158KB)

    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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