Doongalla Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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Doongalla Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

The Doongalla Picnic Grounds sits cosy in the surrounds of tall eucalypt trees and on the site of the historic Doongalla Homestead. Enjoy a day out with family or friends and explore the remnants of the homestead which burnt down in 1932.

How to get there

Doongalla Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Doongalla Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Need to know

Doongalla Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

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.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No dogs allowed
  • No camping
  • No firearms allowed
  • Restricted opening hours

Warnings

  • Other warnings
    • Trees may fall take care
    • Limbs may fall take care

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

Deer Control in Dandenong Ranges National Park

Parks Victoria are continuing deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This program will be taking place between the hours of 4pm and 7am on a number of nights between October 19th 2025 and May 20th 2026. These control works are being undertaken by accredited and authorised contractors.
For reasons of public safety, various areas of the park will be inaccessible during the evening throughout this period.
Signage will be in place at access points when control activities are occurring. For our own safety please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.
For further information please call 131963

Ramblers Track Upper Bridge is Closed

The Ramblers Track Upper Bridge has been damaged by a fallen tree, the Tree has been cleared and we hope to start works on rebuilding the bridge in January 2026. Please use Tree Fern Gully Track to access the 1000 Steps, Ramblers Track is closed at the Musk Track intersection.

Wood Fire BBQs No longer available in the National park

Over recent months, several newly constructed concrete-based fire pits have exploded during use, projecting 
burning debris into surrounding areas. These incidents pose a serious risk of injury to staff, volunteers, and visitors.
As a result the fire places in the National Park have been removed until a review is complete and a safe design standard is confirmed. This may take considerable time to complete as this is a Statewide issue.

Margaret Lester Walk

The Margaret Lester walk track has rough and uneven surfaces, and is no longer suitable for people with accessibility requirements. 

Parks Victoria will be undertaking upgrade works in the near future, this page will be updated as more is known. 

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.


Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform - Now Open

Thank you for your patience while works at Olinda Falls have been underway.
 
The lower viewing platform has been closed since 2019, and we sincerely apologise for the length of time it has taken to rebuild. We’re pleased to confirm the platform is now open and safe for visitors to enjoy once again.
 
There is a small amount of additional work still to be completed to improve sections of the walking track surface. These final improvements are planned for the coming month or two.
 
Thanks again for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your visit to Olinda Falls.

Temporary Closure of Grants Picnic Ground Cafe

Grants Picnic Ground Café is temporarily closed while Parks Victoria undertakes an Expression of Interest process to secure a long-term lease for the site. In the meantime, a mobile coffee van will be operating on-site from Tuesday to Saturday for the duration of the process.

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