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)

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 firearms allowed
Restricted opening hours
No camping
No dogs allowed

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.

Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet is Closed due to tree damage

The Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet has been severely damaged by a fallen tree, the toilet block is closed until further notice. Please use the nearby O'Donohue Picnic Ground Toilets.

Works to repair the toilet building should be starting in the next few months (August/September 2025)

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.

Margaret Lester Forest Walk - Temporary Closure

The Margaret Lester Forest Walk is no longer safe for visitors, the path is listed as an all abilities trail, however due to fallen tree branch and root damage, along with deteriorated path plinthing and handrail it has now been deemed unsafe to use.

This page will be updated when we hear more on a start date for path improvements.

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-region/dandenong-ranges-national-park-grants-picnic-area-upgrades

Wattle Track - Long Bridge is now open to the public

After a 5 year wait, the Wattle Track pedestrian bridge over Sherbrooke Creek has been rebuilt and is now open to the public. The National Park team are very pleased with the new bridge which introduces a new style of construction that is built to last and is more easily repaired if damaged, we hope you enjoy crossing the creek once again.

Predator Control Program Dandenong Ranges National Park

Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna.

Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) and sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poison baits will be used for the duration of the program.

Fox baiting will occur between May and November 2025 at strategic locations across the park.

Under the National Parks Act 1975, dogs and cats cannot be taken into, or be allowed to remain within the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dogs and Cats are at risk from poison if they enter the National Park.

Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform and Toilets are Closed

The Olinda Falls lower viewing platform is currently closed due to severe damage caused by a fallen tree. All access to the lower falls area is closed to the public. The viewing platform is expected to be replaced sometime in 2025.

The picnic facilities and upper viewing platform remain open with the exception of the toilets, the toilets are closed permanently.

Publications

Dandenong Ranges National Park - Map - Doongalla area (1,663KB)