Explore
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.
Dandenong Creek Track Closed
Dandenong Creek Track is closed between Toroa Track and Viola Track due to a landslip. Visitors are requested to seek an alternative route around the slip area.
Camellia Track Closed due to track collapse
Camellia Track has a dangerous collapsed section, only a small hole is visible, however a large cavern has formed under the track, visitors are requested not pass beyond the closure tapes
Deer Control In the 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 August 14, 2024 and December 6, 2024. 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
Acacia Nature Trail Partial Closure
Acacia Nature Trail just beyond the steel foot bridge over Ferntree Gully Creek is closed through to Acacia Picnic ground due to severe erosion, visitors can access the picnic ground and remaining section of trail via Ramblers Track
Hardy Gully Nature Walk Closed due to storm damage
Hardy Gully Nature Walk has been badly impacted by a heavy rainfall event on the 15th of July 2024. Visitors are requested not to enter the closed trail due to deep scouring of the track surface. A repair date is unknown at this stage as we wait on the outcome of a possible insurance claim.
Kalorama Park toilets are closed with the disabled toilet open for use
Kalorama Park toilets are closed due to asbestos being discovered in the building, recent vandalism exposed the wall panelling revealing that it contains asbestos. For public safety the affected toilets are closed until works are completed to remove and replace the wall panelling. The disabled toilet does not have asbestos wall cladding and will remain open for the public to use. A time frame for the remediation works is unknown and as soon as funding is secured the works will commence.
Storm Damage affected track and trails
Approximately 15km of tracks and trails in the Dandenong Ranges National Park have been damaged by a heavy rainfall storm event in July 2024. Visitors are requested to remain alert to changing track/trail conditions and to observe any track/trail closures. This advice will stand until further updates are made as repairs take place, this may take several years due to lengthy delays involved with insurance claim processing.
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
Attachments: Sherbrooke Toilet Damage (319KB)
Eagles Nest Picnic Ground access road closure
Eagles Nest picnic ground access road is permanently closed to visitors vehicles at Silvan Road. Pedestrian access remains open.
Valley Picnic Ground access road is closed to cars
- Valley Picnic Ground access road is closed to visitors cars, visitors are still able to walk in and use the facilities.
Margaret Lester Forest Walk Upgrade Works
In 2024 the Margaret Lester Walking Track is being upgraded to provide an all abilities accessible walking experience. The track will have a 1.2metre wide concrete surface and handrails. Five new stopping points will be created along the track and directional and education signage will be upgraded so people can learn more about the area. Once complete, the track will be a Grade 1 walk, suitable for visitors with prams, wheelchairs or limited mobility, to enjoy the forest.
For more information visit:
www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/melbourne-region/dandenong-ranges-national-park-grants-picnic-area-upgrades
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 2024.
The picnic facilities and upper viewing platform remain open with the exception of the public toilets, the toilets are closed permanently.
Fox Control Dandenong Ranges National Park
Parks Victoria are continuing
the fox control program in the Dandenong Ranges National Park to relieve
predation to native fauna.
Poison Baiting will occur between May - November 2024.
Programs involve the use of
buried poison baits and canid pest ejectors containing Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080)
and Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) in strategic locations
across the park. Domestic
dogs and cats are at risk from exposure to both poisons.
Under the National Parks Act
(1975) dogs and cats cannot be taken into or be allowed to remain within the
Dandenong Ranges National Park.