Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

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Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Leading off from Grants Picnic Ground, the Margaret Lester Walk meanders through the cool temperate rainforest of Sherbrooke. Spot lyrebirds foraging on the forest floor and learn about the unique nature of cool temperate rainforests – threatened throughout the world.

How to get there

Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Need to know

Grants Picnic Ground Margaret Lester Forest Walk (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 fires permitted
  • No camping
  • No horses
  • No bicycles
  • No vehicles
  • 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.

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.

Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform Closure Update

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 prior to the end of December 2025.

 

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

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

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.


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. 

Sherbrooke Toilet to Re-open

The Sherbrooke Picnic Ground Toilet was severely damaged by a fallen tree, the toilet block has now been repaired and we will be re-opening on Friday 24th of October.

In the interim please use the nearby O'Donohue Picnic Ground Toilets.

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