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 camping
  • No fires permitted
  • 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.

Night closures for 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 March 15th 2026 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

Attachments: DRNP control zones map Jan 2026 (701KB)

FIRE PREPAREDNESS WORKS NOTIFICATION - Olinda Area Tracks

Debris removal along track edges will take place in Dandenong Ranges National Park in preparation for planned burning.
 
Date: Mid to late March 2026
Duration: Approximately 2 weeks (weekdays only)
Location: Bartlett Track and Barges Track, near Olinda (see map)
Why:
This work involves debris removal and rearrangement along track edges to support a planned burn scheduled to be delivered in 2026/2027. This area sits within a Bushfire Moderation Zone, which aims to reduce the intensity, rate of spread, and ember loads from significant bushfires.
Impact:
Work crews and heavy machinery will be working in this area. There will be restricted access to tracks in the area including Bartlett, Barges, VW, Rifle Range Gully and Bobcat Link Tracks and Tchans Mountain Bike Track during works, park users may experience some delays. You should avoid this area if possible, but if you must use the tracks, follow the instructions of the crew working on site.

Environmental and cultural heritage assessments have been undertaken to ensure important areas are protected.
For more information about bushfire risk reduction activities visit the FFMVic website or call 136 186.

Attachments: Track Closures March 2026 (182KB)

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.


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.

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.

Doongalla Closed to Visitors Cars - Friday the 6th of March

Doongalla Forest Road will be closed to visitors cars due to commercial filming taking place along the road, Visitors will still be able to walk into the park under the direction of Marshalls.

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