Explore
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)
Facilities
BBQ - Electric/Gas
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 bicycles
- No vehicles
- No fires permitted
- No horses
- 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.
Olinda Falls Toilet Closed
The Olinda Falls toilet is closed indefinitely, nearby toilets at Kalorama Park or in the Olinda Township are open.
Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform - 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 sometime in 2024.
Mechanics Walking Track Closed between Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and Falls Road
- Mechanics walking track from the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd through to Falls Rd is closed due to significant damage from the June 2021 Storm. Parks Victoria is currently working with contractors on a plan to re-open this severely impacted walking track.
- Works completed so far has been the replacement of a timber bridge that was destroyed along with most of the large fallen trees having been cut through, the remaining walking track requires re-benching and tree branch removal where limbs have been partly buried due to the force of the impact with the ground.
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 the 1st of November 2023 and the 30th of November 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 from dusk until dawn throughout this period.
For your safety please observe all closure signage during this time and do not enter any closed
areas.
For further
information please call 131963
Wattle Track Bridge Closure Update
Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest is closed due to significant structural damage to the Foot Bridge by a fallen tree. Parks Victoria has engaged a contractor to commence construction works in March 2024, it is anticipated that the bridge will be opened by May 2024. The existing damaged timber bridge will be replaced with an all steel constructed bridge which includes a non slip FRP decking, during the construction period there may be some delays along Sherbrooke Track as building materials are carried to the site, Sherbrooke track will remain open.
Mathias Road Closure
A section of Mathias Road (Hamer Arboretum) will be closed to walkers between the 18th and 22nd of December inclusive. The Closure is to allow for the safe replacement of a large creek culvert that has collapsed, the location of the works and track closure point is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eunhiUT7gTjFnz2s8
Walkers will not be able to enter, walk through or around he work site during this time, please seek an alternative route. The majority of the road will remain open during this time.