Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, Dandenong Ranges National Park)

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Hidden away from the busy Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Valley Picnic Ground is the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic. Subject to opening times, explore the plethora of walks that lead off into the lush fern-laden forests of the Dandenong Ranges National Park from here.

How to get there

Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, Dandenong Ranges National Park)

Need to know

Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, 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 dogs allowed
No firearms allowed
No fires permitted
No camping

Warnings

Other warnings
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.

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.

Doongalla Forest Road Closure

Doongalla Picnic Ground Access Road will be closed to visitors cars on the 15th, 16th & 17th of January for road maintenance works.

Valley Picnic Ground Access Road is closed to visitors cars

Valley Picnic Ground is currently closed to visitor vehicles. This decision has been made due to ongoing issues of vandalism, illegal firewood cutting, and rubbish dumping in the area.

To protect the environment and the integrity of the picnic ground facilities, the access road will remain closed until further notice. Parks Victoria will continue to monitor the situation and will review the closure decision in due course. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to protect the National Park. An alternative setting is the Doongalla Picnic Ground located via this link

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cejNrRMHroYTjRVi7

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.

R.J. Hamer Arboretum Visitor Guide & Map

Please find attached the current R.J. Hamer Arboretum Visitor Guide & park map:

Attachments: Park-note-RJ-Hamer-Arboretum (222KB)

Removal of the Fitness Station at the top of the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk

The Fitness Station at the top of the 1000 steps will be removed as it has been deemed unsafe. The work area will be partially closed whilst works are carried out, but the 1000 Steps will remain open. Some large timber benches will be installed in place of the Fitness Station. It is expected that the work will be completed by the end of January 2025.

Eagle Nest Picnic Ground is now open

Parks Victoria is pleased to advise that the Eagle Nest Picnic Ground is now fully open. Car access is now permitted right through to the picnic ground. The access road will be closed after the Easter long weekend and re-open again on Melbourne cup weekend. The closure will occur annually to assist with reducing illegal firewood collection and rubbish dumping that regularly occurs in the area.

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)

Wattle Track Foot Bridge Replacement

Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest has been closed for an extended period due to damage caused by a fallen tree. The bridge was destroyed, and since then, Parks Victoria has been awaiting funding for its replacement.

While plans for the new bridge have been drawn up, there are further delays in the project’s delivery. It is currently anticipated that work to replace the bridge will commence sometime in 2025. Once a specific start date is confirmed, it will be made publicly available.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to restore this important infrastructure.

For updates, please visit the Parks Victoria website or contact us directly.

Thank you for your understanding.

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.

ngurrak barring - RidgeWalk Art Installation Works

Shire of Yarra Ranges contractors will soon be starting works across a range of sites within the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the works include path upgrades, wayfinding signage and Land Art Installations. For details regarding the project click on this link. https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ridgewalk