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

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

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 (Dandenong Ranges National Park, RJ Hamer Arboretum)

Need to know

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

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 dogs allowed
No camping
No firearms allowed

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.

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)

Restricted night access to Dandenong Ranges National Park due to deer control program

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 16th and May 12th 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)

Planned Burn, Trig Track Park Area Closure - Mount Dandenong

Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in Mt Dandenong- Trig track burn areas and tracks within the area being closed from the time burns are approved for ignition until areas are declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from Monday 23rd March and is subject to favourable weather.

Check the status of current planned burn at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/burn-site/898669

Wood Fire pits now available at some Picnic Grounds

Parks Victoria is re-instating wood fire pits at the following picnic grounds:

Valley, Eagle Nest, Olinda Falls & Doongalla Stables.

Visitors are requested to bring their own fire wood with them.

Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Guide

🍁 Dandenong Ranges Gardens – Autumn Foliage Guide

Between March and May the Dandenong Ranges Gardens — including the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, and R.J. Hamer Arboretum — come alive with stunning autumn colour.

🌲 When to Visit
Expect larger crowds during autumn, especially on weekends and during the Easter school holidays. For a quieter experience, consider visiting mid-week, early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

🚗 Parking
On-site parking is limited at each garden site. If car parks are full, we recommend exploring another nearby garden.

🌳 Prefer a Peaceful Visit?
Try one of these gardens for a quieter experience:

Pirianda Garden
George Tindale Memorial Garden
R.J. Hamer Arboretum
Mt Dandenong Arboretum

🍂 Understanding Autumn Foliage

Because it’s a natural process, the timing and intensity of autumn colours vary each year. Some trees start changing in late March, but the peak display usually occurs from mid-April to early May.

The quality of autumn colour depends on weather conditions:

Good rainfall during summer leads to brighter foliage.
Dry conditions or warm weather can delay colour change and dull the display.
Cool nights and mild days bring out the best colours.
Strong winds or heavy rain can shorten the season by removing leaves too early.

🧭 Accessibility

The garden’s hilly terrain and layout may present challenges for some visitors. While garden paths are sealed and wide, they can be steep. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended. The two arboretums only feature unsealed paths.

🚌 Garden Tour Bus (Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden):
A great option for visitors with limited mobility, this paid, one-way audio tour covers the original Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (not the new Chelsea Australian Garden). Click here for more information.

🚫 Visitor Guidelines

To protect these special places for everyone, please note:

Dogs on lead only
No dogs permitted at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
No bins provided – please carry in, carry out all rubbish.
No drones permitted
No picking or removing vegetation – leave for others to enjoy!

🚌 Coach Parking

There is a dedicated coach/bus drop-off zone beside the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden entrance (24 The Georgian Rd, Olinda). Once passengers have exited, coaches should park at the nearby Olinda Pool & Community House Car Park (79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda), before returning to the same location for passenger collection.

📖 Attached: Garden Guide

Use the garden guide attached to explore stunning gardens of the Dandenong Ranges.

No matter when you visit, the gardens always offer something beautiful to enjoy.

Attachments: Explore stunning gardens in the Dandenong Ranges 2023 (4,237KB)

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.

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.

Track Improvement Works

Track repair works are currently taking place (30/3/26) on the following tracks:

Feather, Boulevard and Himalaya Tracks
Belview and Ramu Tracks

Tracks are expected to remain open but with restrictions, visitors are requested to follow all site safety signage and direction from the contractors working on site, works are expected to be completed in the next two weeks.