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Explore

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 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.

Board Track Closure for Fuel Reduction Burn

Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in Olinda- Board Track planned 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 12^th May 2025 and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

Helen Track Planned Burn

Port Phillip Region - Metro District

Forest Fire Management Victoria and CFA advise that the following planned burn is scheduled:

Start date: Monday 12^th May, 2025
End date: Sunday 18^th May 2025

Burn name	Location	Size	Traffic Management
Ferny Creek - Helen Track	1 km NE of Ferny Creek	28.6ha	Traffic management may be present on Mountain Highway for the duration of the burn

Smoke may be visible from nearby localities and communities.

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.

Valley Picnic Ground now open to vehicle access

Valley Picnic Ground access road will reopen to visitors cars on Saturday the 10th of May 2025, this will allow you to drive all the way into the picnic facilities at the carpark.

The Picnic area has had a bit of a makeover with two new tables on concrete slabs and a re-positioned wood fired BBQ, please bring your own firewood.

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)

Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Information

Between March and May is the peak foliage display for the Dandenong Ranges Gardens (including Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden & R.J. Hamer Arboretum). Over this 12-week period, the gardens bursts with a variety of autumn foliage colour.

Being products of nature, the annual foliage display does not occur exactly at the same time each year, and from season to season. There is no “magical switch” that turns on all the autumn leaves all at once! While some trees might start changing as early as late March, generally the peak of vibrant colour is usually in the middle of the autumn season. The best time to see autumn foliage in Victoria is typically from mid-April to early May, with colours often peaking in late April and early May.

The vibrancy of autumn foliage is significantly influenced by the weather during the preceding summer and early autumn. One of the key factors is consistent rainfall throughout the summer. Drought can stress the trees, causing them to shed their leaves early, as well as resulting in duller colours. Other factors to consider include the tree species; with different tree species changing colour at different times, with the exact peak-time varying depending on each location and tree type. Milder temperatures, cold nights and higher rainfall also contribute to more stunning displays. Likewise, too-much wind or heavy rain during the foliage display knocks the leaves off the trees prematurely!

Unfortunately, in the lead up to autumn 2025, we have experienced above average warmer day and nighttime temperatures and much-less rainfall than normally experienced. We anticipate this autumn foliage season will most likely be delayed, less vibrant and of shorter duration. So far this year, we have not experienced any typical autumn weather conditions to support a successful 2025 foliage display.

During autumn, we expect larger crowds, especially on weekends. Consider if you can visit mid-week or early in the morning when the gardens may be quieter. Parking is limited at most gardens, so if the car parks are full, we recommend you visit another site.

Whenever you choose to visit, there will always be something new to see and discover. Seasonal changes ensure the garden is a year-round delight!

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

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.

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 - Long Bridge is now open to the public

After a 5 year wait, the Wattle Track pedestrian bridge over Sherbrooke Creek has been rebuilt and is now open to the public. The National Park team are very pleased with the new bridge which introduces a new style of construction that is built to last and is more easily repaired if damaged, we hope you enjoy crossing the creek once again.