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

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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 fires permitted
No camping
No firearms allowed
No dogs 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.

Dandenong Ranges National Park and Gardens Closed due to Extreme Bushfire Risk

In accordance with Parks Victoria's Emergency Management Plan, the following properties will be closed for public safety due to an Extreme bushfire danger rating in the BoM Central forecast district on Wednesday 4th February 2026.

Dandenong Ranges National Park, including:

Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground

1,000 Steps - Kokoda Memorial Walk

One Tree Hill Picnic Ground

Sherbrooke Picnic Ground

Grants Picnic Ground

Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground

Olinda Falls Picnic Ground

Valley Picnic Ground

Burkes Lookout

O’Donohue Picnic Ground;

and

Kalorama Park

Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve

Singleton Reserve

Perrins Creek Reserve

Black Hill Reserve and

Silvan Reservoir Park.

Dandenong Ranges Gardens, including:

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly National Rhododendron Garden)

William Ricketts Sanctuary,

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden,

George Tindale Memorial Garden,

Pirianda Garden,

R.J. Hamer Arboretum,

Mt Dandenong Arboretum;

and

Olinda Golf Course Reserve (Olinda Precinct, Playspace and Olinda Green).

Silvan Road Daily Closure

From Monday, February 2nd until Thursday February 5th, Silvan Road will be closed between Mathias Track and Olinda Creek Road from 9am until 3pm each day.
The closure is in place for fuel reduction burn preparation works, emergency services will still have access as required.

Deer Control in 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 October 19th 2025 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

Doongalla Forest Road Closed to Vehicles

Doongalla Forest Road will be closed to cars on Tuesday the 3rd of February, park users are still able to access the park and picnic ground by walking in from the entry gate.

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.

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)

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.

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.

Ramblers Track Upper Foot Bridge Closed

The Ramblers Track Upper Bridge was damaged by a fallen tree, the Tree has been cleared and we hope to have a new bridge in place by the 13th of February. Please use Tree Fern Gully Track to access the 1000 Steps. Ramblers Track is closed at the Musk Track intersection.