Are you looking for a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature, history, and culture? If so, the Dandenong Ranges might be the perfect destination for you.
The Dandenong Ranges are a series of low mountain ranges that lie about 35 kilometers east of Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. They are home to lush forests, stunning gardens, cascading waterfalls, charming villages, and iconic attractions that will make your visit unforgettable.
In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do and see in the Dandenong Ranges, how to get there, where to stay, and when to go. Whether you are looking for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences in this region.
So, let's get started and explore the Dandenong Ranges, the ultimate escape from the city.
How to Get to the Dandenong Ranges
Getting to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne is easy and convenient, as you have several options to choose from. You can drive, take a train, hop on a bus, or join a tour, depending on your budget, time, and comfort level.
- Driving: Driving is the most flexible and convenient way to get to the Dandenong Ranges, as you can stop at any point along the way and explore the region at your own pace. The drive from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges takes about an hour, depending on the traffic and the route you take. You can either take the Monash Freeway (M1) and then the Burwood Highway (C412), or the Eastern Freeway (M3) and then the Canterbury Road (C404). You will need a car with a valid registration and insurance, and a driver's license. You can rent a car from various locations in Melbourne, or use your own if you have one.
- Train: Taking a train is a more affordable and eco-friendly way to get to the Dandenong Ranges, as you can enjoy the scenic views and relax on board. The train from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges takes about an hour and a half, depending on the station you depart from and the station you arrive at. You can take the Belgrave line from Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station, or any other station along the line, and get off at Belgrave Station, the last stop. From there, you can walk to the Puffing Billy Railway Station, or take a bus or a taxi to your destination. You will need a myki card, a reusable smart card that you can use to pay for public transport in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
- Bus: Taking a bus is another option to get to the Dandenong Ranges, as you can avoid the hassle of driving and parking, and still have some flexibility and comfort. The bus from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the traffic and the route you take. You can take the Route 688 bus from Croydon Station or Upper Ferntree Gully Station, and get off at any of the stops along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, such as Olinda, Sassafras, or Mount Dandenong. You can also take the Route 694 bus from Belgrave Station, and get off at any of the stops along the Ridge Road, such as Kallista, Sherbrooke, or Kalorama.
- Tour: Joining a tour is the most hassle-free and informative way to get to the Dandenong Ranges, as you can leave everything to the experts and learn more about the region and its attractions. The tour from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges takes about a day, depending on the itinerary and the activities you choose. You can join a group tour or a private tour, and enjoy a variety of experiences, such as riding the Puffing Billy steam train, visiting the gardens and forests, having a high tea, or exploring the villages. You will need to book your tour in advance, and pay the tour fee, which usually includes transportation, admission fees, meals, and guides.
Some tips and advice on how to get to the Dandenong Ranges are:
- The best time to travel to the region is during the weekdays, as the weekends can be crowded and busy, especially during the peak seasons and holidays.
- The best way to travel to the region depends on your preferences and needs, but we recommend driving or taking a train, as they offer more flexibility and convenience than the other options.
- The best thing to pack and prepare for the trip is a comfortable and warm clothing, as the weather in the region can be unpredictable and chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. You should also pack a camera, a water bottle, a sunscreen, a hat, and a raincoat, just in case.
Puffing Billy: The Iconic Steam Train of the Dandenong Ranges
One of the most popular and memorable attractions in the Dandenong Ranges is the Puffing Billy steam train, a historic railway that runs through the forests and villages of the region. The Puffing Billy steam train is one of the oldest and best-preserved steam railways in the world, and a symbol of the region's heritage and culture.
The Puffing Billy steam train was built in the early 1900s, to transport timber, goods, and people from the remote areas of the Dandenong Ranges to the nearby towns and cities. The train was named after the sound of its steam whistle, which resembled the puffing of a billy goat. The train operated until the 1950s, when it was replaced by modern roads and vehicles. However, thanks to the efforts of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, the train was restored and reopened as a tourist attraction in the 1960s, and has been running ever since.
The Puffing Billy steam train runs on a 24-kilometer track, from Belgrave to Gembrook, passing through scenic landscapes, such as the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the Emerald Lake Park, and the Wright Forest. The train has several stations along the way, where you can hop on and off, and explore the nearby attractions, such as the gardens, the waterfalls, the cafes, and the shops. The train also crosses several bridges, including the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below.
Riding the Puffing Billy steam train is a fun and exciting experience, as you can feel the nostalgia and charm of the old-fashioned locomotive, and admire the beauty and diversity of the region. You can sit in the open-sided carriages, and dangle your legs over the side, or sit in the enclosed carriages, and relax in the comfort and warmth. You can also listen to the stories and facts about the train and the region, narrated by the friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
The Puffing Billy steam train operates daily, except for Christmas Day, and runs several times a day, depending on the season and the demand. The train ride takes about two hours for the round trip, or one hour for the one-way trip. The train ride costs $61 for adults, $31 for children, and $154 for families, for the round trip, or $41 for adults, $21 for children, and $104 for families, for the one-way trip.
The Puffing Billy steam train also offers some special events and experiences, that you can enjoy for an extra fee, such as:
- The Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train: A three-course meal served on board the train, as you travel through the region. The meal includes a soup, a main course, and a dessert, as well as tea, coffee, and beverages. The train departs from Belgrave at 12:30 pm, and returns at 3:30 pm. The experience costs $121 for adults, and $66 for children.
- The Dinner and Dance Train: A four-course meal and a live music performance on board the train, as you travel through the region at night. The meal includes an entrée, a main course, a cheese platter, and a dessert, as well as tea, coffee, and beverages. The train departs from Belgrave at 7:00 pm, and returns at 11:30 pm. The experience costs $129 for adults, and is not suitable for children.
- The Murder Mystery Night: A themed dinner and a murder mystery game on board the train, as you travel through the region at night. You can dress up according to the theme, such as the 1920s, the 1950s, or the 1980s, and try to solve the mystery, while enjoying a three-course meal and a drink. The train departs from Belgrave at 7:00 pm, and returns at 11:00 pm. The experience costs $119 for adults, and is not suitable for children.
- The Jazz on Puffing Billy: A jazz concert and a picnic on board the train, as you travel through the region in the afternoon. You can bring your own picnic basket, or order one from the train, and enjoy the jazz music performed by local bands and artists. The train departs from Belgrave at 12:30 pm, and returns at 4:30 pm. The experience costs $99 for adults, and $49 for children.
Some tips and advice on how to ride the Puffing Billy steam train are:
- The best time to ride the train is during the spring and autumn, as the weather is mild and pleasant, and the scenery is colorful and vibrant, with the flowers and the foliage.
- The best way to ride the train is to book your tickets in advance, as the train can be very popular and busy, especially during the peak seasons and holidays, and you might miss out on your preferred date and time.
- The best thing to wear and bring on the train is a comfortable and warm clothing, as the train can be windy and chilly, especially in the open-sided carriages. You should also bring a camera, a water bottle, a sunscreen, a hat, and a raincoat, just in case.
Gardens, Forests, and Waterfalls: The Natural Wonders of the Dandenong Ranges
If you are a nature lover, you will be amazed by the gardens, forests, and waterfalls of the Dandenong Ranges, as they offer a variety of flora and fauna, as well as stunning views and peaceful settings. The gardens, forests, and waterfalls of the region are part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, a protected area that covers over 3,500 hectares of land, and preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
The gardens, forests, and waterfalls of the region are accessible by car, bus, or foot, and have several facilities and amenities, such as picnic areas, barbecue areas, toilets, and parking spaces. You can also find some information centers, gift shops, and cafes, where you can learn more about the region and its attractions, and buy some souvenirs and snacks.
Some of the main gardens, forests, and waterfalls of the region are:
- The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden: Formerly known as the National Rhododendron Garden, this garden is one of the most popular and beautiful gardens in the region, as it features over 15,000 rhododendrons, as well as azaleas, camellias, daffodils, and other flowers, that bloom throughout the year, creating a colorful and fragrant display. The garden also has some ponds, bridges, and gazebos, where you can enjoy the views and the tranquility. The garden is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for Christmas Day, and admission is free.
- The Sherbrooke Forest: This forest is the largest and most diverse forest in the region, as it covers over 800 hectares of land, and hosts over 200 species of plants and animals, including the rare and endangered lyrebird, a bird that can mimic any sound it hears. The forest also has some towering mountain ash trees, some of which are over 200 years old and 80 meters tall, making them the tallest flowering plants in the world. The forest has several walking trails, such as the Sherbrooke Falls Trail, the Lyrebird Walk, and the O'Donohue Picnic Ground Trail, where you can explore the forest and see the wildlife. The forest is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is free.
- The Olinda Falls: These falls are one of the most scenic and serene waterfalls in the region, as they cascade over two tiers, creating a soothing and refreshing sound. The falls are surrounded by ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, creating a lush and green environment. The falls are accessible by a short and easy walk from the Olinda Falls Picnic Ground, where you can have a picnic and relax. The falls are open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is free.
Villages, Food, and Art: The Cultural Delights of the Dandenong Ranges
If you are a culture lover, you will be charmed by the villages, food, and art of the Dandenong Ranges, as they offer a variety of shops, cafes, galleries, and festivals that will enrich your visit. The villages, food, and art of the region reflect the history, diversity, and creativity of the people who live and work there, and invite you to discover and enjoy their stories and products.
The villages, food, and art of the region are accessible by car, bus, train, or foot, and have several facilities and amenities, such as parking spaces, toilets, and information centers. You can also find some gift shops, markets, and restaurants, where you can buy some souvenirs, local produce, and delicacies.
Some of the main villages, food, and art of the region are:
- Olinda: This village is one of the most picturesque and popular villages in the region, as it is located on the top of Mount Dandenong, and offers spectacular views of the valley and the city. The village has a quaint and cozy atmosphere, with its cottages, gardens, and antique shops. The village also has some cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a high tea, a Devonshire tea, or a gourmet meal, such as the Olinda Tea House, the Cuckoo Restaurant, and the Copperfields Restaurant. The village also has some galleries and museums, where you can admire the art and craft of the local artists and artisans, such as the Olinda Pottery, the Mangana Arts and Crafts, and the Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens.
- Belgrave: This village is the gateway to the Dandenong Ranges, as it is the starting point of the Puffing Billy steam train, and the closest village to Melbourne. The village has a vibrant and eclectic vibe, with its street art, murals, and sculptures. The village also has some cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a coffee, a pizza, or a burger, such as the Earthly Pleasures Cafe, the Tin Pan Alley Foodsmiths, and the Oscar's Alehouse. The village also has some cinemas and theatres, where you can watch a movie, a play, or a concert, such as the Cameo Cinema, the Belgrave Theatre, and the Burrinja Cultural Centre.
- Sassafras: This village is one of the oldest and most charming villages in the region, as it dates back to the 1890s, and retains its heritage and character. The village has a rustic and elegant feel, with its Victorian buildings, gardens, and fountains. The village also has some cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a tea, a cake, or a pie, such as the Miss Marples Tea Room, the Ripe Cafe, and the Sassafras Bakery. The village also has some shops and boutiques, where you can buy some gifts, books, or clothing, such as the Geppetto's Workshop, the Sassafras Sweet Co, and the Tea Leaves.
Accommodation: The Relaxing Retreats of the Dandenong Ranges
If you want to extend your stay in the Dandenong Ranges, you will be spoilt for choice by the accommodation options in the region, as they offer a range of quality, comfort, and style that will suit your needs and preferences. The accommodation options in the region include cottages, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and hotels, that are located in various locations, such as the villages, the forests, or the hills.
The accommodation options in the region are equipped with various facilities and amenities, such as kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, spas, gardens, and views, that will make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. You can also find some services and activities, such as breakfast, massage, yoga, and tours, that will enhance your stay and make it more memorable.
Some of the main types of accommodation in the region are:
- Cottages: These are self-contained and cozy units that are ideal for couples, families, or groups, who want to have some privacy and independence. The cottages are usually decorated in a rustic and charming style, and have one or more bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Some cottages also have a fireplace, a spa, a garden, or a view, that add to the ambiance and comfort. Some examples of cottages in the region are Gracehill Accommodation, Holly Lodge, and Candlelight Mountain Retreats.
- Bed and breakfasts: These are homely and friendly establishments that are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friends, who want to have some interaction and hospitality. The bed and breakfasts are usually run by the owners or the hosts, who live on the premises, and offer a comfortable room, a private or shared bathroom, and a delicious breakfast. Some bed and breakfasts also offer a lounge, a library, or a garden, where you can relax and socialize. Some examples of bed and breakfasts in the region are Como Cottages, Wild Patch Retreat, and Moulton Park Estate.
- Guesthouses: These are elegant and spacious properties that are suitable for couples, families, or groups, who want to have some luxury and style. The guesthouses are usually set in historic or heritage buildings, and have one or more rooms, a dining room, a lounge, and a bathroom. Some guesthouses also have a spa, a pool, a sauna, or a view, that add to the sophistication and indulgence. Some examples of guesthouses in the region are Lochiel Luxury Accommodation, Arnica Views, and Belle Le Vie.
- Hotels: These are modern and convenient establishments that are fit for solo travelers, couples, or friends, who want to have some simplicity and efficiency. The hotels are usually located in the villages or the towns, and have one or more rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a bathroom. Some hotels also have a gym, a conference room, or a parking space, that add to the functionality and practicality. Some examples of hotels in the region are The Loft in the Mill, The Black Spur Inn, and The Country Place.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative guide to the Dandenong Ranges, and inspired you to plan and make the most of your trip to this region. The Dandenong Ranges are a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to escape from the city and experience the natural wonders, historic attractions, and cultural delights of this region.
Whether you want to ride the Puffing Billy steam train, visit the gardens, forests, and waterfalls, explore the villages, food, and art, or relax in the accommodation options, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences in this region.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate escape from the city in the Dandenong Ranges. And don't forget to share your feedback and experiences with us, we would love to hear from you. Happy travels!
