Dandenong Ranges Trip Guide | Eateries, Gardens and Accommodations

Dandenong ranges National Park is the picture-perfect escape from the busy city life. 

The Dandenong area is considered one of the most iconic experiences to create fabulous memories. The Australia Time has put together all the information you need to travel here, including the accommodation, attractions, the botanic garden, accessibility, events and businesses, and restaurants. 

Dandenong Ranges National Park

To make out of the experience, hop on the Puffing Billy railway at Belgrave, make your way through the iconic trestle bridges, and pass through the lush fern glades, soaring forests, and quaint villages that can be experienced firsthand from your open carriage. 

Plus, you can bring your furry friend with you, too – please check the dates and times for the Dog Express. 

What not to do? 

We advise you not to come here on a full stomach – the local villages along the way know how to jam up an exquisite spread of various delicacies along with high tea experiences – about which you will be telling stories for years to come. 

Where to have something to drink? 

Go to Miss Marples Tea Room, MartBrooke Manor, or enjoy the delicious food and tea at Mary Eats Cake – all of these are pros at putting a spread on which your Grammy would be proud. Plus, Olinda Tea house is known for putting a modern Asian touch on their high-tea well-liked among visitors. 

Hey, pub-goers, we haven’t forgotten you; give Micawber Tavern or Paradise Valley Hotel a go to quench your thirst. 

If you are having fun, stay the night in a cutesy cottage or a bed & breakfast for a unique hospitality experience. Also, for breakfast, give bakeries, The General Food Store in Emerald or Ripe Café in Sassafras a go. Food is no biggie; the only question is where you want to go and which restaurants you want to try. 

We have listed a few for your reference below;

Dandenong Ranges Restaurants

Disclaimer: The choices of restaurants are unlimited, so good luck picking one 😉 Bon Appetite. 

After a scrumptious spread of exotic food, it is time for some excursion at the national park featured views. 

Featured Views

Each of these places deserves a dedicated visit; however, the botanic garden is a must-see. 

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The scenic Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, formerly known as the National Rhododendron garden, houses dazzlingly coloured blossoms of azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, daffodils, and cherries. Rhododendrons in the garden, however, offer the most colour in early summer or spring. Seasonal changes keep the garden alive with buoyant colors, so you can also see the beauty of leaves changing colours to fiery reds and oranges in the fall. 

When the flowers are not in bloom, you get to take in the beauty of the seed capsules, rich bark textures, foliage, and mesmerizing fragrances as you stroll in the garden. 

The botanic garden is easily the most visited place in the area. Millions of blooms with hypnotic buoyant purples, pinks, reds, and blues greet you in these palatial gardens – the best part – is the garden is only 500 meters away from the Olinda Village. 

What to do in the Botanic Garden?

While visiting the gardens, you can either opt to visit one area if you are looking for a gentle stroll or hike for the whole 5-kilometre round trip. The garden trip takes you on a fanciful ride through the rock gardens, sprawling lawns, and fern gullies. Moreover, the views of the iconic Yarra Valley and its peaks are awe-inspiring. 

You can also double down your experience by paying a visit to the sensory garden, where you get to inhale the natural oozing cologne of the fresh blooms, feel the grains of the ruffled bark, and hear the crisp crunch of the leaves under your foot. You can even taste some of the plants. 

Botanic Garden Extended Information

Facilities

• Picnic Area
• Carpark
• Café
• Shop / Gift Shop

Accessibility

The garden does have disabled access available. 

What are some other attractions in the Dandenong area? 

Dandenong Featured Picnic Spots

If you are visiting the national park, do not forget to enjoy your time with some outdoor picnics to feel the difference. Picnics, when planned well, can become the ultimate family day out or intimate leisure activity for two people to connect, spend time and forget the worries of daily life. Stunning views, fresher cool air, amazing wildlife, and heavenly gardens make up a wonderful adventure – that becomes unforgettable. 

Below are some most visited and charming spots for picnics in the vicinity: 

Dandenong area views are stunning and as varied as they can be, to an extent that you will be amazed with their beauty and just how far the eyes can take in this gorgeous beauty. Peaking mountain ranges, rolling fields, and a gigantic patchwork of quilting colors of nature shall guide you through the city’s twinkling lights. Get in the magical land of unnerving beauty and be prepared to be amazed; enjoy your magic carpet ride unfolding right before your eyes. 

Be Advised: Some parts are closed to the public due to heavy damages incurred in the June 2021 storm.

What are some other visit-worthy attractions of the national park and some recommended accommodations? 

National Park Attractions

The Dandenong area and Yarra Valley have a spiraling array of star attractions that you must add to your bucket list. What’s more, you can enjoy several other bucket list activities like hot air balloons and more. Plan a trip around a few of these once-in-a-lifetime activities and create an unforgettable trip. 

More Attractions

Where can you find a soothing spa experience in Dandenong? 

Wellbeing & Spa

Pull some time out of your excursions to relax and recharge. Hey, you need it. 

The area around the national park is ideal for treating yourself to a relaxing day – book a spa getaway and enjoy the ‘me-time.’ Pick from the day spas, art, nature, and stunning Dandenong ranges accommodation options, as it’s the perfect place to plan a pamper weekend, a hens day or a simple downtime-me-time. 

Embrace the overlooking the sparling vineyard and undulating hills – with a sense of indulgence, comfort, and soothing attention. 

Other places to treat yourself

1. Kangaroo Ridge Retreat
2. Balgownie Estate – Yarra Valley
3. Cheeky Fox Retreat

A Well Crafted Adventure

Poised, original, and handcrafted – all of these qualities are readily found in the area. 

Plunge in the corner of the lush land, and your life poetically will be a richer experience for it. Breeze through the forested drives to spot artists creating beautiful work in sheltered galleries and studios. Take your time out in nature and go for a stay about reflection, comfort, and leisure. While you plan your trip, make sure to align the dates with some of the amazing events in the area. 

Featured Businesses and Events

Now after covering all your trip bases, let’s look into some accommodation options;

Dandenong Ranges Accommodation

Pick from the unlimited options of bed and breakfast, pet-friendly cottages, luxury apartments, or the self-contained rooms; there are accommodations to suit your needs in Dandenong; 

How high are the  Dandenong Ranges?

The Dandenong Range is a group of low mountain ranges, mounting to 633 meters with Mount Dandenong – which is 35 kilometres east of Melbourne, Australia. The ranges consist of steeply weathered valleys, rolling hills, and gullies with thick temperate rainforest. 

What to do there?

The options are endless when it comes to the gorgeous Dandenong area. Visit the native spiraling forests beautifully showcasing the Australian flora and fauna, or the gigantic landscapes and lush green gardens – everything in the area is a sight to behold; you just have to know the right places, and voila – you are sorted. 

When in the area, go to forest parks, tourist attractions, art galleries, rock landscapes, and local festivals. 

Are Dandenong ranges open?

The national park is open to the public every day, even on public holidays. 

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