Dandenong Ranges

Four chunks of the ranges form the Dandenong Ranges National Park, whose highest peak is TV tower-topped Mount Dandenong itself (633 m). The valley between the hills has the pleasant towns of Olinda, Sassafras and Kallista, and the wineries of the Yarra Valley are just to the north. Although there is a suburb called Dandenong in Melbourne, it is 30km from the mountain of the same name. Make sure you double check!

By train

The Dandenongs can be reached by Belgrave line Metro trains from Melbourne in just over an hour. Outside rush hour, you may need to board a train to Lilydale and change at Ringwood. Two park information centres are near Upper Ferntree Gully station (one on the Railway Rd side, the other 10 min away at the Ferntree Gully picnic grounds), while Puffing Billy (see below) leaves from near Belgrave.
Alternatively, take the train to Croydon on the Lilydale line, and continue by Ventura bus 688 to Mt Dandenong and Olinda. The service is infrequent, but it's the only way of reaching either on Sundays.

By car

As ever in Australia, a car will come in handy for touring the area, especially on weekends. The main route through the Dandenong Ranges is via the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. It ranges from Upper Ferntree Gully (at the junction with Burwood Highway) in the south and winds through the ranges via Ferny Creek, Sassafras, Olinda, Mount Dandenong and Kalorama before terminating at Montrose, at a junction with (the similarly named, but different) Mount Dandenong Road. The road is a pleasant drive through tall forests and should take approximately 35 minutes (depending on traffic).

Ventura Bus Lines runs several buses in the area. All are in Metlink Zone 2 and run very infrequently, so check schedules beforehand.

• Bus 694: Belgrave-Olinda-Mt Dandenong. Mon-Sat.
• Bus 695: Belgrave-Gembrook. Daily.
• Bus 698: Upper Ferntree Gully-Olinda-Mt Dandenong. Mon-Fri peak hours only.

It is possible to travel by train to Upper Ferntree Gully or Belgrave station. From there, several walks are available throughout nearby Ferntree Gully National Park, (see below). There are a plethora of walking tracks throughout the Dandenong Ranges that can be reached by bus. Maps are located from the Information Centre at Upper Ferntree Gully.
Cycling is possible, but only for intermediate and advanced cyclists.
Running is also possible.

• Puffing BillyThis historic steam train is the most popular attraction in the Dandenong Ranges. It runs on its original 24 km mountain railway track from Belgrave to Gembrook, through the beautiful lush bush of the ranges. It doesn't come cheap though: tickets are $31/48 single/return for adults, $15/24 for children.

• Kokoda Memorial Track (1000 Steps)

  address: Burwood Highway and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Upper Ferntree Gully
  Named in memory of the notorious Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, this is a steep 1.5-km long staircase that combines hiking through near-jungle conditions, with historical plaques documenting the battles against the Japanese and horrific conditions endured by Australian soldiers and their allies. At the top of the hill is the One Tree Hill picnic ground and a series of trails leading in all directions. Very popular on weekends!

• William Ricketts SanctuaryMt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Daily 10AM-4:30PM (except Christmas Day). May be closed during fire bans. William Ricketts is a well known Australian artist, and this, his previously private retreat, is dotted with amazing sculptures blended into the natural environment. Free entry.

• Mt Dandenong Scenic Lookout on the 633m summit is accessible by road and looks out across all of Melbourne
• Flower farms
• Devonshire tea houses with friendly parrots

• Mt Dandenong ArboretumUnlike many arboreta in Australia, there is a focus on Southern Hemisphere conifers here.

• National Rhododendron Gardens

Unless you're touring by car, you'll need to bring along your own supplies: there's a supermarket and a few basic eateries next to Upper Ferntree Gully station. The National Park has half a dozen picnic grounds with barbecues, shelters and water, as well as a cafe.

The Royal Hotel is across the road from Upper Ferntree Gully train station. There are also some bars in Belgrave, such as Ruby's which features live bands - check the gig guide.

• Linden Gardens Rainforest Retreat

  address: 1383 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong
  Luxury boutique accommodation in the Dandenong Ranges with four luxe design driven suites on 3 acres of rainforest and woodland gardens. Enjoy a cooked breakfast delivered to your door and lots of extras to make your stay a memorable one.

• Lakeside Cottage Luxury B & B

  phone: +61 3 9761 9791
  address: 11 Tereddan Drive Kilsyth Sth 3137
  A luxury bed and breakfast cottage set in 5 acres of botanical gardens with a private lake with fountain and bridge over the lake stunningly silhouetted in lights at night, sitting at the gateway to the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley region. Featuring a comfy King Bed, oval spa, gas log fire and sunny conservatory overlooking the rose gardens. Linger in the gazebo perched by the lake and feed the ducks or wander the gardens exciting the senses with the colours and aromas. Breakfast provisions included so you can enjoy the late checkout of 12 noon with a 2pm check in. Stunningly beautiful both day and night. Short or long stays welcome. A memory to last a lifetime.

• Parks Victoria office, Lower Picnic Ground, Ferntree Gully, Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd. Has park and track maps.