The Dandenongs is one of the best places for Melbourne people to escape from the city rat race for a short break. The are located only 50 or 60 kilometres to the north west of the city and are made up of a number of local towns all set among the beautiful ridges and valleys of the Dandenong ranges region. The scenery here is quite special with fern filled valleys and tall eucalypt forests covering the hillsides. The area is alive with wildlife and there are plenty of attractions that are great to visit on a day or weekend away. There are over 300 kilometres of bushwalking tracks through the mountains.

Man made attractions are everywhere. You can ride on the Puffing Billy which is an ancient steam train that has been taking tourists for rides through the mountains for generations. In Healesville, you can visit the wildlife sanctuary that has a reputation for being one of the best of its type in Australia. You can visit some of the finest gardens and country homes in Victoria. In Olinda, the National Rhododendron Gardens display an awesome range which includes 12000 Azaleas, 15000 Rhododendrons and 200000 daffodils. Through out the region you will find a selection of beautiful villages, that have a range of art galleries, antique and handicraft shops and roadside cafes with sensational Devonshire teas served in front of a roaring log fire. During the winter months snowfalls are common which adds to the wonderful appeal of the Dandenong ranges.

The Dandenong Ranges National park was formed in 1987 with the combination of the Ferntree Gully National Park with the Sherbrook forest and the Doongalla reserve. The national park is home to and the protector of a large colony of Australian Lyre Birds. There is also a wide range of other birdlife and marsupials living in the park. Wombats, kangaroos, wallabys, echidna, platypus, possums and koala all live here and if you go bushwalking through the park you are sure to meet up with some of them. In all there are more than 125 species of birds, 30 native animals and 20 reptile species existing in the park.

If you are visiting Melbourne and want to try some great local excursions or tours, then come and visit the Dandenong Ranges and share in some of Australia’s most beautiful country hospitality and attractions.

The Dandenongs