Dandenong Ranges: Day Trips and Tours from Melbourne

At a stone's throw from Melbourne, you will find the Dandenong Ranges, a lush haven of verdant forests and picturesque villages.

Join a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne to escape the city hustle and bustle and discover the wonders of the Australian fauna and flora.

Here's all you need to know about the Dandenong Ranges, one of the most exciting day trips from Melbourne.

How to get to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne?

The Dandenong Ranges are situated about 40 kilometers east of the Melbourne city center and are easily accessible by car, train and bus.

From Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges by car

The most straightforward route to the Dandenong Ranges National Park is via the M1 and State Route 22. Leaving the center of Melbourne on the M1, you follow the freeway to Notting Hill and take exit 11 onto Ferntree Gully Road.

You continue until the road merges with Burwood Highway and follow that until you reach the national park on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. The drive takes roughly 40 minutes under normal driving conditions.

From Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges by public transport

From the central railway station in Melbourne, you can take trains on the Belgrave Line and get off at Upper Ferntree Gully Station. The park is a 15-minute walk from there, or you can take the 688 bus to get off further up Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. The entire journey should take about one hour.

Guided tour to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne

If you would like to avoid the hassle of driving yourself or dealing with public transportation schedules, you can book a guided tour to the Dandenong Ranges. Many of these tours offer a door-to-door service, allowing you to enjoy the ride in comfort with the help of a knowledgeable guide.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your journey to the world-famous Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley begins at your hotel with a pickup and drive to the national park in a minivan. After a short scenic drive, you will arrive at the park with your group.

The park has many marked hiking trails that will lead you up Mount Dandenong to take in the breathtaking views of the city and Port Phillip. Your excursion may then continue with a visit to one of the villages, where you can learn more about the local culture and cuisine. This is also be an ideal time for a drink or lunch.

Don't miss out on the opportunity of a steam train ride on the Puffing Bill for the full experience. Some tours may also include visits to animal sanctuaries in the area, to get a better appreciation of the Australian wildlife. When your tour concludes, you will then be dropped off where you started your journey in Melbourne.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Dandenong Ranges?

There are a few different kinds of tours to the Dandenong Ranges, most of which also include an exploration of the Yarra Valley. Depending on the tour that you book, there may also be activities and visits to other sights of interest in the area.

Guided tours to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne

The most straightforward way to visit the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne is with a guided tour. On these tours, you will get to explore the national park with the help of your guide and taste of the local wines or chocolates. Guided tours can last from as little as 6 hours to an entire day.

Private tour to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne

For a more relaxed and comprehensive visit to the Dandenong Ranges, consider booking a private tour. Operating in smaller groups, these tours offer a more intimate experience and are ideal for families. Many private guided tours include additional activities, such as hiking and riding on the Puffing Billy train.

Furthermore, they are more flexible and allow you to customize the itinerary to your interests and preferences. Most private tours last 4 to 6 hours, but packages with more activities and visits can last between 8 and 10 hours.

How much does a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne cost?

A guided tour to the Dandenong Ranges from Melbourne typically costs US$120 to US$150 per person. The price usually includes transportation, tea, drinks, snacks and the services of a guide, while certain tours also provide lunch.

For a private tour to the Dandenong Ranges, you can expect to pay US$150 to US$350 per person, which often includes luxury transportation with a hotel pickup and drop off. The final cost depends on the size of the group, inclusion of meals and additional activities and visits.

What will you see and do?

Boasting breathtaking mountains and beautiful verdant eucalyptus and fern forests, the Dandenong Ranges is a nature enthusiast's paradise that wombats, cockatoos, wallabies and echidnas call home.

You can start your excursion with a visit to the Sherbrooke Waterfalls and then continue to the National Rhododendron Gardens, which hosts many spectacular Australian flowers, including azaleas, rhododendrons and daffodils. There, you will also find many bird species, such as king parrots, peacocks and crimson rosellas.

The hiking trails on the Dandenong Ranges are well-maintained and will allow you to explore the stony Australian landscape, with the 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk taking you to the top. The Mount Dandenong Observatory offers the best view, from a vantage point of 633 meters above sea level.

For a more relaxed tour of the quaint towns and lush forests in the region, go on a Puffing Billy steam train ride. To round off your excursion, make sure to sample the locally produced wines and drinks at the wineries and distilleries in the area.

When is the best time to visit the Dandenong Ranges?

The best time to visit the Dandenong Ranges is spring, from September to the end of November. During this season, the flora will be in full bloom, giving you the opportunity to admire the azaleas, cherry-tree blossoms and rhododendrons in all their glory.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and shoes.
• There are no garbage bins in the park and visitors are required to take all items with them.
• Don't forget to charge your camera or smartphone.