Be Bushfire Smart

In 1987 Sherbrooke Forest, Doongalla Reserve and Ferntree Gully National Park were combined to form Dandenong Ranges National Park. Covering 3215 hectares, the park plays an important role in protecting a population of famous lyrebirds and other fauna, as well as protecting the forests and fern gullies of the Ranges. Since June 1997 Olinda State Forest and the Mt Evelyn Forest have also been included in Dandenong Ranges National Park.

• Oxfam Trailwalker (Fri, 16 Apr 2010)

• Scenic drives through the Ranges are just as popular now as they have been for many years.
• Enjoy a picnic at the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground or at One Tree Hill or in Sherbrooke Forest.
• Near the park are coffee shops and restaurants, bed and breakfasts, craft shops, antique shops, gardens and the historic Puffing Billy train from Belgrave to Gembrook.
• Numerous walking tracks are excellent for short family strolls or longer hikes.

The park is a day visit area and camping is not permitted. However, there are many bed and breakfasts in and around the Dandenongs that are popular for short weekend breaks.

Picnic areas have tables, water and toilets. Many also have gas or electric barbecues.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong Observatory - the breathtaking view is the same but everything else has changed.

Tearoom facilities are also available to enjoy at the Grants Picnic Area. For more information visit the Grants on Sherbrooke website at www.grantsonsherbrooke.com.au.

Originally used by the Bunurong and Woewurrong Aboriginal tribes, the Ranges became an important source of timber for early Melbourne and much of the forest was cleared. Farming became established late last century as roads and railways were built. The 'Puffing Billy' narrow-gauge line from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook was opened in 1900.

The area became popular with tourists from the 1870s onwards; Fern Tree Gully was first reserved as a park in 1882 and other areas followed. The present national park was established in 1987.

Some of the heritage of the Dandenongs is depicted in paintings by famous artists such as Sir Arthur Streeton. Reproductions of their works can be found on signs in the park and around the Ranges.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

The park is rich in wildlife with 130 native bird species, 31 native mammals, 21 reptiles and nine amphibian species recorded.

The Superb Lyrebird is its most famous inhabitant. People the world over are fascinated by the ability of this bird to mimic the calls of other bird species, and by the dancing display and beautiful tail of the male. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Pied Currawongs are some of the native birds most frequently seen in the park.

Heavily-scarred eucalypt trees are evidence of the night-time feeding of Yellow-bellied Gliders, and tiny Feather-tail Gliders make their homes in the hollows of mature trees. Tree Goannas can also be found in the park.

The plant communities in the park are remnants of the original vegetation that has receded over the last 150 years with the rapid growth of Melbourne's suburbs.

Dandenong Ranges National Park has six major vegetation communities in which about 400 indigenous plant species occur. The park is particularly well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash forests and fern gullies.

Other vegetation communities include Cool Temperate Rainforest, Box Stringybark Woodland, Riparian Forest, Mountain Grey Gum -Messmate Forest and Sclerophyll Woodland. The park supports significant plants such as the Slender Tree-fern and Summer Spider Orchid. Fire plays an important role in the ecology of the vegetation and is an on-going issue for residents of the Ranges.

• Dogs and other pets are not permitted within park boundaries. To find places to walk your dog nearby visit Yarra Ranges Shire Council - Exercising Dogs
• Firearms are not permitted.
• Electric/gas barbecues are available in the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground, and in Grants, Sherbrooke, O'Donohue and One Tree Hill picnic grounds.
• Please stay on marked tracks.
• Do not disturb or remove any plants or animals.
• Please take all rubbish home - no bins are provided.

The 40 kilometre drive from Melbourne via Burwood Highway or Canterbury Road is approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, take the train to Upper Ferntree Gully or Belgrave station. Melway maps 52, 65, 74, 75, 120 and 122 give additional details.

Occasionally, picnic areas within the park may be closed due to dangerous weather conditions, high fire risk or for major works. If your window of opportunity to visit is limited please call 13 1963 on the day of your planned visit to confirm it is open.

Doongalla

Doongalla is a steeply sloping area at the foot of Mt Dandenong. There is an unofficial parking area used by visitors with a disability on a dirt road beside the picnic lawn and gardens. From this point the site is more easily accessible. No accessible toilet facilities are provided. The Stables Picnic Ground is only a short distance along the road and has water and recently installed accessible toilets.

Fern Tree Gully Picnic Area

Fern Tree Gully Picnic Area has extensive picnicking facilities, including shelters. Designated accessible toilets and car spaces are available. A Parks Victoria office has interpretive information about the features of the park. Facilities are good and generally accessible.

Grants Picnic Area

Grants Picnic Area is in a natural forest setting, and has some features and facilities accessible to visitors with a disability. There is an accessible nature circuit walk - the Margaret Lester Walk. Picnic facilities include shelter. The toilet has been upgraded and is fully compliant.

One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is a forest picnic site serviced by a flat sealed car parking area. The area is free of major obstacles. The toilets include a designated accessible facility, but it does not meet current access standards. The approach is no longer rough and has a small step.

Valley Picnic Ground

Valley Picnic Ground is nestled in the tall wet forest of the Dandenong Ranges. The site has basic picnic facilities and toilets. The car park is surrounded by a low fence with gaps left for access. The unisex toilet designated as an accessible facility is not always operational, and has a poor approach path.

• Alfred Nicholas Gardens
• Cardinia Reservior Park
• National Rhododendron Gardens
• Pirianda Gardens
• SkyHigh Mount Dandenong Observatory