These misty mountains are home to some of the most popular walks in Victoria. Enjoy the challenge of the 1000 Steps and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign. Explore Sherbrooke Forest from Grants Picnic Ground. The Margaret Lester Forest Walk is an accessible walk perfect for people who are mobility impaired
There are also quieter walks that are just as spectacular. The Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk is one of the best bushwalks in Victoria for more experienced hikers looking to escape the throng. It's quieter places such as these where you are most likely to spot the Dandenongs' most celebrated resident
Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Sherbrooke Falls is best after rain - and if there's been a downpour, you're more likely to see a lyrebird.
Things To Do
1000 Steps
Sherbrooke Falls
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Dandenong Ranges National Park accessibility information
Pirianda Garden
Guided Park Walks
How to get there
Dandenong Ranges National Park South
Belgrave Station on the same line is a 1km walk to Coles Ridge Track on the park boundary and a 3km walk to Grants Picnic Ground.
To get further into the Dandenong Ranges on public transport, you can catch a bus along Mt Dandenong Tourist Road. Bus route 688 runs between Croydon Train Station and Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/4805
Facilities
When you're there
Need to know
Dandenong Ranges National Park South
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Grants, O’Donohue, Sherbrooke, One Tree Hill and Ferntree Gully picnic grounds were assessed for accessibility in June 2020, providing information about the accessibility of these areas and photos.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Olinda Falls Picnic Area (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Olinda Falls Toilet Closed
The Olinda Falls toilet is closed indefinitely, nearby toilets at Kalorama Park or in the Olinda Township are open.Olinda Falls Lower Viewing Platform - update
The Olinda Falls lower viewing platform is currently closed due to severe damage caused by a fallen tree. All access to the lower falls area is closed to the public. The viewing platform is expected to be replaced sometime in 2024.
Mechanics Track closed between Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and Falls Road
- Mechanics walking track from the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd through to Falls Rd is closed due to significant damage from the June 2021 Storm. Parks Victoria is currently working with insurance assessors and contractors on a plan to re-open this severely impacted walking track.
- Works completed so far has been the replacement of a timber bridge that was destroyed along with most of the large fallen trees having been cut through, the remaining walking track requires re-benching and tree branch removal where limbs have been partly buried due to the force of the impact with the ground. Works are expected to be completed by June 2024.
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Sherbrooke Track (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Wattle Track Bridge Closure Update
Wattle Track Bridge in Sherbrooke Forest is closed due to significant structural damage to the Foot Bridge by a fallen tree. Parks Victoria has engaged a contractor to commence construction works in March 2024, it is anticipated that the bridge will be opened by May 2024. The existing damaged timber bridge will be replaced with an all steel constructed bridge which includes a non slip FRP decking, during the construction period there may be some delays along Sherbrooke Track as building materials are carried to the site, Sherbrooke track will remain open. -
Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Valley Picnic Ground Closed
- Valley Picnic Ground is closed, the site will eventually be improved after it was damaged in the June 2021 Storm event ; visitors can use Boundary Road to access the park however no vehicle access to the picnic ground carpark is permitted. Please use Eagle Nest or Kalorama Park Picnic Ground as an alternative.
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Dandenong Ranges National Park
Temporary closed areas due to deer control activities
Parks Victoria are continuing deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This program will be taking place between the hours of 4pm and 7am on a number of nights between February 13th 2024 and November 29th 2024. These control works are being undertaken by accredited and authorised contractors.For reasons of public safety, various areas of the park will be inaccessible during the evening throughout this period.Signage will be in place at access points when control activities are occurring. For your own safety please observe the signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.For further information please call 131963Attachments: Neighbour_Notification_Map_DRNP_2324 (2,529KB)
Deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park
Parks Victoria are continuing deer control in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This program will be taking place between the hours of 4pm and 7am on a number of nights between the 1st of November 2023 and the 30th of November 2024. These control works are being undertaken by accredited and authorised contractors.For reasons of public safety, various areas of the park will be inaccessible from dusk until dawn throughout this period.For your safety please observe all closure signage during this time and do not enter any closed areas.For further information please call 131963Attachments: Neighbour_Notification_Map_DRNP_2324 (2,529KB)
Track 13 - Silvan Storm Recovery Works Notification
FFMVic Storm recovery works will take place in the Dandenong Ranges National Park near Silvan.
Date: April to May 2024
Duration: Works will take place from April and are expected to be completed by 30 May 2024, weather and forest conditions permitting
Location: Track 13, near Silvan Reservoir Park, Silvan (see map)
Impact:
Mountain bike and walking tracks in the area will be closed while the works are underway. For your safety, please follow track closures or detours.Tracks closed include:- Bakers Dozen Loop Track
- Downhill Track
- Link Track
- Magpie Loop Track
- Pipeline Track
- Track 11
- Track 12
- Track 24
Why:
FFMVic is continuing to remove fallen debris along key fire access roads and fuel breaks to make the Dandenong Ranges National Park safer for everyone. It’s important to undertake maintenance of the strategic fuel break network to reduce the rate of spread of bushfires and provide vital protection for communities.
This block sits within a Bushfire Moderation Zone, which aims to reduce the intensity, rate of spread, and ember loads from significant bushfires.
The protection of environmental, biodiversity and cultural values during all recovery and bushfire risk reduction works are a high priority.For more information about bushfire risk reduction activities visit the FFMVic website or call 136 186.Attachments: FFMVic Track Closure Map (554KB)
- Bakers Dozen Loop Track
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Grants Picnic Ground (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Bleakley Track closure for upgrade works
As part of the ngurrak barring | RidgeWalk project, Bleakley track that connects Grants Picnic ground to Belgrave will be closed for public safety. These maintenance works will take up to four weeks to completeThese trail upgrades are a joint initiative between Yarra Ranges Council and Parks Victoria aimed at improving walking connections between townships and communities. Please see map of any closures below during this time.Attachments: Bleakley track works update (92KB)
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Burkes Lookout (Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Burkes Lookout Area Closed
Burkes Lookout and surrounding tracks in the Dandenong Ranges National Park will be closed to allow tree safety work to be undertaken on Friday 3rd March and Monday 6th March 2024.
Pedestrian access will remain possible during this period, however please be aware traffic control will be in place on Kyeema track, resulting in possible significant wait times.