Less than an hour from Melbourne the Dandenong Ranges is a stunningly beautiful escape from the city. Covered in lush fern glades with towering mountain ash forests, there is so much to see and do. Visit the quaint towns of Sassafras, Olinda and Belgrave filled with interesting designer shops, cosy tea rooms and delicious eateries. In Sassafras, Miss Marple’s Tearoom is a standout for Devonshire teas and Tealeaves sells some of the finest loose-leaf teas in Australia. In Olinda, check out Mangana for unique homewares.
Sassafras Video: https://youtu.be/p7m2uZuMMfY
Olinda Video: https://youtu.be/p4scXGs9Pks
Explore some of Australia’s finest gardens. Particularly spectacular in spring and autumn, the Mount Dandenong Botanical Gardens (formally the Rhododendron Gardens) have thousands of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and many other magnificent trees making it a delight to see all year round. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden and Cloudhill are two other gardens not to be missed and the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in spring is a must see with its riot of colours.
Hop aboard Puffing Billy, one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. Breathe in the cool mountain air through the open-sided carriages as it trundles along timber bridges, between Belgrave and Gembrook through the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest.
Travel first-class in the comfort of luxury with fully enclosed dining carriages, while you indulge in a delicious seasonal three-course menu or grazing platter
Hidden amongst the towering mountain ash trees and lush fern gully’s is the internationally renowned William Ricketts Sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of the most inspiring and tranquil places on the mountain.
William Ricketts a quiet gentleman who had spent much time living with aboriginal communities in central Australia created the sanctuary as a place for quiet reflection and replenishing the spirit. He believed that all Australians should adopt Aboriginal philosophies, respecting the spirituality of Mother Earth and all things in the natural world. Carved into rocks and tree trunks that dot the paths that flow throughout the property, there are over 90 different sculptures depicting the Aboriginal people engaging with the earth in a pure forest setting.
Grants Picnic Ground is home to an abundance of native animals and birds, including the cockatoos and parrots which attract many visitors throughout the year. The tall trees, including the world’s tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, lush fern gullies, numerous walks and hikes for all ages/fitness levels, wonderful wildlife and the Grants of Sherbrooke Cafe are popular reasons to visit.
