Dandenong Ranges Travel and Accommodation Information
Just 40 kilometres east of Melbourne's central business district, the Dandenong Ranges are a picturesque retreat famous for quaint villages, teahouses and the historic Puffing Billy Steam Railway. Established in 1882, the Dandenong Ranges National Park comprises three areas: 450 hectare Fern Tree Gully, 810 hectare Sherbrooke Forest and 279 hectare Doongalla National Park.
Population: 51,000
Climate: cool temperate
Summer: 11 - 22°C
Winter: 4 - 9°C
Rainfall: 1200mm/year (wettest months June - September)
Attractions:
- The restored vintage steam train Puffing Billy, which takes visitors on a 13 kilometre scenic journey from Belgrave to Lakeside Station via Menzies Creek and Emerald. The round trip takes about two hours, and passengers can also inspect the Puffing Billy Steam Museum, which has restored locomotives, carriages and rail memorabilia.
- Bushwalking and picnics.
- Wildlife, especially bellbirds, lyrebirds and kookaburras.
- Numerous public gardens established by the early settlers, including the 40 hectare Rhododendron Gardens, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, the George Tindale Gardens, the 100 hectare RJ Hammer Arboretum, the Pirianda Gardens and the William Ricketts Sanctuary, which features clay sculpture inspired by the Koori Aborigines of Mallee country.
For accommodation in the Dandenong Ranges, just visit our Dandenong Ranges accommodation page to search Dandenong Ranges accommodation listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include motels and motor lodges, hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping grounds and holiday parks, resorts and lodges, backpackers and hostel accommodation.
For things to see and do in the Dandenong Ranges, just visit our things to see and do in the Dandenong Ranges guide to search for Dandenong Ranges listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include tourist attractions, tours, and sightseeing in the area.