Local Walks & Gardens
From short forest walks to grand gardens and lookout points, there are plenty of ways to get outside in the Dandenong Ranges. These are a few of our favourites, including some easy options if you’re not after a big hike.
Track conditions, closures and fire danger can change quickly, so check Parks Victoria before you head out. Many tracks have steps and uneven sections, so wear sturdy shoes.
Beautiful Gardens
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke
One of the classic Dandenong Ranges gardens, with winding paths down the hillside to an ornamental lake and a little boathouse at the bottom. There are plenty of steps and slopes, so it isn’t flat, but you can make the walk as long or short as you like. In summer you’ll find hydrangeas, fuchsias and ferns. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, Olinda
A good one to allow a little time for. There are 42 hectares of wide paths, seasonal displays and shady spots to stop, with views towards the Yarra Valley from Serenity Point. There’s no set route, which suits groups who like to wander at different paces, and it’s a great place to spread out for a picnic.
Cloudehill Gardens, Olinda
Five acres of formal gardens, with garden rooms, hedges, flower borders and plenty of paths to wander. The garden changes noticeably with the seasons, so there’s usually something different to see. Combine it with a coffee or meal at Seasons Restaurant next door.
Art & Nature
William Ricketts Sanctuary, Mount Dandenong
One of the more unusual places in the Hills. A short walk through the forest takes you past more than 90 clay sculptures by artist William Ricketts, tucked among the trees and ferns. It’s an easy outing for families, or for anyone after something different from a standard bushwalk.
Ngurrak Barring Ridge Walk
Ngurrak Barring means “mountain paths” in Woiwurrung. The trail links forests, villages and open spaces with public art, First Nations stories and local history. The full trail is 39km, but you don’t need to do it all. There are several places to join, so it’s easy to walk a shorter section.
There’s more to look at than the scenery. You’ll come across artworks, stories and places you might otherwise drive straight past.
Waterfalls & Forest Walks
Sherbrooke Falls Track, Sherbrooke
Distance: 2.4km return
Time: allow 45-60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
A walk through classic Dandenong Ranges forest: tall Mountain Ash, tree ferns and thick bush. Start from Sherbrooke Picnic Ground or O’Donohue Picnic Ground. The waterfall is fairly modest, especially in dry weather, so the walk itself is the reason to come, particularly after rain when Sherbrooke Creek is flowing.
Olinda Falls, Olinda
Distance: 1km return
Time: allow 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
A short forest walk from the picnic area to viewing platforms over Olinda Creek and the falls. The upper platform is about 300m from the picnic area, with another 140m to the lower one. The water flow varies, so it’s generally worth visiting after rain. There are steps and uneven sections, so wear sturdy shoes.
Margaret Lester Forest Walk, Kallista
Distance: 500m loop
Time: allow 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
A short, easy walk through Sherbrooke Forest, handy with younger children. It’s short enough that little legs don’t have to go far, while still giving a proper forest experience. Keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife.
Hardy Gully Nature Walk, Sherbrooke
Distance: 700m
Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
A short walk through the cool, fern-filled forest of Sherbrooke, with towering trees and plenty of greenery along the way. It’s an easy option when you want a taste of the Dandenong Ranges without committing to a longer walk. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds, particularly early or later in the day.
R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Olinda
Distance: 3km
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
A network of tracks winding through tall Mountain Ash, northern-hemisphere trees and native forest, with Woolrich Lookout for views over the Yarra Valley towards the Warburton Ranges. The Chalet Road car park has picnic tables, electric BBQs and toilets. Some tracks are steep and uneven, and dogs are welcome on leads.
Kyeema Track & Memorial
Distance: 1km
Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
A short, easy walk through the forest to the Kyeema Memorial, marking the site of the 1938 Kyeema aircraft crash. If you're already walking this way, you can take the short detour to Burkes Lookout for a view to the city.
