The Dandenong Ranges

At this time of year The Dandenong Ranges are blossoming into rich, natural colourful display of Australian spring, a perfect environment in which to escape from the draining hustle and bustle of city life. Melbourne‘s magical rolling, low mountain ranges can be found a mere 35km outside of the CBD, making them a reachable holiday destination for many a different budget. It remains undefined as to where the name Dandenong actually originated from, as it relates to watercourses rather than mountain ranges, but we’re not going dwell on it for too long, because there is little else to criticise in the realms of its plush temperate rainforest.

What you’ll find amongst the mountains…

Numerous parks and gardens are scattered across the ranges, all bursting with wildlife, exotic plants and trees. Each one naturally stunning and idyllic in its own way they make a liberating destination for any rambler who is happy to wander with no agenda for at least a day. Alfred Nicholas’ Garden is home to an abundance of king parrots and kookaburras, a quaint lake and boathouse, whilst the National Rhododendron Garden is a leafy haven of Azeleas and Camellias amongst Rhododendrons, featuring a boutique lake and a Cherry Tree Grove that is at its most beautiful during the spring season.
Not exactly a well-kept secret, Olinda is a village that can be found in the heart of the ranges, and is a magical settlement home to many small locally run craft and food shops, a plethora of wildlife and the natural beauty of the Olinda Falls.

Tackle the 50-minute drive from Melbourne early in the morning to make the most of the day, and once you arrive relax and set yourself up for the day by visiting one of the boutique cafes for mid-morning brunch. Once you’ve sufficiently digested your food, take a trek into the wildlife where you may stumble upon emus, wombats, echidnas and even lyrebirds. Wander aimlessly through the 120 hectares of RJ Hamer Arboretum to find peace amongst native and exotic trees, or follow the paths to take short walk to Olinda Falls, which make a picturesque picnic spot should you have chosen to skip our glorious brunch suggestion.

One particularly famous attraction is the old Puffing Billy; an ancient steam train that will take you round a 25km scenic route through leafy forests and fern gullies of the Dandenongs. Charming and unique, the Puffing Bill does ‘Steam & Cuisine’ luncheon tours, and in the evening offers a ‘Wine & Dine’ experience in restored dining carriages, which are hugely popular for romantic evening with a difference.

Eating in the ranges…

SkyHigh Mt Dandenong is a favourite for weddings because of its accommodating function room, but if marriage isn’t on the cards we promise you’ll enjoy the experience as much as other travelling visitors, families and couples. The view is a spectacular sweeping picture of Melbourne‘s CBD, Port Philip Bay, and the You Yangs, that is bathed in late evening sunlight before turning into a glittering carpet of night-time city life. The menu is a considered contemporary Australian affair, offering aromatic, spiced and marinated main meals that are accompanied by a suitable wine to compliment your food. With entrées starting from $13.50 and mains from $20.00, and a garden maze, it’s a destination that’s guaranteed to leave you with a memory of a greatly entertaining, enjoyable evening.

Cuckoo restaurant is a warm, welcoming place that is renowned for its huge selection of Scandinavian Smorgasbord, a mammoth Swedish buffet that was the first to grace Australian shores. Although it was named after the bird, this eccentric restaurant’s nature is definitely “cuckoo” in the crazy sense too. The Bavarian entertainment is amusingly fun, the continental food is plentiful, and the chalet-style atmosphere. Make sure you book to avoid missing out, and be prepared for a heart-warmingly social evening.

Drinking in Dandenong…

There are a number of friendly, rustic pubs out in the Dandenongs which all promise a good beer on tap and a hearty cup of mulled wine should it be cold out on the ranges. The Pig & Whistle is particularly reminiscent of a true British public house and is the place for pleasant, sociable evening drinks in Olinda. The Mt Dandenong Hotel has a popular public bar, which is open till late 7 days a week. Head there on Fridays to relax after a day’s hiking and enjoy a $6 pint and a chilled free game of pool. Sunday Jam sessions take place every week, and they are warm-hearted evenings of live music that you’re sure to enjoy, whether your out on the sundeck on summer nights or huddled next to the fireplace on colder ones.

Accommodation in the Ranges…
Should you be in the ‘escape’ mindset when it comes to the Dandenong’s there are several choices you have depending on your level of disposable cash. Cosy self-contained cottages, comfortable guesthouses, boutique B&B’s and spa’s all share the theme of luxury, romance and exclusivity up in the mountains, but although some carry a designer-level price tag, others are much more modest depending on facilities. If spontaneity has gripped you and you’re keen to immerse yourself fully in the wildlife of the ranges, we recommend you rough it out and pitch a tent for the night! Although apartments are plush and warm with steamy, bubbly hot tubs that make us sigh with longing, you’ll acquire a true sense of adventure and save a valuable sum of dollars if you enjoy camping!

Other things to do in Dandenong…
So we’ve been waffling on about The Dandenong Ranges purely because they are so bloody bewitching and whimsical by nature, but the town of Dandenong should not be overlooked for its vibrant, cultured market alone. One of the most multi-cultural settlements in Australia, Dandenong possess’ substantial Afghan and Indian precincts, and the products and influences of both as well as unusual items from Brazil, Malaysia, China and Turkey are present in the market’s offering every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. A pot of gold at the end of a rainbow for any true foodie, Dandenong market is bursting with fresh produce as well as different cuisines originating from across the globe. A treasure trove for thrift and bargain hunters alike, you’ll find jewellery, clothes, books and a plethora of other charming objects and homewares. You’ll have no problem with spending a whole day in Dandy’s Market, rummaging, eating and breathing in the lively atmosphere.

Great for…
An inspiring, liberating place to work within Australia‘s food and tourism industries, but perfect for short-term holidays and day trips because despite the short journey you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in a whole new world.