Explore The Dandenongs and Yarra Valley | Other
Explore The Dandenongs and Yarra Valley
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Autumn is certainly happening in the hills. A beautiful time to walk, the Hamer Arboretum is one of the nicest spots for colour. Some on lead dog walks there too. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/hamer-arboretum/
25.01.2022 The colours are just starting now at the Alfred NicholasGardens in Sherbrooke, it will still be a week or two before it gets colourful. Lovely at any time of the year though! https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/alfred-nicholas-garden/
25.01.2022 Pack a picnic.. Alfred Nicholas Gardens, one of most popular destinations in the Dandenong Ranges. Weekdays are usually always reasonably quiet, out of school holiday times. Limited parking, you can catch a train to Belgrave then the Olinda bus to the gardens or train to Upper Ferntree Gully then the Olinda bus to corner of Sherbrooke Road and walk to the gardens. #dandenongranges #visitvictoria
22.01.2022 Good morning from Predator Track. A short connecting walk between Mathias Track and Bartlett Track off Falls Road.
22.01.2022 Warburton walking trail along the Yarra River. Swimming in the summer months, ice cream from the tiniest ice cream shop ever to be found...
22.01.2022 Please be aware that parks Victoria have had to make the decision to close a number of areas around Victoria for safety reasons with all that is going on. In the hills this includes: Ricketts Sanctuary, the 1000 Steps and the Botanical Gardens (Rhododendron Gardens) Other areas may well be closed if they feel it is necessary. Plenty of walks are open and there is nothing quite like fresh air and exercise.
22.01.2022 Glorious sunshine up on the mountain this morning and looking sunny all week. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/olinda-golf-course-off/
21.01.2022 We walked the western slopes of Mt Dandenong this week, 12km with a good climb up what we have dubbed 'the Goat Track'. It passes the Fire Track/Glasgow Track and Jens Hellish Descent, so can be made into a longer and quite tough hike, if desired! https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/western-slopes-trail-m/
20.01.2022 The Sherbrooke Falls may only be a small cascade, but the circuit walk to them is beautiful with a number of incredible, old trees. These are some of our favourites. Walk notes and directions: https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/sherbrooke-falls-walki/
20.01.2022 Pirianda Gardens in springtime. This crab apple tree is in full bloom and so pretty. I love walking through these gardens at any time of the year, there is always something to see. More details and directions for when we can gad about again: https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/pirianda-gardens-a-hid/ Parks Victoria Visit Melbourne
20.01.2022 The Hills are open again, apart from Ricketts Sanctuary, according to the Parks Vic website. As long as we all follow the new rules, it is a welcomed relief to be outdoors and in the forest again.
20.01.2022 Good evening Mr Wombat. We have been treating this little fellow for mange, using a long extension pole with a cup attached to dowse him once a week, if possible, in a treatment our neighbours kindly gave us. He comes across from the forest most evenings to graze on our lawn and is slowly looking healthier.... (This pic makes it look much lighter than it actually is). See more
19.01.2022 Walk through the Rainforest Gallery, just out of Warburton on the Mt Donna Buang Road. A stunning old forest with Myrtle Beech trees and huge Eucalypts. https://vimeo.com/331419020
18.01.2022 We visited the gorgeous little town of Warburton in the Upper Yarra Valley yesterday and stopped in at the new Warburton Water World. What a brilliant addition to the town. Its free to enter, and right next to the Warburton Holiday Park. It is a particulary good play area for younger kids and, of course, there is still the Yarra River to swim in and float down on inflatables. The nearby Rainforest Gallery walk is closed currently but the Mt Donna Buang lookout tower is open.... #tourismvictoria
18.01.2022 If you have a VR headset, view this video clip in 360 and have a virtual retreat to the forest. If there is somewhere in the hills you would like to see in 360 video, let me know in the comments and well see if we can get there for you. https://youtu.be/N1M7X2b9sL4
18.01.2022 Did you know two elephants were once used to haul timber in Warburton? There is a wonderful mural wall up behind the shops that have been painted on concrete where the train line used to be. https://vimeo.com/331436876
17.01.2022 The new playground on the former Olinda Golf Course is officially opening this Friday at 4pm. The kids far and wide will be excited and there is still the off-lead dog walking area below where the views are to die for. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/olinda-golf-course-pla/
17.01.2022 Girls and their ponies riding on The Tan Track, Sherbrooke. It's a good circuit walk from Ferny Creek Reserve, dog friendly too (on lead). The hike can also be part of a walk in the Sherbrooke Forest.
17.01.2022 Snow in the Dandenongs! The Olinda Golf Course and new playground were so busy with kids building snowmen, toboggans, and dog walkers. Sunday morning is forecast to be even better! Driving directions are on our playground page. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/olinda-golf-course-pla/
17.01.2022 It has snowed a little bit on the mountain, it is slushy and freezing out there!
16.01.2022 The Olinda Landscape is being destroyed Stunning, mature, shade-giving trees are being removed from one of the most popular parks near Olinda. The old Olinda Golf Course. To build a second football field in our village. Since the golf club closed in 2012 this stunning parkland has attracted more and more visitors and locals alike....Continue reading
16.01.2022 It has been busy in the Dandenongs today as people are out walking on the many trails that cover the region. Fresh air and exercise. This clip was taken at Sherbrooke Falls during the rain last week. With many miles of walking tracks to choose from, it is possible to keep a bit of distance from each other but still enjoy some mountain walking therapy. ... https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/walking-trails/ See more
16.01.2022 If you are passing through Sassafras, a visit to the Bonsai nursery to see Shlomit"s carvings might be fun. Right next to Proserpina Bakehouse.
16.01.2022 Another beautiful day in the Dandenongs. It has been really busy up here and so many people were out walking the many trails. The physical and mental benefits of walks in such amazing surroundings should never be underestimated.
16.01.2022 Watch out for the critters! #oldolindagolfcourse
16.01.2022 New kid in town! Locale Commons is a fab cafe, with great coffee, in Mt Dandenong village. Drop in sometime, maybe use it as an excuse for a cuppa when walking between the villages! https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/olinda-mt-dandenong-vi/
15.01.2022 I did this walk in the reverse order from the notes recently and walked from the old golf course, down Falls Road, turned into Mathias Track, and then cut through the old golf course by the Blackhole/rock Track junction back up to the top. The 'dog walkers' shelter is about halfway up and a fab spot to stop for a snack. . #dandenongranges #dogfriendlywalks #tourismvictoria
15.01.2022 Girls and their ponies riding on The Tan Track, Sherbrooke. Its a good circuit walk from Ferny Creek Reserve, dog friendly too (on lead). The hike can also be part of a walk in the Sherbrooke Forest.
15.01.2022 Riding the Warbie trail, or walking, is a fun day out. The Carriage Cafe is a great stop.
15.01.2022 Bartlett Track, off Falls Road. Some lovely old trees and tracks going into the forest, down to Valley Picnic Ground, Eagle Nest picnic ground, up to the Hamer Arboretum or all the way down towards Silvan Dam.
14.01.2022 All the gardens are starting to look lovely, not at their peak, but worth visiting.soon the cherry blossoms will be blooming at the Botanic Gardens in Olinda.
14.01.2022 The sun is shining on the beautiful forests of the Dandenongs again!
13.01.2022 A beautiful misty morning in the hills.
13.01.2022 A beautiful weekend for a trip to the Dandenongs. So many things to do. Puffing Billy, trees adventure course in Belgrave, lots of bushwalks and gardens to explore. #visitvictoria
12.01.2022 Doongala Homestead public reserve and picnic area at the base of Mt Dandenong - Any kids who enjoy rolling down grassy hills would love this spot! https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/doongalla-homestead-hi/
12.01.2022 Are you looking for a great drive to do on this sunny Saturday? The lookout tower on top of Mt Donna Buang is ideal. Views over the mountains and towards Melbourne, a large grassy area for picnics, bbq's and miles of bush walks. https://vimeo.com/331407234
11.01.2022 Gembrook, gee, this little town has so much to see. Great cafes, fab little op shop open on a Sunday and a motoring museum and lollyshop.
11.01.2022 32 bushwalks, all marked on the map with links to the walk notes and directions. Which one is your next hike? The short but sweet Hardy Gully Nature Trail or maybe the 20km hike to the summit of Mt Dandenong?
11.01.2022 Here is a newly published kids book, written by a hills local. Children can read the story and learn about our local birds and then try some birdspotting when allowed to roam freely in the Dandenongs again. https://www.dandenong-ranges-photography.com.au/wordsonbir/
11.01.2022 The 1000 Steps, open again! A one-way system is in place at the moment (maybe it should be kept this way, as it makes a lot of sense? ) Walkers can go up the steps and return via Lyrebird Track. Read our walk notes to see just how much there is to learn on this beautiful walk..up not quite 1000 Steps.
10.01.2022 We were surprised to have walked almost 4kms within the gardens recently. One lyrebird spotted, gorgeous views and pretty spring blooms. Not a bad afternoon at all.
10.01.2022 On the fringe of the Upper Yarra Valley and West Gippsland, Seven Acre Rock is an awesome spot. The views go on n for miles...
10.01.2022 Getting to the Dandenongs on public transport. Its easy to ditch the car and come to the hills by train then bus. BUT if you are visiting the Botanic Gardens (formerly called the Rhododendron Gardens) in Olinda, get off the bus in Olinda, its a 5 minute walk. More details on the website.
09.01.2022 A beautiful day in the hills. The Hamer Arboretum is a picnic ground with stunning views... https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/hamer-arboretum/
09.01.2022 Head to the hills and the sunshine, it's a great weekend for a walk! https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/dog-friendly-walks-dan/
09.01.2022 Snow update. There is a bit more snow, though most of the showers split up around the Dandenongs and missed us. If you are coming up to play, please drive extra carefully.
09.01.2022 Olinda Falls after the rain! A large tree fell recently and took out part of the viewing platform, so take care if visiting as the space is limited on the lower section. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/olinda-falls-walking-t/
09.01.2022 Awesome fun being had up here, but very slippery on the roads!!
09.01.2022 Amazing menu of Vegan and Vegetarian food plus delicious coffee in Upwey. These folk even have a lovely dog-friendly courtyard with undercover area.
09.01.2022 Getting to the Dandenongs on public transport. It's easy to ditch the car and come to the hills by train then bus. BUT if you are visiting the Botanic Gardens (formerly called the Rhododendron Gardens) in Olinda, get off the bus in Olinda, it's a 5 minute walk. More details on the website.
08.01.2022 We did a walk to Burkes Lookout today, somewhat blowey and a little bit of snow coming down. My umbrella didnt make it back intact. #visitvictoria
08.01.2022 Brrr from the hills! Not staying on the ground, so no snow peeps happening
08.01.2022 Good morning from the hills where the sun has appeared again.
08.01.2022 What a beautiful Good Friday morning up in the Dandenongs! A chainsaw sculpture artist is doing some fabulous work making totem poles for the new playground at the old Olinda Golf course, her Fb page is Shlomit Moria - Bushwood Creations Have a look over the fence before they are finished to see her progress, plus some of the autumn colours combined with valley views are stunning.
08.01.2022 Another couple of weeks and the Alfred Nicholas Gardens should have lovely autumn colour, beautiful at anytime of course.
07.01.2022 It has been amazing to see how many mushrooms and toadstools are popping up on the old Olinda Golf Course at the moment. Straight down the fairway below the new playground some really gorgeous ones can be found. NO picking or eating advised! The autumn colors are still pretty too, come visit before the wonderful trees on the top fairways are ripped out for a new sports oval!
07.01.2022 We took a friend who is quite new to the Dandenongs for a walk up the mountain from Doongalla Homestead today. It is about 2.5 kms, following Channel 10, Zig Zag and Kyeema Tracks and is gorgeous. A really good workout, great views, Lyrebirds and a number of people running on the trail too! There is a bit of autumn colour in the homestead area, which was a bonus. Woodfire BBQ's are free to use and plenty of picnic tables. BYO wood. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/doongalla-homestead-hi/
07.01.2022 Natures playground for children. Building little cubbies out of branches, leaves and flowers.... and with a view. #olindaplayground
06.01.2022 Good night, Melbourne, from the Dandenongs.
06.01.2022 Our e book has just been updated and is available as a free download for a limited time. All the walks detailed and easily printed out. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/e-book-30-walks-danden/
06.01.2022 Have you downloaded a free copy of walks in the Dandenong Ranges? Over 30 walks detailed. We also have a free download guide to the Great Ocean Road.
06.01.2022 I'm curious how many people have read or even heard about this letter that was sent recently to the Premier. It is now supported by over 500 doctors. https://quadrant.org.au//a-doctors-open-letter-to-daniel-/
05.01.2022 It looks like being perfect weather this weekend for a huge bushwalk! This is one of my favourite big hikes in the hills. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/mt-dandenong-hiking-tr/
05.01.2022 With miles of dog-friendly walks in the Dandenongs, why not stay overnight in pet-friendly accommodation?
04.01.2022 The autumn colour in the Nicholas Gardens and throughout the Dandenongs is looking gorgeous! https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/alfred-nicholas-garden/
03.01.2022 Open studio weekend. Shlomit did the carvings at the Olinda Playground. It would be fun to see her workshop and display. See her page for more.
03.01.2022 Earlier this week, a short walk from our home in the hills. The early morning sunlight and stillness in the forest was beautiful. Whilst we are not allowed to travel to get exercise and must stay local, there will be plenty of time to hike and enjoy the forests again before too long. We just have to be patient.
02.01.2022 Mudbrick homes, cottages, vintage caravans, and entire luxury homes in the Dandenongs can be found on Air BnB. Now that we can all explore a little further afield, the hills offer a quick city escape as well as miles of walking tracks.
01.01.2022 There is a track we saw on 'Open Maps' some time ago, named 'Jen's Hellish Ascent'. We believe it is part of a mountain bike trail. Who Jen is we don't know, she must have been a tough character though! The track runs below Skyhigh, off Kyeema Track. Super slippery to descend, easier on the ascent. Well worth doing. Once at least! It can be included in the Western Slopes walk.. https://explorethedandenongs.com.au/western-slopes-trail-m/
