How to Spend a Day in the Dandenong Ranges

Looking for the perfect place to escape the city and spend some time reconnecting with nature? Look no further than the Dandenong Ranges! Only an hour’s drive out of the CBD, the Dandenong Ranges is easily one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets – think towering trees, picturesque parks, organic produce and authentic Australian history!

To help you get a good glimpse of all that this lush destination has to offer, we’ve created the ultimate guide to spending a day in the Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy!

6.00: Grab an almond latte from your local and hit the road! Make sure to leave nice and early so that you beat the traffic and enjoy the scenic drive as you leave the city behind.

8.00: For your first stop head to The General Food Store in Emerald for a wholesome seasonal breakfast. This ethically minded café sources produce from local suppliers and direct trade coffee roasted right here in Melbourne. The menu changes often, but if you get the chance try the Arabesque – a fully cooked breakfast of poached eggs on sourdough with grilled halloumi, beetroot relish, hazelnut dukkah, baby spinach. To die for!

9.30: Now that you’ve had a hearty breakfast, make your way to Emerald Lake Park, a favourite among kids and adults alike. Take a wander through the park and bask in nature’s glory. Stunning at any time of year, the park comes alive with colour during the autumn months. Before you leave, make sure to jump in one of the brightly coloured paddleboats for a guaranteed good time!

12.00: Next up, head to Olinda and browse the vintage and specialty stores along Olinda-Monbulk Road. For a vintage style sweet treat, make a pit stop at The Sassafrass Sweet Co.

1.00: Stomach starting to rumble? Wander down to Dudley’s for a quick refuel before heading back on the road. For something light, order the house made soup or one of their leafy green salads – although they’re best known for their wood fired pizzas!

2.00: You’ll want to make sure you have your camera handy for this one – it’s time to take in the sights at the breathtaking Olinda Falls. Once you arrive, the viewing platform is only a short 10-15 minute walk from the car park and offers stunning views of the falls and some great photo opportunities. For something a little more intensive, head down one of the many walking tracks and enjoy the scenic surrounds.

3.30: Once you’re finished at the falls, jump back in the car for a short drive towards the internationally renowned William Ricketts Sanctuary. Created by Australian potter and sculptor William Ricketts, the sanctuary is famous for it’s many sculptures which depict the aboriginal Australians engaging with the earth in a pure forest setting. Carved into rocks and tree trunks that dot the paths that flow throughout the property, the themes in Ricketts’ artwork reflect the connection of human, nature and earth.

5.00: For your last stop, make your way up to Sky High Mount Dandenong for some of the best skyline views in the state. Enjoy a stroll through the immaculately kept gardens and a spectacular sunset, followed by a sumptuous meal at the award-winning Sky High Bistro.

Image: @rosauraguardiola