Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground

Doongalla Homestead is a historic mansion located on the Western side of Mount Dandenong.

Built in 1892, it consisted of 32 rooms and was owned by Sir Mathew Davies, a member of parliament. The mansion was later sold to Miss Helen Simson, who renamed it "Doongalla" and developed its gardens. Doongalla Homestead offers several trails for exploration. One option is to walk from the 1000 Steps in the Ferntree Gully section of the park and extend the hike to Doongalla Homestead. Another option is a 2.5 km walk from the homestead to Burke's Lookout and Mount Dandenong, which offers stunning views. There is also a more challenging walk that leads to one of the most spectacular views from the Dandenongs. This walk starts at the top of the Doongalla Homestead carpark and takes hikers uphill to Burke's Lookout.

Doongalla Homestead has two picnic areas, the Stables Picnic Ground and the Homestead Picnic Ground, both equipped with picnic tables, wood barbecues, car parking, and toilets. The Homestead Picnic Ground has open lawns, while the Stables Picnic Ground is surrounded by tall trees and offers a quieter atmosphere. Visitors are advised to bring their own wood for barbecuing.

Doongalla Homestead is located near Olinda in the northern part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. To get there from Melbourne, take the Eastern F