The Dandenong Ranges, located 35 kilometers east of Melbourne, offer attractions and activities for visitors. One popular attraction is SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, providing panoramic views. The region is also home to the William Ricketts Sanctuary, an outdoor gallery with sculptures, and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, featuring diverse plant life. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking trails like the 1000 Steps, Olinda Falls Walk, and Cardinia Reservoir Park walk.
The Dandenong Ranges also offer other activities, including exploring the village towns of Sassafras, Olinda, and Emerald. Each town has its own character and local shops. The region is known for its cozy eateries, making it a great destination for food enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy local attractions like the Puffing Billy Railway, a century-old steam train, and the Cloudehill Gardens, a cool climate garden.
For cultural experiences, the Dandenong Ranges offer attractions like the Cameo Cinemas, showing movies in a historic setting, and the Burrinja, an arts and cultural center with exhibitions and performances. Nature enthusiasts can visit Emerald Lake Park, which offers paddleboats, a pool, and a model railway exhibition for family fun.