A Day in the Dandenongs: Must See Attractions

Here at Backstory Travel we’re always keen to get out of the city for a day (or a weekend, when we can!) and explore what Australia has to offer. One of our favourite spots to get out in nature is only an hour away from the Melbourne CBD – the gorgeous Dandenong Ranges.

Now let’s be clear – pretty much anywhere you visit in the Dandenong Ranges is bound to be pretty special. Spectacular valleys of ferny forest, and mountains with stunning views abound. But there’s a few spots we think are particularly cool – hence this list.

1. Puffing Billy

Look, we’re suckers for old-school charm here. And who wouldn’t be, when you can roll on through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges in a steam train? One of five narrow gauge (tracks that are really close together!) experimental railways that opened in the early 20th century in Victoria, and volunteer-run for over 50 years, Puffing Billy is one of the most popular steam heritage railways in the world. This is no surprise to anyone who has taken the trip – starting at Belgrave (you can get on at other stops, but the main office is here), and travelling through the foothills of the Dandenongs before terminating at Gembrook, just about everything about this experience can only be described as ‘picturesque’. Be sure to visit the Puffing Billy website to plan your trip and book tickets: https://puffingbilly.com.au/

2. William Ricketts Sanctuary

A ferny glade. Mountain Ash towering above. Mysterious, somewhat otherworldly sculptures. William Ricketts Sanctuary is weird, wonderful and undeniably quaint. It is host to more than ninety sculptures from ceramicist William “Bill:” Ricketts, which largely depict Indigenous Australians – and are a reflection of William’s obsession with Aboriginal culture and eventually, his own rather unusual take on Indigenous spirituality. Bill was a naturalist, environmentalist and sculptor, who explored the connection that Aboriginal people have with the land. Over time Ricketts came to believe he had risen above the status of his own humanity and was now a transcendent being – something that is reflected in the number of depictions of himself amongst the sculptures. The William Ricketts Sanctuary first opened to the public in 1964, and a few years later, the Victorian Government bought the sanctuary, as a reserve for public access. Today, it is open daily from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm – for more information, see https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary—gardens-of-the-dandenongs

Authors note: William Ricketts Sanctuary is currently closed due to storm damage – expected to reopen in 2024. Check the link above for updates!

3. Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk (1000 Steps)

The Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk, known to most Melbournians as the 1000 Steps, is one of the city’s most well-loved and spectacular haunts for fitness and nature enthusiasts alike. Firstly, a word of warning – as the name suggests, this 3 kilometre return walk is not an easy, relaxed wander, and is not recommended for those with medical conditions. Often used as a training ground for those preparing for the actual Kokoda Trail, the walk serves as a memorial for the Australians who lost their lives on the Kokoda track during the Second World War – look for the bronze plaques that pay tribute to those who died. If you can raise your eyes from putting one foot in front of the other (we recommend taking lots of breaks!), you’ll see you’re surrounded by tree ferns, and dramatic forest, with only filtered light making onto the track below. See if you can spot a Lyrebird during your visit – they’re known to hang out in this area.

4. Sherbrooke Falls

Looking for a more relaxed wander through the Dandenongs? You can’t go past the Sherbrooke Falls. This 2.4 kilometre return walk takes you through magnificent Mountain Ash Forest, which again gives you a great chance of seeing the elusive Lyrebird in its natural habitat. You’ll pass the Sherbrooke Falls themselves, which for the most part are a quiet trickle over mossy rocks, but can turn into a roaring current after rain. And of course, you’ll start and finish in a beautiful forested picnic ground, perfect for your well-earnt lunch break.

So there you have it, our favourite attractions for a day in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Have you visited these places? Did we miss any highlights? Be sure to let us know in the comments, or on our socials!