Dandenong Ranges in a day

An hour from the CBD and a different climate. The steam train is the centrepiece; the rest of the day is mountain ash, sculpture gardens and village cafés.

day tripforestVictoriafamilyResearched from official sources

When to go

Year round. Autumn colour in Olinda, best forest walks after rain.

The plan, day by day

Day 1

Steam train, forest and village

08:00🚆Melbourne to BelgraveMelbourneAround 1h by car, or the Belgrave line from Flinders Street.
10:30★Puffing Billy: Belgrave to Menzies CreekBelgraveAbout A$49 per person
12:30🍽Lunch in OlindaOlinda
14:00★Sherbrooke Forest walk to Sherbrooke FallsSherbrookeFlat-ish 4 km return through mountain ash.
15:30★William Ricketts SanctuaryMount DandenongFree. Clay sculptures set in the fern gully.
16:30★SkyHigh Mount Dandenong lookoutMount DandenongCity skyline view at dusk.
17:30🚆Drive homeMelbourne

Before you go

Book Puffing Billy seats in advance — it sells out on weekends
Belgrave is on the Metro train line if you would rather not drive
Bring a jacket: the ranges are cooler and wetter than the city

This list is created with your trip, so you can tick it off as you pack.

Where this came from

Opening hours, prices and track closures change. Check the official source before you rely on a timed booking — we never earn a commission on anything listed here.