Dandenong Ranges: 1000 Steps, Sherbrooke and Villages

The Dandenong Ranges is where Melbourne escapes to breathe. Cool mountain air, towering mountain ash, fern-filled gullies and storybook villages create a refreshing getaway that feels a world away from the city. Whether you are tackling the legendary 1000 Steps, wandering quietly through Sherbrooke Forest in search of lyrebirds, or lingering over Devonshire tea in Sassafras and Olinda, this pocket of Victoria blends nature, nostalgia and indulgence in one irresistible package.

This guide delivers everything you need to plan the perfect Dandenong Ranges day trip or long weekend. Expect practical tips, curated itineraries and insider suggestions that help you move beyond the obvious and find the moments you will remember.

Why the Dandenong Ranges Captivate

• Ancient forests with some of the tallest flowering trees on Earth
• Close to Melbourne, yet cooler, quieter and deeply restorative
• Rich village culture with artisan stores, gardens and historic attractions
• Iconic experiences such as the 1000 Steps and the Puffing Billy Railway
• Year-round appeal, from spring blooms to autumn color and misty winter walks

Fast Facts for First-Time Visitors

• Location: 35 to 50 kilometers east of Melbourne
• Driving time: about 50 to 75 minutes depending on traffic and starting point
• Climate: cooler than Melbourne by 2 to 5 degrees, frequent mist and drizzle, pack a layer
• Best time: spring for rhododendrons and azaleas, autumn for foliage, summer for cool forests, winter for moody forests and fireside stays
• Traditional Owners: the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation

The 1000 Steps: Kokoda Track Memorial Walk

The 1000 Steps is the most famous climb in the Dandenong Ranges. Officially the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, this steep stairway honors the Australian soldiers who served along Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Track during World War II. It is a test of stamina and a living memorial, with interpretive plaques and stories lining the route.

What to Expect on the 1000 Steps

• Distance and grade: approximately 3 kilometers return with a steady, steep ascent. Expect a heart-pumping 30 to 60 minute climb depending on fitness.
• Terrain: a combination of compacted gravel, stone steps and timber steps through lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash.
• Atmosphere: popular with locals training early in the morning and on weekends. The forest is cool and often misty which adds to the experience.

You can ascend via the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk and return via the same route or choose the Lyrebird Track for a loop that is a touch gentler on the knees. At the top, One Tree Hill Picnic Ground provides a welcome breather before you head back down.

Practical Tips for the 1000 Steps

• Start early on weekends and public holidays since the car park fills quickly.
• Bring water and wear supportive shoes. The track can be slippery after rain.
• Respect the memorial plaques, slow down to read the interpretive signs and treat the site with quiet care.
• Dogs are not permitted in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
• Avoid peak heat and storms. The forest is best enjoyed in the cool of morning.

Where to Begin

The main trailhead is at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground. There are toilets and picnic tables, plus plenty of shade. If you prefer to descend rather than climb, some walkers are dropped at One Tree Hill Picnic Ground and walk down, though this option has fewer memorial interpretations and is not the official direction of the memorial walk.

Sherbrooke Forest: The Lungs of the Ranges

Sherbrooke Forest is the heart of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. A cathedral of towering mountain ash and soft tree fern, it is home to Superb Lyrebirds, crimson rosellas, kookaburras and swamp wallabies. Paths here offer a calmer alternative to the intensity of the 1000 Steps.

Best Walks in Sherbrooke Forest

• Sherbrooke Falls Circuit: a gentle walk through fern gullies to a fern-fringed cascade. The falls are most impressive after rain.
• Hardy Gully Nature Walk: short and sweet, perfect for a slow stroll with plenty of bird song.
• Neumann Track and Ridge Track: longer circuits that explore deeper into the forest with fewer people for a truly immersive feel.

Grants Picnic Ground is the most popular entry point, with well-maintained facilities. You will likely see flocks of sulphur-crested cockatoos and crimson rosellas around the clearing. Observe wildlife respectfully and follow local guidelines that might restrict feeding.

Tips for Sherbrooke

• Go at daybreak for the best chance of spotting lyrebirds. Listen for complex mimicry and rustling in leaf litter.
• Pack a light rain jacket even on clear days. The forest can hold mist and dampness.
• Stick to marked trails. This protects delicate groundcover and keeps you safe.

The Villages: Sassafras, Olinda, Belgrave and Beyond

Part of the Dandenong Ranges magic is the cluster of villages scattered across ridgelines and valleys. Classic tearooms, boutique shops and garden estates invite slow travel and indulgent browsing.

Sassafras

Sassafras is the postcard village. Antique stores, specialty teashops and galleries line the main street beneath mature trees. Devonshire tea is a beloved ritual here. It is also a great base for browsing local produce and handmade gifts to take home.

Olinda

Olinda is equal parts garden gateway and foodie hub. From here you can explore the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and Cloudehill Gardens, then wander back to a choice of cafes and wine bars. Many accommodation options cluster around Olinda, from heritage cottages to luxury spa retreats.

Belgrave

Belgrave is the cultural and transport heart, home to the Puffing Billy Railway. The village has an artsy vibe, with street art, live music spots and the much-loved Cameo Cinemas, which even hosts open-air screenings in the warmer months.

Kallista, Sherbrooke and Kalorama

These hamlets anchor the forest experience. Kallista has a charming village cafe scene and a vibrant community market on selected Sundays. Sherbrooke is all about gardens and deep green walks. Kalorama offers high viewpoints and quiet retreats overlooking the Yarra Valley and the distant city skyline.

Signature Experiences You Should Not Miss

Puffing Billy Railway

A living museum of steam-era travel, the Puffing Billy Railway runs from Belgrave through to Lakeside and Gembrook along a heritage track. Open-sided carriages allow you to feel the cool mountain breeze, and that joyful photo of legs dangling from the carriage sill has become an enduring icon of the region. There are themed journeys, family days and special events throughout the year. Lakeside Visitor Centre is an excellent stop for lunch and lake walks.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Formerly the National Rhododendron Garden, this expansive garden in Olinda explodes with color in spring when rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias are in full bloom. The views across the Yarra Valley are spectacular on clear days. Autumn brings vibrant foliage and crisp air. Paths are well maintained and there are accessible areas for prams and wheelchairs.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

For panoramic views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay, head to SkyHigh. Sunset and clear winter nights are particularly dramatic. The surrounding gardens are fun to explore, and the short walk to nearby viewpoints like Burke’s Lookout rewards with sweeping vistas.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

A fairytale landscape of stone stairways, wooden bridges and an ornamental lake with a photogenic boathouse. In autumn the colors spill across every path. The garden is free to enter and is a favorite for photographers in all seasons.

Cloudehill Gardens and Nursery

A masterclass in layered planting and garden design, Cloudehill features winding rooms of hedges, borders and sculptures. The onsite nursery and shop make it easy to take a little of the Dandenong Ranges garden spirit home.

Olinda Falls

A short descent leads to two platforms overlooking cascades tucked into the forest. Waterflow is seasonal, so aim for spring or after rain for the best show.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

This unique sanctuary features evocative clay sculptures integrated into mossy rock and fern glades. It has been closed for recovery and safety works following severe storm damage. Check Parks Victoria for the latest reopening updates when you plan your trip.

Sample Itineraries

One Perfect Day in the Dandenong Ranges

1. Early start at the 1000 Steps. Aim to arrive by 8 am, enjoy the climb and a quiet moment at the top.
2. Coffee and brunch in Sassafras or Kallista. Scones and jam are a delicious reward for the climb.
3. Late morning garden visit. Wander the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden or Cloudehill Gardens.
4. Afternoon forest walk at Sherbrooke Falls. Keep your eyes open for lyrebirds.
5. Sunset at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. Toast the city view before heading back to Melbourne.

Two to Three Days for Nature and Nostalgia

Day 1

• Arrive via Belgrave and board Puffing Billy to Lakeside. Return by mid-afternoon.
• Explore Belgrave’s shops and grab an early dinner.
• Check in to a cottage in Olinda or Sherbrooke.

Day 2

• Morning wander in Sherbrooke Forest from Grants Picnic Ground.
• Visit Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
• Lunch and browsing in Sassafras.
• Late afternoon at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Golden hour photography over the Yarra Valley.

Day 3

• Climb the 1000 Steps early or choose a quieter trail like Neumann Track.
• Drive to Kalorama for viewpoints and a leisurely lunch.
• Head home via The Basin or Montrose with a final coffee stop.

Family-Friendly Day Out

• Ride Puffing Billy and picnic at Emerald Lake Park near Lakeside.
• Visit the Lakeside Visitor Centre and playgrounds.
• Finish with ice cream in Belgrave and a short stroll on the Sherbrooke Falls track if energy allows.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: peak bloom at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and Cloudehill. Mild weather and lively birdlife.
• Summer: cool forest walks, long evenings and mountain breezes. Start hikes early to avoid heat.
• Autumn: fiery color at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, RJ Hamer Arboretum and along village streets.
• Winter: mist drifting through tall forest, clear city views from SkyHigh, log fires and cozy cottages.

If your timing aligns, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in nearby Silvan runs in spring, filling fields with color and drawing visitors from across the state. The Belgrave Lantern Festival in winter is a community event that sets the main street aglow.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Dandenong Ranges is a region made for lingering over food. Expect local produce, artisan bakeries and classic tea rooms.

• Brunch and bakeries: sample flaky pastries and hearty breakfasts in Olinda and Sassafras where cafe culture is strong.
• Devonshire tea: a Ranges rite of passage. Warm scones, strawberry jam and double cream taste even better after a forest walk.
• Pubs and taverns: casual meals in atmospheric timber interiors, often with outdoor spaces for sunny days.
• Garden cafes: several gardens and nurseries operate eateries that pair seasonal menus with leafy views.

Make lunch bookings on weekends and holidays, especially in peak seasons when day trippers fill the villages.

Where to Stay

The Dandenong Ranges excels at romantic retreats and nature-surrounded stays. Choose from:

• Boutique B&Bs with fireplaces, spa baths and private decks
• Self-contained cottages tucked among ferns and tall trees
• Garden guesthouses near Olinda and Sassafras
• Family cottages in Belgrave and Kallista for easy access to Puffing Billy and Sherbrooke

Book well in advance for long weekends and during spring and autumn peak periods. If you are planning a winter escape, look for properties with wood fires or efficient heating. Foggy mornings and starry nights are part of the charm.

Getting There and Around

From Melbourne by Car

• Via Burwood Highway to Upper Ferntree Gully for the 1000 Steps and Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground
• Via Mountain Highway through The Basin for scenic hairpins into the ranges
• Allow extra time on weekends. Parking is limited at popular trailheads and villages.

By Public Transport

• Train: Belgrave Line from Melbourne’s CBD to Upper Ferntree Gully for the 1000 Steps area or to Belgrave for Puffing Billy and village access.
• Buses: connect Belgrave, Olinda and Sassafras, with services linking villages along the ridge. Timetables vary on weekends.
• Rideshare and taxis operate within the hills, although availability can be patchy at night.

Once in the ranges, distances are short, but roads are narrow and winding. Take your time, watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk, and be patient around cyclists and walkers on village streets.

Responsible Visiting

The Dandenong Ranges National Park and its villages thrive when visitors tread lightly.

• Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora and prevent erosion.
• Take all rubbish with you. Many sites are carry in, carry out.
• Leave wildlife wild. Look, listen and photograph without feeding or approaching animals.
• Dogs are not permitted in most areas of the national park. Check signage in village reserves.
• Be bushfire aware in warm, windy months. Follow local alerts and heed any track or park closures.
• Respect private property. Many stunning gardens are private homes.

Packing List for the Ranges

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Refillable water bottle and snacks
• Sun protection for open viewpoints
• Warm layer even in summer, temperatures change quickly
• Small first aid kit and any personal medication
• Camera or phone with spare battery for all those forest and village shots

Photography Hotspots

• One Tree Hill, looking back through the trees after the 1000 Steps climb
• The ornamental lake and boathouse at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
• City-to-bay vistas from SkyHigh and Burke’s Lookout
• Spring bloom alleys at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
• Puffing Billy crossing historic trestle bridges, steam billowing across the forest canopy

Arrive early or stay late for the best light and quieter scenes. Misty mornings add atmosphere, while golden hour lights up forest edges and garden paths.

Safety and Trail Etiquette

• Forests can be slippery after rain, especially on stairs and timber boardwalks.
• Mobile coverage varies. Do not rely entirely on signal for maps. Download offline maps if possible.
• If you hear or see lyrebirds, give them space. Keep noise low so others can enjoy the moment.
• Share the track. Keep to the left, and let faster walkers pass safely.
• In cooler months, watch for black ice on exposed road sections at higher elevations.

Hidden Corners and Under-the-Radar Stops

• RJ Hamer Arboretum near Olinda, perfect for open hillside views and a patchwork of exotic and native plantings. Autumn is spectacular but any time rewards with broad horizons.
• Doongalla Forest area near Boronia with quieter picnic grounds and trailheads leading to tranquil circuits.
• Birdsland Reserve near Belgrave Heights for lakeside walks and birdwatching, a great family alternative on busy weekends.

Planning Considerations and Current Conditions

• Check Parks Victoria for track updates, storm recovery closures and seasonal alerts. This is especially important for trails like the 1000 Steps and for sites such as William Ricketts Sanctuary.
• Some experiences and policies change from time to time, such as bird feeding permissions at specific picnic grounds. Always follow on-site signage.
• Weekends can be crowded. If your schedule is flexible, visit midweek for an unhurried experience.

A Short History of the 1000 Steps and Kokoda Connection

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk was established to offer Australians a way to reflect on the Kokoda Track campaign, a defining World War II chapter that saw Australian troops fighting in Papua New Guinea’s rugged Owen Stanley Range. Along the Dandenong Ranges track you will see plaques that recount the hardships and heroism of that campaign. The steepness of the climb, the enclosed rainforest and the need for steady pacing give a small sense of the challenge faced by soldiers. Pause at the memorials as you walk, and let the forest silence invite contemplation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many steps are there on the 1000 Steps

• The name is honorary. The stairway is a steep series of timber and stone steps that feels like a thousand. Focus on pace and breath rather than the count.

Is the 1000 Steps suitable for beginners

• It is challenging but manageable with steady pacing and rest breaks. Begin early, carry water and consider returning via the gentler Lyrebird Track.

Can I do a day trip without a car

• Yes. Catch the Belgrave Line to Upper Ferntree Gully for the 1000 Steps area or to Belgrave for Puffing Billy and village connections by bus. Services are less frequent on weekends, so check timetables.

Are dogs allowed

• Not on most trails within Dandenong Ranges National Park, including the 1000 Steps and Sherbrooke Forest. Some village reserves permit dogs on lead.

What is the best time to see lyrebirds

• Early morning in Sherbrooke Forest, particularly in cooler, quieter months when the forest is damp and calm.

Is Puffing Billy running year-round

• Services run most of the year with additional themed rides in peak seasons. Check the official website for timetables and event specials.

Acknowledging Country

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners of the Dandenong Ranges and pay our respects to Elders past and present. The forest, waterways and wildlife here carry stories that stretch back thousands of years.

Bring It All Together

The Dandenong Ranges is a masterclass in contrast. Sweat and satisfaction on the 1000 Steps, then a slow sip of tea in a quiet village. Deep green silence in Sherbrooke Forest, then panoramic city views from a mountaintop. Steam trains, sculpted gardens, wild birds and mist drifting through the eucalypts create a destination that rewards curiosity and lingers in memory.

Plan a day for the essentials or take a weekend to settle in. Book a cottage, pack your walking shoes and an appetite, and let the hills set the pace. The Dandenong Ranges feels close and familiar, yet is always full of new corners to unfold. This is Melbourne’s backyard adventure, waiting for you to step into the trees.