Dandenong Ranges
Low mountains about 40 km east of Melbourne, with tall mountain ash forests, a flight of a thousand steps, a summit lookout and the Sassafras tearooms.
The national park's Thousand Steps walk (the Kokoda Memorial Walk) takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, and lyrebirds and sulphur-crested cockatoos are often spotted in the forest. The SkyHigh observation deck on the summit of Mount Dandenong offers panoramic views of Melbourne and is good for watching the night lights. The tearooms in the town of Sassafras and the Indigenous-themed sculptures at William Ricketts Sanctuary are also worth a stop. The walks are free, while SkyHigh charges per vehicle. Driving is the most convenient option, and you can combine it with a trip on Puffing Billy on the same day.
Opening hours
All day (SkyHigh approx. 09:00–22:00)
Nearby sights
- Puffing Billy Railway
- Yarra Valley
- Healesville Sanctuary
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Fitzroy Gardens & Cooks' Cottage
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
- St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne