The Dandenong Ranges rise to around 633 metres above sea level, creating a cool‑climate mountain landscape of tall forests, fern gullies and mist‑filled valleys. The ranges are home to the towering mountain ash, which can reach heights of more than 80 metres, making it one of the tallest flowering plants on Earth. Wildlife is abundant throughout the hills, including the Superb Lyrebird, famous for its extraordinary ability to mimic natural and man‑made sounds. With fresh air, lush greenery and peaceful forest scenery, the Dandenong Ranges offer a calm nature escape close to Melbourne.

SkyHigh sits on the summit of Mount Dandenong at around 633 metres above sea level, offering sweeping views across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the distant coastline. The lookout features landscaped gardens, open viewing terraces and gentle walking paths, making it an easy and refreshing stop in the ranges.

Visitors can relax at the SkyHigh Café, a casual spot for coffee, snacks and light meals while enjoying the cool mountain air. The grounds also include the popular Giant’s Chair, a fun oversized landmark perfect for photos, along with the Wishing Tree and Wishing Well, two charming features that add a playful, friendly touch to the summit gardens.

On clear days, the visibility from SkyHigh is impressive, giving passengers a true “top of the mountain” experience without any strenuous walking.

Olinda is a charming mountain village nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, renowned for its cool climate, lush gardens, and relaxed country atmosphere. The village centre features an inviting collection of cafés, bakeries, gift shops, galleries, and specialty stores, all conveniently located within easy walking distance. A favourite attraction is Olinda Sweet Co., a delightful old-fashioned confectionery shop offering a wide selection of nostalgic lollies, handmade treats, and sweet surprises.

Conveniently located public toilets are available near the main shopping precinct, making Olinda an ideal stop for visitors. The village serves as the lunch break destination on our trip, giving passengers time to explore at their own pace, enjoy a meal at one of the local cafés or bakeries, or simply relax with a packed lunch surrounded by the fresh mountain air. With its welcoming atmosphere and easy-to-navigate layout, Olinda provides a pleasant and memorable break during our journey through the Dandenong Ranges.

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is Victoria’s premier cool‑climate garden, spread across roughly 50 hectares of landscaped hills and valleys. It features one of Australia’s largest collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and daffodils, with more than 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias, and 250,000 daffodils creating spectacular seasonal colour displays in spring and autumn. 

Wide sealed paths and secondary gravel tracks wind through native and exotic trees, ornamental lakes, ponds and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Yarra Valley. The garden also includes the award‑winning Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda, a large‑scale re‑creation of the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show winner, along with the newer Cloud Forest conservation garden.

R.J. Hamer Arboretum is a peaceful place to enjoy towering trees, colourful seasonal foliage and breathtaking views across the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. The arboretum features an impressive collection of native and exotic trees,

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is a beautifully designed 1930s hill‑station garden in Sherbrooke, known for its tranquil atmosphere, winding forest paths and iconic water features. Set across 13 hectares, the garden is centred around its picturesque lake and the much‑loved wooden boathouse, a charming timber structure that has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the Dandenong Ranges.

Visitors can explore terraced rock walls, exotic and native plantings, and meandering pathways beneath towering Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) — the tallest flowering plants on Earth. Seasonal colour comes from mature rhododendrons, azaleas and deciduous trees, making the garden especially striking in spring and autumn.

The garden’s early 20th‑century landscape design features ornamental water elements, sweeping terraces and carefully placed viewpoints that reveal new perspectives at every turn. The huge  historic (Abandoned) Burnham Beeches mansion overlooks the garden from above, adding to the sense of heritage and character.

Entry is free.