Day trips · Spring 2026
A day among the tree ferns in the Dandenong Ranges
About an hour east of the city, the road begins to climb and the forest closes in. The Dandenong Ranges make an easy day out when you want tall trees, cool air and a slower pace.
Into the forest
Sherbrooke Forest is a good place to start. Walking tracks lead beneath towering mountain ash, with tree ferns filling the gullies below. Walk quietly and you may hear a lyrebird before you see one.
Gardens in the hills
The hills are known for their gardens. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are loved for their lake and boathouse, and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden in Olinda is at its most colourful in spring. A misty morning can be the most beautiful time to visit.
A village stop
Leave time for Sassafras or Olinda. Browse the shops, find somewhere for lunch or afternoon tea, and warm up before the drive home.
Before you go
The hills can be cooler and wetter than the city, so bring a layer and sturdy shoes. Check park conditions, garden opening details and any track closures on the official websites before you set out.
