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Burrinja Cultural Centre

Entertainment Venues

Burrinja Cultural Centre

Burrinja is at the heart of a thriving, contemporary art and performance culture that invites participation, tells important narratives and champions creative expression, located in the Dandenong Ranges. Visual art, original theatre, live comedy, live music, artist studios, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, venue hire and social enterprise cafe. Burrinja is a not-for-profit organisation that thrives thanks to the support of Yarra Ranges Council, artists, visitors and the community. They deliver a wide array of cultural experiences to the Dandenong Ranges region and beyond. The 400 seat theatre and 130 studio theatre combines professional performers, community and school productions with a range of commercial and other hire events, while three exhibition spaces, artist's studios and cultural development events ensures a vibrant visual and community arts program. Burrinja is obsessed with art. Focused on community. Steered in partnership. Interested in tomorrow. Aware of history. Seeking Impact. Continuously learning. Driven by ethics. Burrinja is a fabulous place to experience great art - from theatre to exhibitions and studios. For what's on, please visit the Burrinja Cultural Centre website.

Upwey VIC

0.1 km away

Birdsland Reserve

Natural Attractions

Birdsland Reserve

Located in the southern area of the Dandenong Ranges, between Belgrave and Lysterfield Lake Park, is Birdsland Reserve, a 75 hectares bushland reserve that is home to native birds and animals. You may even spot a Platypus. The original owner of Birdsland reserve was the Bird family who owned the property from the 1940s to the 1980s. The reserve was opened, as it now stands, in the late 1980s once then Shire of Sherbrooke (now known as Yarra Ranges Council) purchased the land from the Bird family and promoted it as a community bushland area. The reserve has barbeques and is a perfect spot for a picnic. There are walking tracks throughout the reserve for bushwalking. Visit the website for opening hours. Closing times do vary depending on the season. Check the signs at the park entrance for details. The reserve is not open on days of Total Fire Ban. The Reserve entrance is off Mount Morton Road in Belgrave South.

Belgrave Heights VIC

0.9 km away

The timeless tradition of sitting on the carriage sill is back!

Amusement and Theme Parks

Puffing Billy Railway

Step back in time at Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, situated in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and only 60-minutes from Melbourne CBD. With lush fern gullies brushing past the open side carriages and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy Railway makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest. Discover wonderful wildlife and spectacular landscapes made for adventure while sitting on the carriage sill of Puffing Billy’s open-side carriages; a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Located adjacent to Lakeside station sits Puffing Billy’s new state-of-the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre. Featuring a modern café with the best produce on offer in the region, a dedicated gift shop featuring locally designed treasures and a gallery of steam artifacts in the Lakeside Hall, the Visitor Centre offers guests a cultural hub with world-class facilities. Open daily with free entry to passengers and visitors.

Belgrave VIC

2.3 km away

Treetops Adventure Belgrave

Amusement and Theme Parks

Treetops Adventure Belgrave

Come along and soar through Victoria's first tree ropes course, situated in the Dandenong Ranges. Move through the branches on an array of ziplines, tight ropes and tunnels. The estate, which is located on traditional Wurundjeri land, now spans eight hectares of forest alongside the Puffing Billy station in Belgrave. It features rare trees, including a magnificent 150-year-old Algerian Oak, used as the Home Tree. A 2.5-hour session through the aerial challenges (including gearing up) will have you laughing along with the Kookaburras. After safety, your adrenaline is our top priority, so our courses are designed to challenge you, no matter what level you're at. Treetops Adventure Belgrave offers 10 tree ropes courses, six vertical challenges, over 100 aerial obstacles, and 23 ziplines including a 100 metre ziplne.

Belgrave VIC

2.4 km away

Dandenong Ranges National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The Dandenong Ranges is a place of tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns and charismatic animals such as lyrebirds and wallabies. Conquer the famous 1000 Steps, discover Olinda Falls and enjoy commanding views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. The Dandenong Ranges is a rainforest getaway on Melbourne's doorstep. A short drive or train ride from the city you will find hills covered by the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash. Living among the greenery are wallabies, lyrebirds, wombats and the Powerful Owl so please ensure you leave your dogs at home to avoid disturbing the local wildlife. Take an energetic walk up the 1000 Steps from Ferntree Gully Picnic Area and learn about its poignant association with Australia's Second World War veterans and the Kokoda Track Campaign. The mountains of the Dandenong Ranges offer stunning views across Melbourne. Waterfalls are also a feature of this cool temperate rainforest. Olinda Falls and Sherbrooke Falls are best after rain. Just don't forget to wear hiking boots! Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Upper Ferntree Gully VIC

3.4 km away

The Reveal, an Artwork along ngurrak barring — Image credit: ngurrak barring YRC

Galleries, Museums and Collections

ngurrak barring

Connecting the vibrant villages of the Dandenong Ranges, ngurrak barring (meaning mountain paths in Wurundjeri woi wurrung) is an arts and culture trail winding through forests of towering Mountain Ash and lush fern gullies. Along the trails you will discover artworks, sculptures and interpretive signage celebrating the long and continuing tradition of creative inspiration found in the Dandenong Ranges. ngurrak barring examines the human relationship to place, from First Nations people's connection to Country, to shared contemporary experiences. The trails can be explored from multiple access points allowing for a visit to just one particular artwork, a day's walk discovering a themed section of the connected trails, or a multi-day stay immersed in the entire experience. The trail connects the townships of Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Upper Ferntree Gully, Kallista, Sassafras, Sherbrooke, Tremont, Olinda, Mount Dandenong, Kalorama and Montrose The Dandenong Ranges are home to lush forests, scenic public gardens, and unique villages full of boutique stores, artesian offerings and creative communities to discover. Only 45 minutes from Melbourne there is so much to explore - along the trails of ngurrak barring and beyond.

Belgrave VIC

3.4 km away

Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 Steps)

Natural Attractions

Kokoda Memorial Walk (1000 Steps)

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (incorporating the 1000 Steps) departs from Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, winding up a steep hill along a creek through lush rainforest, before emerging into a clearing where you can enjoy great views of Melbourne through the trees. Complete the loop by taking the Lyrebird Track back to the carpark. Created in the early 1900s, the 1000 Steps Walk was originally made from the trunks of tree ferns laid along the wetter areas of the track to make the 290 metre ascent somewhat easier. These have been replaced by a combination of wooden steps and concrete section over time to ensure that the track can cater for users year-round in all weather. The path is steep and beautiful, which makes it attractive to fitness walkers and tourists however please leave your dog at home, as this walk is not for your pets. Dogs are not allowed at the 1000 Steps. Living among the greenery are wallabies, wombats and an abundance of native birdlife, including the Powerful Owl, crimson rosellas, kookaburras and Superb Lyrebird. Once at the top you can take the Lyrebird Track, which makes a great return circuit, or continue on some 800m to One Tree Hill.

Tremont VIC

3.4 km away

Country Node — Image credit: ngurrak barring

Landmarks and Buildings

ngurrak barring Country theme Architectural Node

The ngurrak barring Architectural Nodes are collaborative explorations of the themes of the walk through an Indigenous lens, crafted by First Peoples design studios, Djinjama and COLA Studio. ngurrak barring, meaning mountain paths in Woiwurrung, is an arts and culture trail through the Dandenong Ranges, with artworks, nodes and signage celebrating the long inspiration the area has had on artists and creatives. The Country Node takes a macro lens to Country bringing awareness and education on the ancient nature of the tree ferns. At each ribbed section of the node structure, the body is embraced and guided through varying sensory experiences of an unfurling fern narrating a macro story of time. The ribs establish a contemplative space at a human scale as users move through the Node, and provide individual expressions of each layer of Wurundjeri Country: Biik-ut – Below Country, Biik-dui – On Country, Baanj Biik – Water Country, Murnmut Biik – Wind Country, Wurru wurru Biik – Sky Country, Tharangalk Biik – Star Country.

Sherbrooke VIC

3.6 km away

Sherbrooke Falls Loop

Natural Attractions

Sherbrooke Falls Loop

The Sherbrooke Falls Loop walk meanders through a forest containing the tallest flowering hardwood in the world, the Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) with an understorey of a variety of fern species. The Sherbrooke area provides habitat for the Suburb Lyrebird, which can often be seen or heard within the forest. The falls are most inspiring after rain when the Sherbrooke Creek cascades over rocky outcrops. The walk can begin and end at either the Sherbrooke Picnic Ground or O'Donohue Picnic Grounds, located on Sherbrooke Lodge Road. The Mountain Ash forests provide the perfect habitat for local wildlife such as wombats, swamp wallabies, ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums. Tree creepers, small birds that cling to the side of trees looking for a meal of grubs and insects can be seen foraging amongst the tree trunks. The beautiful and elusive blue-winged parrot has also been sighted in the Sherbrooke Forest.

Sherbrooke VIC

4.0 km away

Lysterfield Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Lysterfield Park

Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to experience recreational activities in nature. Spot kangaroos while walking or jogging the six kilometre Lake Circuit Trail, ride 24 kilometres of mountain bike trails or relax at the lakeside picnic areas. You can sail, kayak or canoe in the lake, while runners love the network of gravel bush tracks. It is also home to one of Australia's busiest mountain biking trail networks – including the State Mountain Bike Course, which was a venue at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, easy green trails and action packed black diamond trails for experienced riders. Lysterfield is a great place to see kangaroos and wallabies in the wild close to Melbourne, so please ensure you leave your dog at home and don't disturb the local wildlife. Pedestrians and cyclists can access the park 24 hours a day. The main carparking area at Lysterfield Park is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Vehicles can exit the park after hours via one-way spikes. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Lysterfield VIC

4.5 km away

Grants Picnic Ground

Parks and Gardens

Grants Picnic Ground

Grants Picnic Ground sits on the edge of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest the largest section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Enjoy a picnic with lyrebirds, Crimson Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets as company. A number of walking tracks start at the picnic ground, be dwarfed by towering Mountain Ash trees in this small pocket of cool temperate rainforest. Grants Picnic Ground is a universally accessible destination including picnic tables and barbeque which are located directly in front of the disabled parking bays. The Margaret Lester Forest Walk is a purpose-built walking track for people with limited mobility. The walk was designed with assistance by Margaret Lester, who was a architecture graduate and paraplegic. The path contains 200 metres of asphalt path on a gentle gradient. It stretches through the forest and fern glades from the middle to upper carparks. Along the path there are information boards about the forest and its ecosystem.

Sherbrooke VIC

4.5 km away

Sherbrooke Falls Walk

Natural Attractions

Sherbrooke Falls Walk

Sherbrooke Picnic Ground and O'Donohue Picnic Ground are located in Sherbrooke Forest, the largest section of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. A number of walking trails start from the well-equipped picnic grounds, entering a fantastic rainforest of spectacular Mountain Ash, stringybark, lush tree ferns and, of course, waterfalls. Take the Sherbrooke Track or O'Donohue Track which take you deep in to Sherbrooke Forest to the falls. They are well signposted. Little creeks cascades into a gully, creating a small waterfall and obscured by tree ferns, but the real star of this walk is the rainforest as a whole. This is the kind of hike best enjoyed after rain, when you can smell the aromas of the forest and the waterfall is flowing. Lyrebirds and other wildlife also like to come out after the rain, so you will be in good company!

Kallista VIC

4.5 km away

George Tindale Memorial Gardens

National Parks and Reserves

George Tindale Memorial Gardens

The George Tindale Memorial Garden contains a number of plants rarely found in cultivation, which are thriving in the acidic soils, cool temperate climate and shaded conditions found in the Dandenong Ranges. Extensive collections of magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and hydrangeas will delight garden enthusiasts. The gardens offer something new with each season - a myriad of flowers in spring; hydrangeas and lilliums in summer; a canopy of gold, red, orange and burgundy in Autumn and the flowers of the Lenten Rose or Hellebore beneath flowering shrubs in winter. Opening hours: George Tindale Memorial Garden is open 10:00am to 5:00pm every day except Christmas Day, days of Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, Severe Weather events and major works. Check current conditions on the day of your planned visit to confirm it is open. George Tindale Memorial Gardens is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Sherbrooke VIC

4.7 km away

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

National Parks and Reserves

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is the original garden of the historic Burnham Beeches estate, renowned for its extensive water features. Delightful all year round, choose your own adventure along the many linking paths beneath the canopy of Mountain Ash trees as you stroll through the garden. Make your way down to the picturesque lake for a picnic by the quaint boathouse, take a seat in the gazebo and admire the intriguing sculpture by Mark Stoner, or simply enjoy walking your dog (on lead) through the changing landscape of blooms and foliage. Open daylight hours, seven days except on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit the Emergency Victoria website.

Sherbrooke VIC

4.7 km away

Pirianda Gardens — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Pirianda Garden

Designed to take advantage of the steep slopes, the terraced woodland garden of Pirianda contains a unique collection of plants, including many botanically important trees, unusual shrubs and perennials. Featuring beautiful spring displays, Pirianda Garden is best known for its autumn colours and tree collection, including 28 different types of maples and 13 birch varieties. With magnificent views and a backdrop of ever-changing colours, photographers and bird watchers are in for a treat, while the lawns are perfect for spreading out with a picnic feast. Meander through the tranquil garden at your leisure, making your way from the grassy areas, through the terraces, and down to peaceful fern gullies beneath towering blackwoods and mountain ash. Pirianda Garden is open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Christmas Day, days of Total Fire Ban, Severe Weather events and major works. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Olinda VIC

6.0 km away

Facial Serum

Shopping and Markets

Soap Opera Sassafras

Formulated to moisturise and restore the natural balance of hair, body and face, their pampering products are handmade with high quality, plant-derivatives, certified organic ingredients and pure essential oils. They believe everyone should experience the benefits of luxurious, natural and sustainable skincare. Soap Opera products are 100 per cent pure and natural, designed to clean, moisturise and scent the body, without harsh chemicals, parabens or preservatives and without testing on animals.

Sassafras VIC

6.1 km away

'Community' theme Architectural Node — Image credit: ngurrak barringngurrak barring

Landmarks and Buildings

ngurrak barring Community Architectural Node

The ngurrak barring Architectural Nodes are collaborative explorations of the themes of the walk through an Indigenous lens, crafted by First Peoples design studios, Djinjama and COLA Studio. ngurrak barring is an arts and culture walking trail through the Dandenong Ranges. Permanent artworks, architectural nodes and signage celebrate the inspiration the area has had on artists and creatives. For many First Peoples, community represents strength, resilience, resistance and nurturing. The strength of community(ies) being the reason culture has continued. For some First Peoples who have been forcibly separated, community is an embrace longed for. The mother/aunty and child structures here are a representation of the nurturing, nourishment and guidance of community and Country. The welcoming forms are soft, warm and open whilst being strong and sheltering, their strength and structure formed of the many elements woven together. The forms take on the character of a weaving and a fern unfurling, an expression of the indivisible connection between people and Country.

Sassafras VIC

6.2 km away

Lysterfield Park Lake Track

Parks and Gardens

Lysterfield Park Lake Track

Lysterfield Park is a beautiful spot, not far from Melbourne, offering a range of recreational activities. It has picnic areas, barbeques and games, as well as a car park. There are also two large toilets and shower blocks and a drinking water fountain. A wide, flat path with tall trees provides shade.

Lysterfield VIC

6.2 km away

Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track

Natural Attractions

Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track

The Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track passes through fern-filled gullies, eucalypt covered ridges and over numerous bridges and boardwalks. The walk is graded moderate to easy with some undulating terrain and some steeper sections, including stairs up to the back road at Emerald. The Sassafras end starts behind the Community Hall. Edwardian Victorians would visit the Dandenong Ranges in their thousands during Summer to escape the heat. Sections of this track were - and still are - extremely popular and easily accessible by public transport. Along the way, you can see Mountain Ash, Manna Gum, Mountain Grey Gum, Messmate (eucalypt) trees, Soft and Rough Tree ferns, Common Maidenhair, Rasp Fern and King Fern. If you keep your eyes open and look up into the trees, you can also see laughing Kookaburras, crimson and eastern rosellas, king parrots and yellow-tailed black cockatoos and the superb lyrebird.

Sassafras VIC

6.2 km away

Lysterfield Park Trig Point

Natural Attractions

Lysterfield Park Trig Point

Trig Point, situated in Churchill Park, provides a spectacular 360 degree view of Melbourne. This track varies from hardened gravel to surfaces with widely variable and unpredictable features. A reasonable fitness level is required. From the Churchill Picnic Area, there are many walking trails to explore, ideal for peaceful walks in nature.

Lysterfield VIC

6.4 km away

Cardinia Reservoir Park

National Parks and Reserves

Cardinia Reservoir Park

Visitors who view the huge expanse of water that is Cardinia Reservoir by the morning light will understand why this is one of Melbourne's most popular outdoor destinations. The open parklands, picnic and barbecue areas, and native bush areas that are home to abundant wildlife and natural flora are a draw card to those seeking a day in a natural setting. All picnic areas have access and toilets for visitors with limited mobility. Most have barbecues and shelter. Popular spots include Crystal Brook, Duffy's and Kangaroo Flat. Dogs are allowed at Crystal Brook and Duffy's but must be kept on a leash at all times. Portable gas barbecues are allowed, but portable barbecues using heat beads or wood are not permitted in the park. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Narre Warren East VIC

7.1 km away

Hot summer border at Cloudehill

Parks and Gardens

Cloudehill Gardens and Nursery

Cloudehill is a garden at the top of the Dandenongs in Olinda, and is internationally famous for garden rooms overflowing with flowers and magnificent artwork all year round. Some 25 garden compartments are divided by stone walls and hedges. They include Australia's finest summer borders, peony gardens, a spring shrub walk, bluebell woodlands, extensive bulb meadows, and a 'green theatre' which hosts the Summer twilight concert series. Deep volcanic soil and moist mild weather allow plants to reach majestic proportions. The weeping Japanese maples at the heart of the garden are of serious significance. Imported from the legendary Yokohama Nursery in Japan they have been growing on the property since 1928. The Diggers Club operates Cloudehill's nursery and garden shop, stocking heirloom seeds and mature trees, as well as many of the seasonal plants to be found in the gardens. Seasons Restaurant provides a unique dining experience using fresh local produce. Chojo Feature Trees carries an extensive range of Bonsai, pre-Bonsai trees and accessories. Staying at the Woolrich Estate House and Cottage are located next to Cloudehill is the ideal location to explore the Dandenong Ranges. Check the website for family holiday trails, educational events and seasonal updates before planning your trip.

Olinda VIC

7.2 km away

Melbournes most impressive hat experience — Image credit: Oska Truffaux

Shopping and Markets

Truffaux - Best Hat Shop in Australia

Internationally renowned hat shop with a deep love for Panama hats, fedoras, felts, caps, berets, scarves and quirky night lights. A mecca for hat lovers, nestled in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Hand-crafted hats from across the Earth, expertly fitted by true professionals who know their trade. Hat steaming, repairs and advice flow through them. Manufacturing their iconic Panama hats in Ecuador and distributing them worldwide from Olinda. They also carry the finest hats from Akubra, Stetson, Brixton, Borsalino, Mucros, Avenel, Barmah, Thomas Cook and many more. Having built stores in Hawaii, France and Japan, they have returned home to their mountain forest, to raise their family and love everyone. Come and enjoy the best hat experience of your life.

Olinda VIC

7.3 km away

Facial Serum

Shopping and Markets

Soap Opera Australia

Formulated to moisturise and restore the natural balance of hair, body and face, their pampering products are handmade with high quality, plant-derivatives, certified organic ingredients and pure essential oils. They believe everyone should experience the benefits of luxurious, natural and sustainable skincare. Soap Opera products are 100 per cent pure and natural, designed to clean, moisturise and scent the body, without harsh chemicals, parabens or preservatives and without testing on animals.

Olinda VIC

7.3 km away

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