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Bunyip State Park

National Parks and Reserves

Bunyip State Park

See a green mosaic as you traverse the diverse ecosystems of Bunyip State Park; from heathland swamps to towering mountain ash forests. Explore on foot, horseback, trail bike or in the comfort of your four-wheel drive. Keep an eye out for the southern-emu wren and swamp bush-pea, both rare sights. Follow the Lawsons Falls Circuit Walk to the only waterfall within Bunyip State Park. The narrow trail meanders through dense bush and verdant fern gullies before emerging at a small clearing with views across to Lawson Falls. Bunyip State Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Bunurong People and 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

Gembrook VIC

4.1 km away

Archery at Gilwell Park

Amusement and Theme Parks

Gilwell Park Adventure Centre

Gilwell Park Adventure Centre sits within expansive bushland that makes every adventure feel authentic. Visitors move between open forest, sheltered water and natural clearings, enjoying outdoor activities that come alive in the landscape. The Vertical Adventure Day at Gilwell Park Adventure Centre invites general public groups to enjoy a mix of high ropes, flying fox, climbing and abseiling in a natural outdoor setting. The native tree canopy sets the scene, giving every activity an authentic sense of scale and adventure. Participants move between ground level and elevated elements, gliding, balancing, climbing and descending in an environment that feels both wild and welcoming. The Vertical Adventure Day suits families, friends and community groups looking for a fresh experience that blends adventure with the beauty of the bush. Moments of challenge, excitement and calm unfold against views of tall gums and native bush. The experience feels tailor made, shaped by the environment and the freedom to explore it. Gilwell Park Adventure Centre offers adventure that is grounded in nature and rich in atmosphere.

Gembrook VIC

4.3 km away

Mortimer Nature Walk

Natural Attractions

Mortimer Nature Walk

The Mortimer Nature Walk is a short (1.2km) mostly flat nature walk looping through the Bunyip State Forest. The walk is close to a picnic area by the creek and is suitable for all abilities. The terrain can be sandy/muddy at times. Toilets and a car park are nearby. Keep an ear out for the Southern Boobook or look up into the leaves of the Mountain Grey Gum.

Gembrook VIC

4.7 km away

4 Brothers Rock Scenic Walk

Natural Attractions

4 Brothers Rock Scenic Walk

Starting from Mortimer Picnic Ground, the Four Brothers Rocks hike follows the old Hacket Track to the Four Brothers Rocks, a collection of large, granite rocks offering sweeping views across the park. Approach via Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road which is unsealed but suitable for 2WD vehicles. The walk is situated in Bunyip Park with easy access to a car park.

Gembrook VIC

4.9 km away

Buttongrass Nature Trail

Natural Attractions

Buttongrass Nature Trail

The Buttongrass Nature trail in Bunyip Park is a self-guided trail that winds through woodland and a beautiful wet heathland. Along the way you will encounter a variety of flora including hakeas, wattles, tea-tree and button grass. The trail is 3.5km return and is an easy walk. Toilets and car park are nearby.

Gembrook VIC

8.5 km away

Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre

Nestled amongst the towering rainforests, cool fern gullies and native flowers of the Emerald Lake Park precinct, the Lakeside Visitor Centre combines its natural surroundings with the authentic sights, smells and sounds of Puffing Billy Railway to offer guests a cultural hub with world-class facilities. Dine in at the modern café, hire a bike, explore the walking trails, or jump on a paddleboat in the cool waters of Lake Treganowan. Discover steam artefacts in the Lakeside Hall before jumping onboard your steam train, or host an event in a private function room. Whether you're after outdoor adventure or total relaxation, the Lakeside Visitor Centre is the perfect destination to meet, eat, drink, and spend your day whiling time away with family and friends. Open daily year-round (except Christmas Day). Entry is free. Located 40 kilometres east of Melbourne, Lakeside Visitor Centre is an easy one hour drive from the CBD and a picture perfect rest stop for walkers or cyclists on the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Rail Trail. The centre sits at the heart of Puffing Billy Railway, adjoining Lakeside Station in Emerald, the highest station on our mountain track. Travel by steam train from Belgrave for an idyllic lunch stop by Emerald Lake, or start your adventure at Lakeside and travel east towards Gembrook.

Emerald VIC

9.3 km away

Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park

Emerald Museum situated in the beautiful leafy green Nobelius Heritage Park exhibits a collection of cultural material from the operations of the former Nobelius Nursery dating from the 1880s to the 1960s including horticultural and gardening implements, family belongings, photographs, ledgers, sales catalogues, stock records and wage books, as well as live horticultural stock, which continues to grow on the grounds of the surrounding Nobelius Heritage Park. Emerald Museum also displays a range of social and cultural history items from the residents of Emerald and it's surrounding districts limited to Menzies Creek and Avonsleigh, Gembrook, Macclesfield, Cockatoo and Clematis. This collection features a variety of visual art, literature and numerous ethnographic objects. Take a journey back in time to learn more about the regions vibrant community.

Emerald VIC

9.6 km away

Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Parks and Gardens

Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Kurth Kiln Regional Park is located a 65 kilometres east of Melbourne, and is mostly known for its kiln, used during the Second World War to make charcoal for gas producer units fitted to motor cars. Today, the park is popular for picnicking, camping, nature walking and horse riding. Explore the park on foot or mountain bike ride discovering creeks, the historic huts and caretaker residence and Shiprock Falls. Rich in flora, the park is an oasis for rare plants including Long Pink-bells, Tall Astelia and Brickmakers Saw-sedge along with stunning Mountain Ash, stringybark and riparian forests. With such a diverse plant life there is the welcomed attraction of many animals. Keep your eyes peeled for the many small and very active birds, the elusive swamp wallabies, inquisitive lace monitors and prickly echidnas during the day. At night you might hear or see koalas, yellow-bellied gliders, sugar gliders, greater gliders and large forest owls. Before traveling, visit Parks Victoria's website to check for changes in park conditions which may impact your visit. Remember to stay bushfire ready using the Vic Emergency website while in nature.

Gembrook VIC

9.6 km away

Bike Ride Gembrook Eastern Dandenongs Rail Trail

Natural Attractions

Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail

The Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail starts near the Emerald Puffing Billy Railway station and follows the train tracks so walkers get a sneak peek at the steam train. This is generally an easy to moderate walk with some minor climbs over bridges. The scenic 15.5 kilometre walk can also be cycled and takes you through Emerald Lake Precinct, Wright Forest and alongside the Puffing Billy train line. A shorter trail can be from Emerald to Cockatoo or take public transport to your destination and walk back. You'll find compacted forest track, some road crossings and bridges. The trail links the Hill's towns of Emerald, Cockatoo and Gembrook, and ultimately leads to Belgrave via other path networks.

Emerald VIC

10 km away

Wings'n'Roses

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Wings'n'Roses

Wings'n'Roses is a unique parrot-focused sanctuary, home to over 200 colorful parrots, with a special emphasis on hand-raised parrots that are friendly, interactive, and close to people. They also feature rare hand-raised owls for an unforgettable experience. During the Exotic Parrot Encounter, you'll get up close with some of the sweetest, hand-raised parrots as they perch on your arm for unforgettable photos, nibble treats from your hand, and fill the air with vibrant colour as they fly around you. It's an intimate, interactive experience designed to let you meet these beautiful birds the way we know them—curious, playful, and full of personality. Open throughout Christmas and New Year, Parrot Rose Garden is the perfect festive destination to enjoy the charm, intelligence, and beauty of parrots up close.

Pakenham VIC

12 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

15 km away

Cardinia Cultural Centre

Entertainment Venues

Cardinia Cultural Centre

Cardinia Cultural Centre is a vibrant and innovative arts and events centre located in Pakenham's Lakeside area in Melbourne's outer south-east. The centre includes a fully-equipped performing arts theatre, a stunning digital and visual arts gallery, functions rooms overlooking a picturesque lake, and a contemporary café open Tuesdays to Sundays as well as before shows. The centre caters for everything from casual lunches to business functions, to exhibitions and weddings. Cardinia Cultural Centre also hosts a diverse range of professional and community performances, including touring shows and exhibitions, as well as arts made right here. Opening this winter, Cardinia Cultural Centre (CCC) and Brewing Bliss are collaborating to bring you The Thursday Lounge. Offering seasonal nibbles, drinks and live atmospheric entertainment. It's the time and place to get together for something a little special, locally. Bar and Gallery open late, and live music 6-8pm. The centre provides professional services including technical assistance, ticketing and catering making it convenient and affordable for both business and entertainment. Situated on two hectares, it is ideally located to service not only regional businesses and community groups, but users through the south-eastern region of Melbourne.

Pakenham VIC

15 km away

Mt Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve — Image credit: Penny Carney

Natural Attractions

Mt Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve Walk

Mt Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve is home to a vast array of native plants and animals including native orchids and tree goannas. If you are really lucky you may even see a dusky marsupial mouse (dusky antechinus) or Tasmanian marsupial mouse (swamp antechinus) The 2.3-kilometre loop walking track is moderately challenging with steep sections, steps and rocks, it may be difficult for some visitors. However, the walk is worth the effort with stunning northern views to the Great Dividing Range and southern views down to Western Port Bay. Mt Cannibal is very popular and if you crave peaceful walks in nature, try visiting on weekdays and out of the holiday season. No dogs allowed to help protect the unique environment. Mount Cannibal was badly burnt by bush fires in early 2019 but it has already recovered well. This is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch or to just sit and take in the sights and sounds. Mount Cannibal is situated in the Cardinia Shire in Tynong North just a short distance from Gumbuya Park , and the townships of Bunyip and Garfield. The reserve is managed by Cardinia Shire Council.

Garfield North VIC

15 km away

iKOU Spa treatments — Image credit: iKOU

Spas and Retreats

Natural Wellness Centre

Natural Wellness Centre is a boutique day spa and wellness centre in the Dandenong Ranges that offers a range of services to inspire you to rest, relax and restore, with a thoughtfully designed menu including luxury organic facials, wellness rituals, body scrubs, cocoons and massage to harmonise skin, mind and body. Their experienced and friendly staff are proud Spa Associates working exclusively with iKOU skin and body products throughout all treatments. iKOU is pure, organic and Australian-made, using indigenous ingredients and is a sensory experience that not only deeply relaxes, but connects you with the true heart of this ancient land. The Natural Wellness Centre eco-store offers a carefully selected range of Australian organic skin and body products, herbal tea blends and eco products to support your health naturally. A place to unwind, Natural Wellness Centre is a space to feel relaxed and supported. Get in touch today to plan your next visit. Double and group bookings are available.

Monbulk VIC

16 km away

Family Roller coaster

Amusement and Theme Parks

Gumbuya World Theme Park

Gumbuya World is the only theme park in Victoria boasting water slides, roller coasters, rides, live shows and wildlife all in one location. Feel the rush as you brave exhilarating thrill rides, or cool off in expansive water attractions. Then, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature as you encounter wildlife, from cuddly koalas to majestic kangaroos. One minute you'll be handfeeding penguins, then reach speeds of 70 kilometres per hour on a roller coaster, before rounding the day off with a plunge down one of the epic water slides. Gumbuya World is Victoria's Wildest Theme Park.

Tynong North VIC

16 km away

Blue Hills Berries and Cherries

Agritourism

Blue Hills Berries and Cherries

Blue Hills Berries and Cherries is a family-owned and operated farm nestled at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges on the outskirts of the beautiful Yarra Valley. Just a one-hour drive from Melbourne 's city centre. The Chapman family are well-established growers and have been growing fruit in Silvan since 1894. Delight in the experience of picking your own sweet, ripe cherries seasonally. Want the team to pick them for you? Then head to the farm gate shop at 27 Parker Rd, Silvan to purchase fresh-picked berries and cherries. Berry picking is also available on select days. Blue Hills Berries and Cherries offers customers a fun cherry picking experience at two locations. Enjoy 'All You Can Eat' cherries whilst in the orchard. Take-away cherries are paid for upon exit. Picking buckets are free to hire eftpos facilities are available. Blue Hills Cherry Blossom Show is a new event held during the Victorian September school holidays. Cherry blossom only lasts a short time, so make sure that you don't miss this stunning show of flowers.

Silvan VIC

17 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

18 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

18 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

18 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

18 km away

RJ Hamer Arboretum

National Parks and Reserves

RJ Hamer Arboretum

Arboretum is a Latin word meaning a place for trees. Here you will find over 150 species of native and exotic trees in plantations designed to represent forests, creating a patchwork effect over the hills. Take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads of the Arboretum and take in the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley out to the Warburton Ranges and beyond. The majestic gums and oaks and the ornamental willows and birches are at their best in the summer. A rich array of autumn colours provides spectacular views, from the fiery red, oranges and crimsons of the liquidambers and maples, to the subtle paling of the deciduous conifers. In winter, the tranquil resting of the deciduous trees contrasting with the early flowering species among a mystic lake of low hanging clouds, offers viewing delight. Before you go 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.

Olinda VIC

18 km away

Atop Seven Acre Rock — Image credit: Visit Victoria

Natural Attractions

Seven Acre Rock

Seven Acre Rock, two hours drive east of Melbourne, is a large rocky outcrop that provides extensive picturesque views of the Yarra State Forest and Bunyip State Park. On clear days you can even see Western Port Bay and Port Phillip Bay. Enjoy a short walk through mountain ash forest to the outcrop to take in the views, and finish with a scenic lunch at the picnic area below. It's a 1.3 kilometre walk with occasional steps and short steep hills. Be sure to stay clear of the edge as this is a natural lookout with no barriers. It is close to Powelltown and easily accessible from Noojee or Gembrook. The area has a rich history, having been badly damaged in the 1926 Black Sunday and 1939 Black Friday bushfires. As the forest struggled to regenerate naturally, mountain ash was planted, creating the thick landscape seen today.

Gembrook VIC

18 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

18 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

18 km away

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