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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

0.1 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

3.5 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

13 km away

The Mad Magician — Image credit: Escape house

Amusement and Theme Parks

Escape House

Escape House is an escape room venue offering immersive adventures for two to six players. Immersive escape room adventures including Airline Hijack and The Haunted Motel. Solve clues, crack codes, and escape within 60 minutes Ideal for travelers, team building, birthdays, and group fun, with themed rooms featuring clever puzzles, story-driven challenges, and unforgettable moments.

Narre Warren VIC

14 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

14 km away

Bunjil Place Plaza

Entertainment Venues

Bunjil Place

Bunjil Place is a multi-disciplinary Arts and Entertainment venue in the heart of Melbourne's South-East. They are a creative hub, a hive of culture and a community meeting place. Since its opening on 28 October 2017, Bunjil Place has secured its place as the City of Casey's premier entertainment precinct by bringing together an exciting mix of facilities. Be delighted and entertained by their full program of creative events in their outdoor events plaza, theatre, multipurpose studio and public gallery. Visit their community facilities at the City of Casey Customer Service Centre, library, function centre, café or public meeting rooms. Having hosted such events as Floribunda and The Archibald Prize in the gallery, and the Casey Cornucopia local produce festival, there's always something to see and do at Bunjil Place.

Narre Warren VIC

14 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

15 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

15 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

15 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

15 km away

Social Fair Cranbourne Giant Playgrounds

Amusement and Theme Parks

Social Fair Cranbourne

Discover Social Fair, one of Melbourne's most exciting indoor adventure destinations. From soaring high-ropes and vibrant mini golf to towering climbing walls and immersive play zones, it's a place where families, friends, and travellers can play, explore and unwind all under one roof. With a welcoming café and bar, birthday and group experiences, and activities for all ages, Social Fair Cranbourne is the perfect stop for visitors looking to add fun, energy, and unforgettable moments to their Melbourne itinerary.

Cranbourne VIC

15 km away

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria — Image credit: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Natural Attractions

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Just a 50 minute drive from Melbourne's city centre, discover the astonishing beauty and diversity of more than 100,000 native plants at the Cranbourne Gardens. You will find them displayed in settings that capture the essence of Australia's diverse landscape from the Red Centre to the coastal fringes. The award-winning Australian Garden comprises 11 precincts and facilities , boardwalks and viewing platforms on Howson and Gibson Hills. Tours, activities and programs in the Australian Garden provide a range of informative and exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. Take a Free Guided Walk or ride on The Explorer Bus to discover this amazing 15 hectare garden. From the Australian Garden, head into the bushland and picnic areas or visit the Gardens Shop and Boon Wurrung Café. The bushland has a state-of-the-art nature playground, hiking and biking trails. Visitors can also discover inspiration and information about how to use Australian plants in your garden. The Friends of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne host a plant sale, where you can choose from a range of plants including grasses, climbers, border-plants, ground-cover, bushes, trees and more, many of which you will find in the Australian Garden. Please check their website for further details.

Cranbourne VIC

16 km away

Yaringa Marine National Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Yaringa Marine National Park

Located between the mainland and Quail Island Nature Conservation Reserve in Western Port, this park is part of the Western Port RAMSAR wetlands and is an area of international significance due to its importance for wader birds. The area encompasses a variety of ecologically important habitats including saltmarsh, mangroves, sheltered intertidal mudflats, subtidal soft sediments and tidal channels. Many of the variety of habitats present in Yaringa are essential for the survival of a huge range of species. The mudflats are an important feeding ground for many wader and other water birds. Some of these birds, such as the Red-necked Stint, breed in the Northern Hemisphere and migrate to Yaringa Marine National Park in the warmer months. Over 295 bird species have been spotted in Western Port with 32 of these species known to be migratory birds. 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.

Tooradin VIC

17 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

17 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

18 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

18 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

19 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

19 km away

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

19 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

19 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

19 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

20 km away

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

20 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

20 km away

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