mamma loves the dandenong ranges
/ Mamma Erin
The ‘Hills’ are an amazing place to venture. So much natural beauty and beautiful communities reside in the Dandenong Ranges. They are a stunning place to live and visit. Here are Mamma’s picks of spots to explore when in the Dandenong Ranges and a little beyond.
parks and playgrounds
The Gembrook Leisure Park has received a well deserved make over. The old wooden beauty had seen better days and it has now been replaced with a great new playground that the whole family can enjoy.
Hooray! This is exactly what the Dandenongs needed. A regional sized playground with some of the most amazing features. The playspace is massive with heaps to explore, including plenty of natural elements.
Feel like a park play mixed with some adventure? Baynes Park in Monbulk is just the place. There is a lovely bright coloured playground for the little ones to climb about, afterwards head to the rotunda for one of most picturesque picnic spots in the area, before heading on an adventure along the Sassafras Creek.
Belgrave Lake now has a beautiful and new playspace for us all to enjoy. It is a wooden beauty that has some fantastic features that we haven’t yet seen anywhere else!
The Basin Triangle playground is a magnificent space with plenty to entertain, including its own stage!
This little slither of a playground is what every main street needs. A space to play in between running around and doing jobs with Mamma.
The playground that lies right next door to the Gembrook Railway Station is EXACTLY as you expected. A little train themed park.
J.A.C. Russell Park is the town's main reserve in the middle of town
Montrose Community Playground has to be one of the most delightful community places Mamma has ever visited. This huge park has three distinct sections and caters for all ages. There is the 'big kid' area with great big climbing structures, slides and swings.
eats
Tucked in the heart of Sassafras comes a new contender for your weekend caffeine run: Benji’s - here to brew, bake, and blow your tiny-town socks off.
Mamma just loves the Dandenongs and LOVES going to Kallista Deli and Cafe. This gorgeous little cafe set in the cutest of towns offers up a great selection of food (sourced freshly from local produce and local suppliers). You can sit indoors and enjoy the peace and quiet- there is even a little kids corner with colouring in, books and puzzles.
Mamma might KNOW the east but it is the Storehouse who KNOWS all there is to know about coffee. After establishing themselves as cafe masters in Mt Evelyn, the Storehouse continues to spread their wings and have a dedicated Roastery and espresso bar further up into the ranges, in Olinda.
Hola Mamma’s! If you’re looking to spice things up in the brunch department, then look no further. Maria Cafe is a fresh mexican inspired cafe in the hills and it’s got all the locals of Upwey talking. And Mamma knows why! The food is simply delicious! Mamma had THE BEST Eggs Benedict of her life!
Mamma LOVES the fact that you can grab your plants for your weekend project, the gift for the next kids party or Nanna’s special birthday AND grab a coffee or an entire meal, all in the one trip.
Step back into the 1900’s at King Henry’s in Sassafras. This beautiful old guest house has been renovated and is now a stunning historical restaurant in the Dandenong Ranges.
A trip to the Dandenong Ranges isn’t complete without a stop at The Kallista Tea Rooms. There’s lots of variety on the menu, whether you are popping in for a cuppa and a scone, or a delicious lunch with wine, there is something for everyone. Mamma even spotted a little play space for the kids!
Grant’s is the perfect place for a feed and rest after exploring Sherbrooke Forest. Sitting pretty at the edge of the forest, this cafe boasts massive windows that shower you with beautiful light and offer leafy views
The Pig and Whistle has been a family favourite for years and even now with littles one in tow - it still hits all the right spots!
Oh my goodness! Mamma cannot find the words to describe how delicious and beautiful the NEW Proserpina Bakehouse!
Is it a magical castle? Is it the home of a mystical wizard? NOPE - it’s Earthly Pleasures Cafe and it is such a BEAUTIFUL place to meet for a meal!
Micawber Tavern is certainly a family friendly pub treasure found on the cusp of the forest in the Dandenong Ranges. This beautiful wooden building is a wonderful watering hole that caters for the entire family.
The Independent are hitting the ROAD! During iso, the team are bringing the goods to us with a delicious and rotational, heat and eat menu AND delivery.
There is a new gelatery in town and your kids will be begging you to visit. Augustus Gelatery has landed in Upper Ferntree Gully and you have 32 flavours to work your way through.
places to go
What better way to enjoy a beautiful spring day than slopping on the sunscreen and slapping on a hat and waltzing amongst the berries at Blue Hills Berries and Cherries UPick! Strawberries, cherries, blueberries and more!
Blueberry picking is fun with the kids and they taste so much better straight from the tree.
Mamma strongly believes that every autumn every Eastie needs to make at least ONE trip up to the Dandenong Ranges to experience natures finest display of colour! George Tindale Memorial Gardens attest to this. Smaller than some of the other Parks Victoria gardens, this gem is brilliant for getting the family outdoors.
Situated in the Dandenong Ranges, Mathias Track is a lovely, relatively easy and dog friendly walking track. It’s around 8km return, Mamma definitely didn’t get to explore the entire track with weary little legs by her side. The walk is quite flat and boasts beautiful views of the Dandenongs in all its glory.
Mamma knew there had to be a great vantage point of the city and the rest of Melbourne up in the Dandenongs and we think we have found it. Heading up the mountains for some fresh air and a lovely stroll is exactly what we are after.
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens in Olinda have a new roommate - the Chelsea Australian Garden. This is breathtaking. After winning Gold at the world famous Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London (that’s a mouthful!) a replicated and expanded design, is now taking pride of place in the Dandenong Ranges.
Pirianda Garden has to be one of the most beautiful places in the East during Autumn. The garden is just filled with colour and plenty of leaves for little feet to crunch and stomp.
Little kids get to celebrate - the toddler pool at Olinda Community Pool is AWESOME. Using space around the original junior pool, an exciting water play space is the place to be this summer.
The Belgrave Library has had a spruce up and it is the perfect spot to sit and read or borrow a book (or ten) for your babes, your preschoolers and your big kids!
Mamma has found the most picturesque picnic spot in the East right at the base of the Dandenong Ranges. What was once a magnificent mansion, is now the most peaceful and picturesque picnic ground. With shade from trees, hiking and walking tracks from the ground and stunning views, Doongalla Homestead Picnic Ground is a must visit in the Dandenong Ranges.
Keep you eye on the forecast and plan your Emerald lake adventure to include a wade through the FREE pool.
An outdoor adventure does everyone a world of good! An outdoor adventure that is flat, easy to move a pram along AND in the middle of the most majestic bushland is even BETTER.
It’s a classic style cinema and you and the kids will love it. Cameo Cinemas is a beautiful building located at the entrance to the town. You can’t miss it with the giant mural on the wall.
Set on the side of the hill here are some of the most stunning and exclusive gardens in the Dandenong Ranges.
It’s official. The train mad kids are going to LOVE you for taking them to Emerald Lake. Puffing Billy Railway have just opened their brand new visitors centre along side the beautiful original Lakeside station.
Weekends are made for family drives and exploring some hidden treasures. Kurth Kiln is a national park to the north of Gembrook and is a tranquil slice of paradise.
Head in to the forest to chase some waterfalls … but you might just end up climbing giant rocks instead!
Which do you like the best? Raspberries or Blackberries? Well… you don’t actually have to choose at Chappies - you can pick both!
New name - same beautiful spot! The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens - previously The National Rhododendron Gardens - are spectacular.
You couldn't get a more secret garden if you tried! Literally tucked in behind the Montrose set of shops, there is a garden - The Peoples Garden. This little slice of beauty is incredibly rare to find and a perfect quiet spot for a picnic or a stroll through with your crew.
Pack the kids in the car, load up the snacks, add in an extra buddy to take a photo and head DOWNHILL the the lake - Sherbrooke's magic spot
Our buddies from the Isle of Sodor make their way to join the gang at Puffing Billy twice a year and the experience is so delightful!
Geppetto's Workshop is so brilliant in its toy collection that there are two stores in the Dandenong Ranges and they have been a beacon of light for parents and children alike for years.
As far as beautiful goes you don’t get more on perfectly lovely than this place. It's where nature and art are perfectly balanced and to mamma it is a magical even surreal journey through the ferny tranquil 'fairy tale' glades here.
Head for the hills - and take in the views. SkyHigh of Mount Dandenong has to have the best vantage point of all of the East.