PAINTBALL AND SKIRMISH MOUNT DANDENONG

Enjoy a ride on Puffing Billy Steam Railway, Australia's oldest steam railway and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. Travel 24 kilometres through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave.

Puffing Billy is the last of the experimental narrow-gauge railway lines built at the turn of the 20th century, and easily accessible by public transport from Melbourne. Tours are offered by all major day tour operators.

The open-sided carriages are the best way to see the stunning views. You can catch the train at any of the stations along the way, or watch the train go by from one of the stations' refreshment rooms.

How about sampling one of the 'Wine and Dine' options? Travel in the heritage enclosed dining carriages onboard the daily 'Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train'. Savour three courses or graze over a Natter Platter. Alternatively, travel on the 'Dinner and Dance Train', available on selected Friday and Saturday evenings.

View the special events coming up at Puffing Billy Steam Railway.

A day out with Thomas in Autumn and Spring. Experience a steam train ride with 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and 'Diesel' and enjoy the 'Thomas and Fat Controller' pantomime along with other activities at Puffing Billy's Emerald Town Station, bookings are essential.

For further details and dates please visit the website.

For service fares, please click here.

Visitors flock to Blue Hills Berries and Cherries farm between November to April to enjoy the U-Pick experience.

Bring the family and enjoy picking fresh berries and cherries in the morning and then relax with a family BBQ at the nearby Silvan Reservoir. Situated just 20 minutes from Puffing Billy, and 20 minutes from Yarra Valley's famous wineries, why not make a weekend of it!

Delvin Health Retreat is a boutique day spa and resort in the Dandenong Ranges one hour east of the city of Melbourne, Victoria. Set on one and a half acres of tranquil gardens, with a two story house of seven bedrooms and six bathrooms including a guest lounge and guest dining room. Some rooms have Juliet Balconies and there is a large deck for everyone to use. We are known to provide the best accommodation in Olinda and around Mt Dandenong. We have several packages available ranging from Day Spa treatments to packages with accommodation from one to several days or weeks. We also cater for Romantic Escapes and Bed and Breakfast.

Anne-Marie Jones qualified as a Massage Therapist in 2004 with the Melbourne Institute of Massage Therapy and is a member of the Massage Association of Australia. Member number 5946.

My inspiration for learning massage came from being a keen recipient of massage therapy. Whilst receiving treatments, I would often think of how rewarding it must be to have a job where people are always happy to see you & the work environment is peaceful and energising.

Since qualifying, I have mostly contracted to other businesses offering mobile massage in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. I continue to work in this beautiful region, and thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere of each and every Bed & Breakfast.

However, my main focus now is to offer nurturing, therapeutic massage within my cozy home studio. I am also currently undertaking my Diploma of Remedial Massage for accreditation with health funds, TAC and Workcover.

Japanese Mountain Retreat Mineral Springs and Spa was designed to offer an authentic Japanese luxurious ryokan experience with all the essential elements of a five-star boutique Japanese resort.

Behind the concept was a desire to recreate a vision of authentic Japan, one that treasures the traditional values of harmony and culture while retaining modern sensibility.

A spa retreat offering an extensive menu of holistic and wellness treatments enhances the opportunities for rejuvenation, while an Onsen (outdoor mineral spring) opened in early 2010 provides the opportunity for deep relaxation and the therapeutic benefits of private bathing in hot mineral spring water.

Naturally what you see on stage is the public face of the 1812 Theatre but it only the tip of the iceberg. No production would be possible without a raft of support workers. The beautiful sets you see on our stage are the product of hours of planning and weeks of hard work by a dedicated band of volunteers.

Costumes are fashioned and designed by a small (and some might say shrinking) group of 1812ers. Lights have to be designed and operated and sound carefully engineered.

Frequent scenery and costume changes are seamlessly planned and executed by stage management teams, while your comfort and assurance of a pleasurable evening is the prime concern of our Front of House volunteers.

Ed Fleming Lanes is a modern 28 lane centre located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.

It’s Melbourne’s best kept secret – CROYDON MAIN STREET – a great place to shop with oodles of free parking at the door.

Just a cool 5 minutes from Eastlink (Maroondah Highway exit); with trains and buses just a minute away.

Take the time to explore 180 speciality stores in a beautiful tree-lined street. Interesting gift shops, jewellers, book, camera, toy and a music shop too.

A cinema, fabulous fashion, shoe and beauty boutiques and if you need more cash, there’s every major bank and a post office.

Relax at a pavement café, breathe in the fresh air and watch the world go by. Absolute bliss!

We aim to make the Mountain Gate Shopping Centre a safe and friendly place to shop.

Set among 19 acres of landscaped gardens and vineyard, Wild Cattle Creek Estate opens our doors to you and your guests for the perfect Yarra Valley Winery experience. We feature an onsite restaurant serving the freshest of local ingredients, a cellar door to taste our range of estate grown wines, a function room for your event or ultimate Yarra Valley Wedding and luxurious onsite accommodation for your Yarra Valley getaway.

Lotus and Vineyard Villas Our new and modern “Lotus and Vineyard Villas” are perfect for your Yarra Valley Winery Accommodation comprising one and two bedroom combinations and are fully self contained villas, some with Spa Bath all with King Beds, leather lounge suites, LCD TV, DVD, CD, AM/FM Radio and smartphone Docking capability. All accommodation is only a short stroll to our onsite Restaurant.

Merlot Cottage offers spacious, comfortable self-contained accommodation. Merlot Cottage is private and beautifully furnished, set amongst the lawn and gardens of the Historic Wallace Homestead property at Wild Cattle Creek Estate.

Wallace Historic Homestead offers luxurious self contained accommodation in true 19th century style. While maintaining its original charm, the 1890’s built homestead has recently been furnished with all the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Ideal for couples, families and small groups.

Kookaberry Strawberry Farm is a family run business, having grown gorgeous berries for 40 years, to tickle anyone's fancy. Enjoy fresh or frozen strawberries, blackberries, boysenberries, and raspberries and of course the jams, syrups and vinegars from the farm gate. Fourteen  years ago, the owner decided to come up with an idea utilizing the not so marketable berries by producing gourmet handmade Jams. Kookaberry Strawberry Farm jams are made by the grower, who carefully chooses the berries from the farm, to ensure taste and quality. All products are handmade in small batches, bottled and labeled on the farm. Rich and full of fruit, they taste just like you remember it should. Kookaberry jams , vinegars & Syrups are 100% made in Australia using 99% Australian produce .New products now available at Kookaberry Strawberry Farm are, Raspberry Balsamic  and Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar. A variety of delicious syrups such as Raspberry,  Boysenberry and Blackberry. The Kookaberry Jams have  won multiply awards at the Sydney Fine Food Show and Hobart Fine Food Show and The Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards. Kookaberry Strawberry Farm are open seven days a week, in the season between October and June. Please contact for further information.

Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again. Things to do - Kiln-fired clay sculptures of Aboriginal figures are discreetly set among rocks, fern trees and Mountain Ash. These sculptures are an expression of Rickett's philosophy - that all people need to act as custodians of the natural environment in the same way as Aborigines, the inspiration for much of his work. - Stroll through the gardens and explore the 92 ceramic sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surroundings. - Enjoy the audio-visual display featuring William Ricketts where visitors can see for themselves the vision and passion that live in his art. Heritage In the 1930s William Rickets bought a four-acre bush block on Mount Dandenong and called it Potter's Sanctuary. Word spread about the extraordinary sculptures that began to adorn the property. In time, the Victorian Government heard about his work and, in the early 1960s, the land and adjoining blocks were bought for the people. William Ricketts lived on at the Sanctuary into his nineties and continued to create his sculptures until his death in 1993. 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.

The Mount Dandenong Arboretum extends over 16 hectares and contains a collection of maturing deciduous trees and conifers from around the world. 'Arboretum' is a Latin word meaning a place for trees and an Arboretum can simply be called a 'tree museum'. Things to do - Enjoy a relaxing sensory experience of walking under mature tree canopies, scrunching on aromatic pine needles and looking upward through branches to the sky. - Picnic in the meadow with views to the Great Dividing Range framed by tall trees. - Walk up to Mount Dandenong Observatory for the spectacular view east across the city of Melbourne or walk along one of the many tracks in the Dandenong Ranges National Park trail network. 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.

Designed to take advantage of the steep slopes, the terraced gardens of Pirianda are distinctive for their combination of botanically important trees, shrubs and perennials with an over storey of large blackwoods and mountain ash towering over the natural fern gullies. The garden is particularly beautiful in autumn when the trees change colour to the many hues of orange, red and yellow. Enjoy magnificent views and tranquil walks, bird watching, photography and picnicking on the lawns at Pirianda Gardens. 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.

The many linking paths through this garden take you beneath a canopy of awesome Mountain Ash Trees. Walk through shady trees down to the picturesque lake, and picnic by the quaint boathouse. In spring, view the flowering azaleas, cherry trees and viburnum. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria 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.

Elmswood Estate is a boutique winery situated on 20 acres in the red lands area of the Yarra Valley. The fertile red volcanic soil coupled with higher elevation produces unique fruit flavours with the subtle characteristics of cool climate wines. Grape varieties grown on the estate's 30 plus year-old vines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. 'This is one of the most beautiful vineyards in Victoria. Well kept, manicured gardens and lovely trees frame a breathtaking vista across a verdant valley to the rolling hills beyond. An ideal place to rest and survey the scene, perhaps with a drop of Elmswood's very good Chardonnay, available in both oaked and unoaked versions, or one of the correctly styled Cabernet blends.' Ralph Kyte-Powell. Elmswood Estate are set in the perfect location to hold special events, weddings or cocktail function. Please contact them for further information.

Burrinja Cultural Centre is a vibrant community cultural centre that encompasses performing arts, Indigenous gallery, contemporary arts gallery, artist studios, Indigenous garden, live music, workshops and café. The new theatre at Burrinja Cultural Centre offers a variety of performances throughout the year from dance, comedy and drama, to live music, family entertainment and musicals. There are three art exhibition galleries at Burrinja Cultural Centre, and they endeavour to provide a strong mix of both local and national arts and cultural programming, combining exhibitions from the artists of their region like Mary Tonkin with touring programs such as the 60th Blake Prize and the Kati Thanda exhibition featuring aerial photography of Lake Eyre. Created in the grounds surrounding Burrinja Cultural Centre, the Art of Place Garden is an Indigenous cultural and environmental place for learning, reflection, gathering, creativity and celebration of local Indigenous culture and country. Burrinja Café provides great food and coffee in a fantastic intimate, plus they feature a variety of music including Ranges Concert Lounge, Blues and Roots, Bluegrass, Open microphone Nights and free live music every Sunday afternoon. There is always something going on at Burrinja Cultural Centre!

Kuranga Native Nursery and Paperbark Cafe has absolutely the largest range of Australian native plants, anywhere. Winner of a number of awards, including the Best Large Victorian Garden Centre in 2009, Yates Nursery and Garden Industry Awards, and finalist in the Australian Retailers Association, Boutique Retailer of the Year. Situated in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, in tranquil surroundings overlooking Olinda Creek and shrouded by stately white trunked manna gums. The architect designed building features 100 year old massive wharf timbers and recycled ironbark exposed beams and houses the inspirational gift shop and the highly acclaimed Paperbark Cafe. You are invited to come and experience the beauty, diversity and colour of their Australian native flora. They have the tiniest and the most delicate, the most sweetly scented, the prettiest and the most unusual. The Australian native plants have adapted to the Australian environment and climatic conditions over many years. At Kuranga there are the toughest, most reliable and drought tolerant plants. The knowledgeable staff can help you select the right plant for a particular position in your garden, choice of plant is everything! They stock a large range of nest boxes, birdbaths, water bowls and bird feeders. A superb and unusual range of garden sculptures and ornaments. The gift shop offers an inspirational range of native bush foods and products made from Australian flora. An extensive range of homewares and many ideas for practical home gardening including a huge range of native plant, gardening and Australiana books for children and adults. You are invited to come and enjoy the Kuranga Native Nursery and Paperbark Cafe experience.

The National Rhododendron Gardens are host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around. When not in bloom, you can still soak in the beauty of rich bark textures, seed capsules, foliage shapes and beautiful fragrance as you stroll through the grounds. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. 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.

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, fuchsias and hydrangeas will delight garden enthusiasts. The gardens offer something new with each season - a myriad of flowers in spring; hydrangeas, lilliums and fuchsias 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. 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.

A visit to Warratina Lavender Farm is a truly unique experience. Only one hour's drive from central Melbourne, the farm is perfectly situated for day or weekend trips to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Savour the flavours of local Yarra Valley produce over a glass of regional wine. Why not try the famous lavender ice cream! With six acres of lavender fields, Warratina is a real working lavender farm. Take a personalised tour through the 'Drying Shed' where the lavender is processed directly from the field before being transformed into one of the many products in the unique range ($5 per person, minimum six persons). The Cottage Gift Shop showcases the extensive product range. They stock a range of lavender plants and can advise you on a variety of choices. Fragrance fills the air in spring and summer when the property is ablaze in a sea of purple. At any time of year, you can escape the hectic pace of daily life and enjoy a stroll through the lavender fields and gardens. Breathe the fresh country air and take in the views of distant mountains. Either as a single interest visit or as part of a regional tour, group visits can be tailored to suit you. Groups larger than ten persons should pre-book.

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.

Located north of Cardinia Reservoir, Aura Vale Lake plays a very important role in Melbourne's water supply. The lake forms part of a drainage system designed to channel run-off water from neighbouring properties and roads, and stop it entering the main reservoir. This system prevents polluted water from affecting the quality of our drinking water. Over the past years Aura Vale Lake Park has become a popular venue for boating activities including sailboarding and canoeing and for other small non-powered boats up to 3.3 metres. Swimming is not permitted due to poor water quality and submerged objects. The park is open 10am to 6pm during daylight saving time. 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.

Set in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Silvan Reservoir Park is an easy drive from Melbourne and ideal for a great day out. Featuring landscaped picnic areas and open lawns surrounded by an impressive eucalypt forest, this park is perfect for a picnic or barbecue. 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.

Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, the Dandenong Ranges National Park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, and is ideal for relaxing picnics and tranquil forest walks. The cool mountain elevation affords spectacular panoramic views. There is abundant native birdlife, including crimson rosellas, kookaburras and the superb lyrebird. Explore the forest on a range of walks, or enjoy a picnic at the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground, One Tree Hill or in Sherbrooke Forest. Nearby coffee shops, restaurants, craft and antique shops, as well as gardens and the historic Puffing Billy train make for a pleasant day out. The park can be reached by public transport from Melbourne. Opening times for Ferntree Gully picnic ground - An automatic gate entry gate is in operation at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground - The gate opens at 6am and closes at 9pm daily Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. 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.

Eighty-five year old oaks and towering cypresses sentinel outside this comfortable, welcoming winery set in the southern Yarra Valley hill country. A visit here is like a tonic of fresh clean air, beautiful natural surroundings, and a memorable range of Cabernet based red wines provide good medicine for the visitor.  It’s a labour of love for Judy and Wally Zuk whose connections with Canada are reflected in the architecture of the place and the easy smiles of the hosts. RALPH KYTE-POWELL “Park your car under one of the 75 year old oaks that gave this estate its name, and drink in the fresh air of the lovely Yarra Valley hill country. Five Oaks estate has a modest and comfortable cellar door for tasting the wines, and for enjoying the relaxed hospitality of the Zuk family. The Zuks originally come from Canada, and there is an almost North American feel in the buildings and spreading trees that lead to the vineyard. The Cabernet-based reds are particularly worth trying here”. 

Established 1978.

Wine Region – Yarra Valley.
Winemaker - Wally Zuk
Owners - Wally and Judy Zuk
Cellar Door Manager - Judy Zuk

Opening hours

11am to 5pm Weekends and Public Holidays. 

Wines

Riesling, Rosé, Merlot, Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Price $18 - $50

Boasting spectacular views over Silvan Reservoir and the south-eastern face of the Dandenong Ranges, Kalorama Park is perfect for picnics, barbecues or simply relaxing whilst enjoying the magnificent surrounds. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the area below the lower carpark which is surrounded by garden beds with elm trees, silver birch, pine trees and pin oaks, along with Australian native plants and ferns. This picnic area has two gas barbecues under the picnic shelter, making it the perfect place for a family or group get together. An expansive grassy area near the upper carpark is an ideal setting to spread out the picnic blanket and enjoy lunch. The views over the south-eastern face of the Ranges are spectacular from the upper carpark. A number of large eucalypt trees and tree ferns in the area offer ample shade to escape the summer heat. A drinking fountain and water tap are located within the main picnic area near the picnic shelter. Kalorama Lookout is located on the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road at the Five Ways intersection. The lookout provides one of the finest vantage points to view the Dandenong Ranges, surrounding foothills and Yarra Ranges in the distance. A number of short walking tracks commence from each of the three carparks. These tracks are ideal for a short stroll before or after your barbecue lunch. The tracks pass through native forest, historical fruit orchards and exotic plantings. 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.

Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead Museum is located in the rolling hills of Wandin in the Yarra Valley. It was built by Henry Sebire, a stonemason, in the 1880's, with handmade bricks produced on site, and has been lovingly restored and furnished by the Wandin community. The old Homestead, Saint Mary's Chapel and the surrounds, are maintained and managed by volunteers. A Working forge, Wood-turners workroom, Yarra Valley Vintage Machinery Preservation Society are on the property. A Country Market is held the second Saturday of the month except June, July and August. Special Events coming up are the art show in August, history week in October and Mont De Lancey Draught horse and Machinery Heritage Festival in November. Please see website for more details. The property is a magnificent venue for weddings and special occasions. Either Chapel or garden, Mont De Lancey can cater to either wedding ceremony. The Heritage Education Centre is a joint project with Wandin Yallock Primary School. Groups of primary school children visit to learn the pioneering history in this unique, hands on environment. Teachers deliver a carefully structured programme, which meets current education guidelines. Free entry to the Gallery displaying a variety of artworks for sale by local artists. The gift shop has a wide range of homemade jams and pickles, hand crafted items including jewellery, pottery, wood turned gifts, baby wear, soaps, toys, knitted pieces and much more. The gift shop has a wide range of homemade jams and pickles, hand crafted items including jewellery, pottery, wood turned gifts, baby wear, soaps, toys, knitted pieces and much more. Tours of the property are available from Wednesday to Sunday. Group tours may be arranged for Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment. Please visit the website for further details. The whole property is readily accessible by wheel-chair.

Situated in the Victoria's Yarra Valley, one of Australia's foremost winemaking regions, the Sir Paz Estate covers 35 acres and is idyllically surrounded by u-pick cherry and berry orchards.

Recognised as the Yarra Valley's highest altitude vineyard - 848 feet above sea level - the elevated site suits vines perfectly; grapes experience true cool climate conditions, ripening slowly for maximum flavour development.

A former chestnut grove, the estate sits on a belt of red volcanic soil and enjoys ideal growing conditions for the grape varieties produced there.

For more information, please visit the website.