Destination guides > Australia > Victoria > Around Melbourne > Dandenong Ranges
Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges lie at the eastern edge of Melbourne’s suburban sprawl. Not to be
confused with Dandenong, an the industrial suburb with a similar name, the Dandenongs is
a region of natural bush land and a favourite picnic spot for Melburnians.
At the summit of Mount Dandenong is a scenic lookout that many locals claim has the best
view of the city, but it is over-rated and not worth the effort – there’s a view of the
eastern suburbs, but central Melbourne is too far away and often shrouded in smog.
A much better idea is to take a ride on Puffing Billy. This is an old steam train that
runs from Belgrave to Gembrook through the most scenic parts of the Dandenongs, although it is expensive for a return trip.
Practical information
Dandenong Ranges & Knox Visitor Information Centre
1211 Burwood Highway, Upper Ferntree Gully
Train Upper Ferntree Gully
Tel 1800 645 505
Website www.dandenongrangestourism.com.au
Open 9am-5pm daily
Coming & going
Take the train to Belgrave station, then transfer to bus 688, 694 or 698, which will take
you along Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, past the area’s main attractions. Belgrave
station is also the terminus for the Puffing Billy steam railway.
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy is a century-old steam train, run by volunteer train enthusiasts, that
still runs between Belgrave and Gembrook on its original track. The train takes you
through scenic countryside and the trip is a lot of fun. There are between three and six
trains a day, although not all of them continue all the way to Gembrook.
Trains depart from Belgrave station, which is at the end of the Belgrave line on
Melbourne’s suburban rail network.
Tel (03) 9754 6800
Website www.puffingbilly.com.au
Fares Belgrave-Emerald $19.50 one-way, $33.50 return; Belgrave-Gembrook $30 one-way,
$46.50 return
