By Derek Schlennstedt
Feel the bustle and fast pace of the city fall away as you follow the winding road up through the thick, tall forests and cool, fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges.
Explore the towering forests of mountain ash trees firsthand and see the spectacular sight of thousands of rhododendrons in bloom.
Among the most well-known and enjoyable trips is the drive through the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Road that cuts through the lush forest landscapes of Sherbrooke
Famous for its towering trees and spectacular views, Mt Dandenong Tourist Road links the foothills of Ferntree Gully with Olinda as it winds its way up Mount Dandenong.
Lower the windows and savour the fragrance of the Australian bush as you pass through the forest. Gaze up at the immense mountain ash trees, which scatter the sunlight on the cool understorey of green ferns below.
As you pass through Sassafras stop in for a famous Devonshire tea, or sit down for a leisurely meal at one of the great eateries dotted through this lively village. Be sure to browse the antique shops and art galleries in Olinda before heading on to Monbulk .
As you head down the mountain along Olinda-Monbulk Road, stop in at The Burnham Beeches Piggery or drive on to Monbulk, passing under the huge trees of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, which always look glorious. As you drive past, take a look at the half-hidden clay sculptures of Aboriginal figures among rocks and tree ferns at William Ricketts Sanctuary.
Pass through Monbulk and onto Emerald-Monbulk road – a quiet little scenic drive that will lead you to the relaxing hamlet of Emerald.
Emerald is a charming town, nestled in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges with a lush rainforest on its doorstep and filled with the sounds of native birds.
Just a short drive from the main street is Emerald Lake, which is the perfect place to enjoy the colours and temperate climate of summer.
The lake is widely considered the region’s premier park and is a major tourist attraction. As one of the destination points for the iconic Puffing Billy, the park offers a range of activities including picnics, walking trails, paddleboats and fishing – something for everyone.
With the sun getting low it’s time to head home, but why not take the scenic route. Follow Belgrave-Gembrook Road back down to Ferntree Gully, but not before stopping in Belgrave for a feed.
From there, it’s a straight run down Burwood Highway, back to Melbourne.
