By Derek Schlennstedt
Puffing Billy
It’s Australia’s favourite stream train. Puffing Billy is known internationally as one of the finest preserved steam trains in the world, and the century-old train still runs through the picturesque Dandenongs.
On the 25-kilometre trip from Belgrave to Gembrook, patrons are shown the beauty of the surrounding area from emerald green dense fern forests to deep gullies with babbling brooks running along them.
Open-sided carriages make it easy to view the scenic landscape and those braver individuals can even dangle their feet out the window.
Running four times per day from Belgrave, Puffing Billy provides a delightful journey through the scenic views of the Dandenongs.
Grants Picnic Ground
Those who are looking for a picnic with some feathered friends need look no further than the sublime Grants Picnic Ground in the Dandenong Ranges.
Situated on the edge of Sherbrooke Forest, Grants Picnic Ground offers visitors the chance to get particularly close with some of Australia’s birdlife.
The area is the only place in the Dandenong Ranges where hand feeding is accepted.
Visitors can say hello to colourful rosellas, cockatoos and parrots and even shake a tailfeather with them.
To access the feeding grounds, simply buy a token from Grants on Sherbrooke to receive the seed needed to attract these colourful characters.
Cool climate gardens
Autumn is the perfect time to view some of the spectacular gardens that the Dandenong Ranges has to offer.
Pick from several gardens that will each delight visitors with a spectacular array of colour.
Watch the foliage of maple, beech and gingko trees transform into brilliant hues of red and gold and view flowers blossoming into brilliant and vibrant colours in the lush and temperate Dandenong Ranges.
Each garden displays its own unique feel and atmosphere.
The National Rhododendron Garden offers visitors the largest variety of pretty petals and features exclusive collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and other native and exotic trees.
For a calming walk, the tranquil Alfred Nicholas Gardens is located only a few minutes away and lets visitors stroll down intertwining pathways under the canopy of towering mountain ash trees.
Visitors can wander down to the lake and enjoy a romantic picnic by the quaint boathouse.
Each garden offers endless pathways for visitors to lose themselves for a day.
Kokoda Memorial Walk
Commonly known as the 1000 Steps, the Kokoda Memorial Walk includes 1000 stony steps that lead-up to the popular picnic area, One Tree Hill.
Well-known by fitness fanatics, the 1000 Steps offers walkers a scenic retreat where visitors can take in the dense bushland and animals that inhabit the surrounding Sherbrooke Forest.
Visitors can march their way up the steps and observe all types of fascinating fauna that live there – from echidnas to wallabies and lyrebirds and the variety of animals that constantly cross the path seemingly oblivious to the scores of people puffing past them.
Walkers can read up on their history, too, with various plaques situated along the steps which are dedicated to the Australian soldiers who fought in Kokoda during World War II.
SkyHigh
Diners and visitors can treat themselves to a clear view of the star-filled southern sky and panoramic views of Melbourne city that illuminates the horizon with a carpet of streaming red and white lights at night.
SkyHigh is situated at the top of Mt Dandenong and overlooks the expanse of Melbourne.
With a restaurant and barbecues available, the location makes for a romantic getaway at sunset or a family-filled evening to bathe in the warm sunset light.
Gates open weekdays from 10am to 10pm and weekends from 8am to 10.30pm.
Wineries
Only one hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a gourmet wine region that promises a relaxing cool climate and some of the best pinot noirs, chardonnays and sparkling wines that Victoria has to offer.
Quaint boutique cellar doors are spread throughout the area and offer visitors the chance to enjoy an unhurried wine in the picturesque rolling hills of the Yarra Valley.
From De Bortoli to Domain Chandon, there are a variety of locations to choose from and there’s always something for everyone to try no matter what taste or type they’re after.
Steavenson Falls
Don’t go chasing waterfalls; TLC may just have changed the song if it had only visited Steavenson Falls in Marysville. Steavenson Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Victoria and they descend a total of 122 metres in five separate cascades.
The final descent offers the best views, with water dropping a clear 21 metres before sending up a fountain of spray.
The main waterfall is a 350-metre walk from the car park and includes various platforms that give walkers views of various sections of the waterfall.
The walk climaxes at the best vantage point which offers a view of the main waterfall.
Only a 30-minute drive from Healesville, Steavenson Falls is open all day every day and is even lit up at night.
Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
Wander into the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery and experience a modern Willy Wonka factory.
Situated on 16 hectares of picturesque views, the facility combines modern architecture, scenic views and delicious handmade chocolate.
Indulge in ice-creams, truffles, desserts and premium irresistible chocolate which is made before on the spot by European chocolatiers who handcraft each intricate chocolate creation.
A true sweet feast for the senses, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery offers free entry and tasting and is open every day from 9am to 5pm except for Christmas.
Ballooning
SkyHigh may have the best views of Melbourne, but the ballooning tours over the Yarra Valley provides unparalleled views of the green rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, rows of vineyards and even the rare chance to see grey kangaroos feeding in the early morning sun.
Visitors can glide silently above the Yarra Valley and see it in the quiet early morning as it’s bathed in the warm brilliance of the sunrise and they can watch as the sun warms away the morning mist.
East Warburton redwood forest
One of the best kept secrets in the Yarra Valley is the secluded and little-known East Warburton redwood forest that is located only a few kilometres out of Warburton.
Planted in 1930 by the Board of Works, the Californian redwood trees have since grown to immense sizes and provide a magical and unique experience for visitors to the Yarra Valley.
The mystical forest has 1450 trees that reach high into the sky.
Various woven art by a local artists can be found throughout the forest and adds to the fairytale like atmosphere which the tucked away location exudes.
East Warburton redwood forest is located a few minutes out of Warburton on Cement Creek Road.
