By Derek Schlennstedt
Puffing Billy
The much-loved steam train is synonymous with Belgrave, and is a symbol of the Dandenong Ranges. Each day it departs on its journey through the green and lush hills of the Dandenongs, passing over the iconic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge on its way to Gembrook. Most Puffing Billy trains commence their journey from Belgrave and the township, which is only a short walk away offers an abundance of shopping and dining options. Visitors can also view the locomotive running shed and workshop where storage, maintenance and restorations take place on the family of 100-year-old locomotives.
Sherbrooke Forest
The towering gum trees of Sherbrooke Forest back on to the township of Belgrave, and within minutes visitors are enveloped in a world of lush ferntrees, all manner of moss and colourful fungi, and an incredible collection of wildlife which stare curiously at you through the brush. Parrots and lorikeets dart in and out of trees and lyrebirds run across walking tracks that wind their way through the Dandenong Ranges.
Sherbrook Art Society
Secret springs trickle into small streams, dewy mosses glisten with sparkling diamond drops, and impossibly lime-green fern fronds are lit by gentle strokes of sunlight filtering through the canopy. This is what the artists at Sherbrooke Art society in Belgrave recreate – vivid paintings that capture the essence of the Dandenong Ranges. Over 200 pieces line the walls of the gallery and these individualistic art works can be seen just outside of Belgrave, on 62 Monbulk Road.
Horatio’s House
It’s a well-kept secret that many locals have tried to keep hidden. Horatio Jones’ cottage, just outside of Belgrave was built in 1917 and is an incredible architectural feat, being made of flattened four-gallon kerosene tins on a frame of roughly-hewn eucalyptus trees.
Nestled in the Dandenongs, the cottage tells a good old-fashioned Aussie spirit story about Mr Jones’s return home from WWI and upon returning his conviction to build a house. The location of the house is not generally known but those interested in visiting can call 9754 4936 to make a booking.
Baba Desi
There are many reasons that one should visit Belgrave, from its delightful cafes which offer all manner of pies and deserts to its quaint and relaxing streams. But Belgrave is also filled with cheerful people who welcome people from all walks of life. One such person is well known all throughout Victoria. Baba Desi, whose unique and vibrant flair for clothes and personality has made him a mark of the Dandenong Ranges – living just outside Belgrave – and is often seen enjoying a coffee in town. A mascot for the Dandenong Ranges his welcoming smile is often the first thing you will see when you visit Belgrave.
