Dandenong Ranges Daytrip by Public Transport
Sights & Attractions in Melbourne's Nearby Mountains Doable by Train
Sep 30, 2009
With a lush understorey of fern trees, the Dandenong Ranges are the closest mountains to Melbourne. Just 35km or about an hour from the city, it's the perfect daytrip destination for a breath of fresh air and a hike in the hills. Although having your own wheels allows visitors to cover more of the area, public transport carries passengers to the foothills of the ranges, facilitating explorations aplenty.
Catch the Train to Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges National Park & Enjoy its Numerous Walking / Hiking Trails
The Dandenong Ranges National Park – is a combination of five parks – offers short walks for Sunday strollers and the more challenging four-hour trails for fitness freaks. A particular highlight is Sherbrooke Forest which boasts towering ash trees and silver wattles, plus many large native birds such as kookaburra's. A popular trek in this part of the park is the manageable, middle-of-the-road three-hour return walking trail to blow the cobwebs away.
To get here, take the Belgrave train line from Flinders St Station in the city. As Flinders is in Zone 1 and Belgrave, Zone 2, a ticket for both Zone 1 & 2 is required by passengers. For more info on Melbourne transportm, see Guide to Public Transport in Melbourne. Holders of a Weekly Zone 1 ticket should take note: Areas in Zone 2 are covered by Weekly Zone 1 tickets all day Saturday and Sunday so making the trip to the Dandenongs at the weekend is a good way to save money. Once at Belgrave station, a 1km walk to the end of Old Monbulk Road brings visitors to the start of the three-hour walk.
Travel to Belgrave to Ride the 'Puffing Billy' Steam Train Attraction
Also in this neck of the woods is the Puffing Billy steam train. A hugely popular tourist attraction, particularly for those with young families, it's an historic steam train built in the early 1900's. Although no longer in general use, it's been preserved to cater especially for visitors to the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing its way through the lush and abundant fern gullies of the Ranges all the way to the picturesque town of Gembrook, Puffing Billy departs from its own station just a short walk from Belgrave train station, leaving up to six times during holidays and three / four times all other days. Tickets for Puffing Billy are quite expensive, at $31 for adults, $15.50 for kids and $97 for families but it is a great experience for children and takes in many Dandenong attractions en route, making it money well spent.
Catch the Train to the Ferntree Gully National Park for Hiking Trails, Picnic Spots & Weekend Markets
The north-western side of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, Ferntree Gully National Park is so called due to the areas large population of lush fern trees which occupy a huge amount of this green, mountainous region. Home to colourful lyrebirds, this area is a popular spot for walking and hiking with many trails to walk, from the leisurely hour-long walk to the more exerting 1000 Steps Track. Very popular amongst fitness freaks at weekends, this track up to One Tree Hill picnic ground takes about two hours return and is part of the Kododa Memorial Track, a tribute to Australian soldiers who died fighting along New Guinea's Kokoda Trail in World War Two.
To get to the Ferntree Gully park via public transport, catch the Belgrave train line from Flinders St station in the city (Zone 1 & 2) and alight at Upper Ferntree Gully station. The park is a 10 minute walk from the station and is clearly marked. For more info on popular walking trails and attractions in the area, the Dandenong Ranges & Knox Visitors Centre (9am-5pm) is located right outside the station and provides visitors with maps of the area.
For sights involving less physical labour, hit the Upper Ferntree Gully market. Open every Saturday & Sunday (9am-4.30pm), this small general market is located in the train station carpark and sells a bit of everything from fresh produce and hot food to handmade jewellery and on-the-spot haircuts.
En route to the park and within it, there are a cluster of picnic areas complete with outdoor barbeque hobs for visitors to cook their own grub. On days with a high risk of fire, the use of these hobs is banned so it's best to check the weather conditions before heading out. There are also a selection of pubs and cafes in Upper Ferntree Gully if weather doesn't permit al fresco dining.
Readers and winery fans may also be interested in The Yarra Valley Daytrip by Public Transport.
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