This is a massive park that was formed after Sherbrooke Forest, Doongalla Reserve and Ferntree Gully National Park were merged. This massive park covering over 3, 200 hectares was combined to help in protecting a population of famous lyrebirds, fauna, the forests themselves and fern gullies of the ranges.

The ranges were originally used by the Bunurong and Woewurrong Aboriginal tribes as an important source of timber and this led to much of the forest being cleared. It is until late last century that farming was established in the region as roads and railways were built. The ‘Puffing Billy’ narrow-gauge line from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook was opened in 1900.

This area became very popular with tourists from the 1870s. Fern Tree Gully was first reserved as a park in 1882 and other areas followed. The present national park was established in 1987.

Dandenong Ranges National Park is rich in wildlife with various native bird species, native mammals, reptiles and amphibian species recorded that are quite mesmerizing on sight, the Lyrebird being the most famous inhabitant. People from all over the world are fascinated by the ability of this bird to mimic the calls of other bird species. This species can even pull off a great dancing display and the beautiful tail of the males is quite impressive. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Pied Currawongs are some of the native birds most frequently seen in the park.

There are Yellow-bellied Gliders and tiny feather-tail gliders in the park whose work is evident as you will realize many scarred eucalyptus trees – they do this during night time feeding and also while making homes in the hollows of mature trees. Tree Goannas can also be found in the park.

The plant communities in the park are remnants of the original vegetation that has receded over the last 150 years with the rapid growth of Melbourne’s suburbs. The park has about six major vegetation communities including a number of indigenous plant species. The park is particularly well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash forests and fern gullies.

Visiting the park can be quite an experience as there are many activities to be carried out there including:

Scenic drives through the Ranges are (these have always remained popular for many years now.

You can enjoy a picnic at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, One Tree Hill or in Sherbrooke Forest.

Near the park are coffee shops and restaurants, bed and breakfasts, craft shops, antique shops, gardens and the historic Puffing Billy train from Belgrave to Gembrook.

There are numerous walking tracks that are excellent for short family strolls or longer hikes.

The management of the park has gone to great extents to ensure that the visitors get an experience of a lifetime; and they have achieved this. Some regulations they have been setup that you would need to know while visiting the park include:

Dogs and other pets are not permitted within park boundaries.

Firearms are not permitted.

You are not allowed to disturb or remove any plants or animals.

Visitors are urged to stay on marked tracks.

Please take all rubbish home – no bins are provided.Dandenong Ranges National Park