Mount Dandenong Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong featuring café scenes and outdoor eating
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Olinda
Look out across the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne’s distant skyline from this township and mountain peak fortified by towering mountain ash forests.

Mount Dandenong is the highest peak in the surrounding ranges, as well as a community tucked into the bushland reserves of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Visit the mountain’s summit to take in spectacular panoramic views from the observation deck and restaurant or wind your way through the charming formal gardens. Wander along hiking trails in the native bushland, which changes from dry eucalypt forest to verdant fern-studded gullies. Learn about exotic flora from around the world at the arboretum and explore the sculpture-lined pathways of the sanctuary.

Go on a scenic drive along the winding forest roads that weave around Mount Dandenong. Make your way up to SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, the mountain’s magnificent peak and viewing area. Check out the quaint English Garden or challenge yourself in the SkyHigh Maze. Binoculars on the observation deck make it possible to see Port Phillip Bay and Geelong on a clear day. Take a seat at the summit’s restaurant or café to enjoy a meal or drinks with the unbeatable view of Melbourne from the east. A short distance south, you’ll find the peak of Mount Corhanwarrabul and sprawling views from Burke’s Lookout.

Walk amid the deciduous trees and conifers at the Mount Dandenong Arboretum, a 40-acre (16-hectare) park showcasing a range of exotic species. William Ricketts Sanctuary is a lush fern-studded garden with a scattering of intriguing sculptures along its winding pathways.

While the township does not have a major commercial centre, it is dotted with numerous boutiques, artisans’ workshops and restaurants, where you can experience some of Mount Dandenong’s local treasures. Forest retreats and laid-back lodgings can also be found along the tree-lined roads.

Mount Dandenong is situated between the larger towns of Olinda and Kalorama, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of Melbourne’s city centre. Visit in summer for long, sunny days and clear views from the mountain peak, or in late winter to enjoy misty mornings and eucalypt blossoms in full bloom. Stay in Mount Dandenong for easy access to the magnificent walking trails and scenic picnic areas of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Mount Dandenong Hotel Deals

The Olsen Melbourne - Art Series
The Olsen Melbourne - Art Series
5 out of 5
637-641 Chapel Street, South Yarra, VIC
The price is AU$186 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
AU$186
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,134 reviews)
"Nice room but the noise from doors were a little annoying. Room service was amazing food was perfect. I would love to see more options on the menu. Over all it was lovely"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

The Olsen Melbourne - Art Series
ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
3.5 out of 5
297 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, VIC
The price is AU$134 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$134
includes taxes & fees
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley
Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
4 out of 5
649 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC
The price is AU$159 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$159
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel itself was lovely, room was comfortable. I got the room with a bath, that was lovely. Had a nice hot jetted bath. however, the shower wasn't great. Couldn't work out the temperature; either cold or hot, and pressure was very low. Attended on a day that was raining but the paths by the Yarra ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
Richmond Central Apartments
Richmond Central Apartments
2 out of 5
185 Lennox St, Richmond, VIC
The price is AU$106 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$106
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy parking (surcharge) and housekeeping. Popular attractions Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (40 reviews)
"Good value for money. Central location."

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Richmond Central Apartments
Ovolo South Yarra
Ovolo South Yarra
4 out of 5
234 Toorak Road, South Yarra, VIC
The price is AU$198 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$198
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (524 reviews)
South Yarra gem
"A small but well equipped room. Suited me very well as a solo traveller but might feel a bit compact for a couple staying more than a night or 2. Super comfortable bed, Iron and board in room, free laundry facilities, friendly young staff. Very convenient to public transport but my room facing Toorak ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Ovolo South Yarra
Rydges Ringwood
Rydges Ringwood
4.5 out of 5
96 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood, VIC
The price is AU$182 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$182
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (188 reviews)
"Great place to stay, staff were friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Rydges Ringwood
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Mount Dandenong

Richmond which includes a park and a playground

Richmond

Travellers choose Richmond for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Richmond Station or Burnley Station and check out top sights like Bridge Road.

Richmond
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Warburton

Unique features of Warburton include the river views and bars. Make a stop by Yarra River Walk or Mount Donna Buang while you're exploring the area.

Warburton
Jam Factory showing heritage elements

South Yarra

Jam Factory and Prahran Market are top sights in South Yarra, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at South Yarra Station or Hawksburn Station to see more sights in the area.

South Yarra
Fitzroy Gardens featuring heritage architecture, a house and a garden

East Melbourne

Known for its abundant dining options and colourful gardens, there's plenty to explore in East Melbourne. Top attractions like Melbourne Cricket Ground and Collins Street are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Jolimont Station or Parliament Station to see more of the city.

East Melbourne
St Kilda which includes a coastal town, a city and a high-rise building

St Kilda

St Kilda is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Acland Street and Fitzroy Street, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Melbourne.

St Kilda
Fitzroy showing signage and a house

Fitzroy

Gardens, bars and museums are some highlights of Fitzroy. Make a stop by Brunswick Street or Smith Street while you're exploring.

Fitzroy


Mount Dandenong Travel Guide

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