Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour: Experience Nature's Serenity Near Melbourne

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Dandenong Ranges on a private day tour. Discover ancient forests, spot wildlife, and learn about the region’s rich history and culture. Enjoy a delicious lunch and explore charming gardens and villages. Customizable and convenient, this tour is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Dandenong Ranges National Park - Take a leisurely walk in the main forest of the Dandenong Ranges, where you will be amongst the second tallest trees in the world, the Mountain Ash eucalyptus tree, and the ancient Fern tree forest. Soak in the sights and sounds of this beautiful forest.
  • Kallista - After our forest walk, we’ll drive to the little village of Kallista to stop over at a cosy restaurant for lunch.
  • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens - After lunch we’ll drive to the beautiful Alfred Nicholas Gardens, and take a walk and spend time at the Japanese themed lake garden towards the bottom. A popular place for photography.
  • Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden - After the walk in the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, we will drive to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens to check out the award winning Chelsea Australian Garde, and stroll around the botanic gardens. It’s a kaleidoscope of colour in spring, but is beautiful in all seasons.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Drinks
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a serene day in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, located less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Take a leisurely walk through ancient, majestic forests and observe the local wildlife. With some luck, you might even spot the elusive and beautiful Lyrebird. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the rich history and culture of the First Nations People, the traditional custodians of the land. Savor a wholesome lunch at a cozy, homestyle restaurant. Afterward, explore a couple of stunning cool-climate gardens in the Dandenong Ranges, or customize your tour to visit one garden and spend time shopping or wandering in one of the charming villages instead. This private tour is perfect for individuals, couples, or groups of up to three people and can be tailored to your preferences on the day. The tour begins at 10:00 AM and concludes around 4:30 PM, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed morning and still have plenty of time in the evening for other activities.

  • Visit to a cosy restaurant after forest walk
Location
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd Treemont,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(56 Ratings)
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Nura_a
Jun 18, 2024
Towering Trees, Cool Air and Captivating Sounds - We are truly grateful for this private tour. The Dandenong Ranges forest is breathtaking, with the majestic Mountain Ash trees towering above us. The forest walk was definitely memorable — the air was cool and the sounds of birds captivating. Jay, our tour guide, was passionate and knowledgeable. Thanks Jay for the experience and for accommodating to our request to visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie instead of the cool climate gardens. We had lots of fun and learnt a lot!
Review provided by Viator
Dfwtravels_12
Jun 2, 2024
A great day in nature - Jay was a terrific tour guide. The Forest walk was amazing and his knowledge of the trees and birds was impressive. If you want to know more about the nature of the area, this is a wonderful choice. I also enjoyed the botanical garden and seeing all the Aussie plants in one area - see if you can find cousin It! The conversation with Jay was also interesting as he shared a bit about local life. And, the tea room he stopped at for lunch was delicious. All in all, a great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonbonsc
May 31, 2024
Informative and fun with an awesome personable guide! - Jay is just such a personable guy who led us on some interesting walks in the Dandenong ranges. Scenery was amazing - such tall trees and great bird sounds. My nine year old son just loved him! Had a great break at a tea room with a ton of sulphur crested cockatoos for scenery. He’s willing to arrange all sorts of private tours involving nature, and we will use him the next time we are in Melbourne.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philip_t
Mar 24, 2024
Excellent tour - Excellent tour by Jay. Very knowledgeable about everything and highly recommend. Gave great recommendations on places to eat and things to see.
Review provided by Viator
186fabiennev
Mar 8, 2024
A perfect Tour - A perfect day with a great guide! I thought I had seen everything there was to see in Dandenong but I wanted my French friends to discover nature with a guide (Japanese garden, wild or native nature) and I don't regret it. Jay, a passionate guide, knows everything about this region and I discovered places I didn't know, including the Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda, officially opened in June 2023. I will go back in a month and a half to admire the fall colors. Plus a very pleasant little restaurant where I will certainly return.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katharine_h
Feb 23, 2024
A beautiful day to reconnect with green surroundings - Was wonderful yo see 3 different places with very different, yet equally tranquil gardens and landscapes.
Review provided by Viator
Lauren_h
Feb 20, 2024
Great half day tour - Traveling with Jay was great! Really cool to have a personalized tour and learn more about the areas history. Would definitely recommend for a half day trip.
Review provided by Viator
Toronto2424
Feb 11, 2024
Relaxing outing exploring the hills and gardens outside of Melbourne - An enjoyable outing with a guide who is knowledgeable and passionate about nature and gardening.The walks are informative , beautiful , and easy to do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy
Feb 8, 2024
Lovely lovely day with Jay - Jay gave us a fantastic tour of 3 areas. We started in an old forest of eucalyptus trees that was stunning. The walk was easy and full of magnificent trees and ferns. Then we went to a public garden that was once part of an estate and so how formal gardening was used to bring more English style to Australian plants and trees. We had a lovely walk that included a Japanese pond. Our last garden was more botanical. It had more of Australian indigenous plants that were very unusual, a billabong, surrounded by walks willed with hydrangeas and rhododendrons. Great end of the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goran_m
Jun 30, 2024
Private tour. - I went during the winter, on a day that was cold and wet but that just added to the experience. I got to see the area in a different climate whereby the mist made it all that more enchanting. Thanks to Jay for being very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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