PRIVATE TOURS IN DANDENONG RANGES
A short 45 minute drive from Melbourne city, is the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. A lovely place to have a comfortable day tour, and be amongst the lush Eucalyptus and fern tree forests, a few lovely English gardens, and cute and quaint little villages. Below are some of the highlights of the Dandenong Ranges.
FORESTS OF THE DANDENONG RANGES
Take a walk on the wildside and experience an ancient and majestic forest. Let your senses take in the sights and sounds of the bird life and other creatures that call the forest home. Be amongst the second tallest trees in the world, the Mountain Ash Eucalyptus, and marvel at the fern trees, whose ancestors were witness to the dinosaurs, millions of years ago.
WILLIAM RICKETTS SANCTUARY
The sanctuary tells the story of a man, who was on a spiritual journey and was inspired by the Aboriginal people of Australia. He turned his forest home into a sculpture sanctuary to share the experiences that he had with the Aboriginal tribes of central Australia. Through his clay sculptures embedded in the beautiful forest, he shares his hope and vision for our relationship and connectedness with nature, something we are a part of, and not separate from. (Update: The William Ricketts Sanctuary is currently closed due to severe storm damage)
DANDENONG RANGES BOTANIC GARDEN
One of the beautiful cool climate English gardens, it shows it’s true colors in spring when there is a kaleidoscope of color, created by rhododendrons and azaleas. It now boasts the new award winning Chelsea Australian Garden, showcasing the beauty and variety of Indigenous flora of Australia.
ALFRED NICHOLAS GARDEN
Another highlight of the Dandenong Ranges, especially in autumn, is the beautiful Alfred Nicholas Garden. The once family estate, has a lovely lake and garden that has been themed using Japanese garden designs. The lake area is a magnet for photographers.
PUFFING BILLY STEAM TRAIN RIDE
The Puffing Billy Steam Train is popular with young and old, and is a nice way to experience the lush forest of the Dandenong Ranges on a train ride.
Private and customizable tours can be organized upon request. Get in touch with Jay using the contact form.