The Dandenong Ranges is located east of Melbourne in Victoria. It is a popular holiday destination for those who like to get away from the stress of city life and enjoy the outdoors.

One unique way to explore the area is by boarding the Puffing Billy steam train. Visitors will get a chance to travel along the railway that was established in 1900. The train takes visitors from Belgrave to Gembrook and back, and passes through forests and quaint villages that will surely enhance the romantic ambience of the area.

In the suburb of Kalorama, visitors and locals often head out to the Kalorama Park whenever they wish to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the suburban setting. There are several spots within the park that are ideal for picnics. There are also several walking tracks that lead visitors through forests, fruit orchards, and plantings. One of these walks also lead to the Kalorama Lookout, which affords spectacular views of the Dandenong Ranges and the surrounding countryside.

Another outdoor destination is the Silvan Reservoir Park, which is located in York. The park also features several walking tracks that lead through forested areas and fern gullies. There is also a lookout that allows visitors to enjoy views around the reservoir. There are also facilities for picnics and barbecues within the park. Sylvan is also the site of the Tulip Festival held every September to October.

The Dandenong Ranges are not in a shortage of views. Native forests line the foothills of the ranges, where the National Rhododendron Gardens thrive. Worth noting is the Cloudehill Nursery with its very well-conceptualized gardens which has been recommended for lovers. A sheer distance from the Silvan Reservoir, the Tesselaar Tulip Farm fascinates visitors with its annual harvest of flowers. Native plants are the subject of another garden by the name of Karwarra Australian Plant Gardens. You also have contact with ancient aboriginal history in William Ricketts Sanctuary, with its clay sculptures on display.

One of the main attractions in the suburb of Olinda is the National Rhododendron Gardens along The Georgian Road. As the name suggests, these gardens are abloom with rhododendrons and other flowering plants, making it a must-see by visitors in the area. Visitors get to explore the gardens on their own and can choose to have picnics near the lake. The area also plays host to the annual Spring Floral Festival, held every August to November. During this festival, guests get to view several stunning floral displays made out of flowers cultivated in the gardens.

Olinda has yet another similar attraction located along Hacketts Road. The Pirianda Gardens is another landscaped destination that provides a beautiful yet tranquil setting to those who wish to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors have the option of taking nature walks, go bird watching, or just relax under the shade of trees. The gardens also have facilities for picnics and are popular venues for weddings. It is also holds significance in terms of heritage, being the site of a carrot and potato farm a century ago.

Before leaving Olinda, visitors should also take time to visit the RJ Hamer Arboretum, located along Chalet Road. With free admission, visitors get to enjoy this scenic destination, strolling under the shade of numerous trees, and have picnics in several ideal spots. There is also a lookout along Woolrich Road that affords breathtaking views of the Yarra Valley. The site is also where the original Dandenong and Yallock State Forest was formerly located. The arboretum was established after fires destroyed the forest. This has made the RJ Hamer Arboretum a heritage site.