Top 10 Mountain Favourites

1. WILLIAM RICKETTS SANCTUARY13 1963

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

William Ricketts lived and worked at Mt Dandenong from 1934 until 1993.  His life’s artistic work was transformed by his years of contact with the desert people of the Pitjantjara and Arrernte whose indigenous culture inspired the major creative output.  He lived at the Sanctuary until his peaceful death in 1993 aged 94.  His lifetime of concern and care for the environment, expressed in his energetic creation of this place.

2. PUFFING BILLY03 9757 0700

www.puffingbilly.com.au

A historic steam train which travels from Belgrave to Gembrook (120 minute trip) and return. You can ride in open carriages all or part of the journey depending on the time allocated. The lunch and dinner trains, which are both licensed, provide Devonshire tea or full gourmet lunch and dinner in enclosed first class carriages from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park (75 minute trip). A delightful way to spend a few hours. Checkout the web site for more information.Time to set aside: lunch train 3.5 hours, dinner train 4.75 hours. Shorter normal train rides without the meals are available.

3. SKYHIGH03 9751 0443

www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au

At Skyhigh Mount Dandenong, the view across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and Port Philip Bay to the You Yangs is one not to be missed.  Whether during the day where you can also enjoy the garden maze, acclaimed English garden, barbecues and picnic grounds, a contemporary cafe/family bistro and the resident Kookaburras.
Open 7 days a week Mon – Fri 10.00am, Sat/Sun at 8.00am

4. TREES ADVENTURE0410 735288

www.treesadventure.com.au

Trees Adventure is an unforgettable obstacle course and series of flying foxes in the sublime surrounds of Glen Harrow Gardens. Participants adventure from tree to tree, taking on thrilling mid-air challenges up to 12 metres high in a magic forest featuring Victoria’s only two Japanese Oaks and under the canopy of one of the largest Algerian Oaks in the world. Gaze at Californian Redwoods, Tasmanian Ash and the Douglas Fir. Possums and kookaburras abound. The forest features some of Australia’s rarest and most remarkable trees, while the obstacle courses running through range from easy to thrilling. Call or email to book.Location: Glenharrow Historic Gardens, Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave.

5. OLINDA TEA HOUSE03 9751 0556

www.olindateahouse.com.au

Set against a tranquil bushland backdrop with a beautifully landscaped garden is a new addition to the mountains tea experience.  Olinda Tea House provides delicious oriental delights, Devonshire teas and assorted deserts.
Open Daily 10.30am – 9.00pm except Tuesday

6. CLOUDEHILL GARDENS03 9751 1009

wwww.cloudehill.com.au

Cloudhill is made from a former ‘flower farm’ from 1920s for growing flowers and cut foliage to supply Melbourne florists.  Today it is a spectacular garden consisting of 25 garden rooms where it showcases a variety of themes.  Every season the garden produces a unique array of colour.  This garden is a must see.

7. 1000 STEPS KOKODA03 9999 9999

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

A walk from Upper Fern Tree Gully to Ferny Creek – 1000 steps up. It was set up by National Parks and is maintained by rangers. People who fought on the Kokoda Track developed a series of 14 memorial plaques in a bushland location. For those who choose to stop and remember, it is a beautifully tranquil place and it is in no way intended to imitate the real trail.

10. NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS13 1963

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

The National Botanic Gardens is a unique setting for cool climate plants with breathtaking views over the Yarra Valley. Seasonal changes ensure these Gardens are an all-year-round delight.In spring, enjoy the 40 hectare walk amongst the daffodils, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias, with the Cherry Grove in full flower mid-spring.In summer, walk the nature trail in the cool rainforest atmosphere and enjoy the brilliant blue and white hydrangeas in full flower. In autumn the views by the lake are spectacular as many of the hydrangeas and deciduous trees are reflected in the cool calm waters. In winter, the mists create an aura of mystery amongst the Mountain Ash with bare tree trunks and branches reflected in the mountain lake while hellebore and cyclamen flowers carpet the ground. The National Botanic Garden is located 500 metres from the Olinda township (Melways Ref 66 K6). Closed on Christmas Day and days of Total Fire Ban. Entry charges apply.Location: Georgian Rd, Olinda

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