It's not far from the city but the magic of the Dandenong Ranges is something that every Melburnian should experience. Whether you're headed up there to experience the cool temperature rain forest, puff your way up the 1000 steps walk, or just clocking a bit of downtime and relaxation the region is brimming with culture and natural wonder.
Here's where to stay in the Dandenong Ranges in 2023:
Woolrich Historic Garden Cottage
OLINDA
It's a fully restored art deco cottage, it's got a jacuzzi under a skylight and it's resting on its own 5 acres of lush rolling green gardens—what more do you need from a Dandenong Ranges stay? Woolrich Historic Cottage is a quaint little getaway loaded with space for five to sleep, an open fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen as well as a full alfresco outdoor deck with dining with French doors that open into the house for those warmer nights.
Silvan Acres
SILVAN
Perched next to the local strawberry farm, Silvan Acres is a getaway that brings all the charm and wonder of the Dandenong Ranges region. The quaint studio house rests on the bountiful green ranges of the property with the bush as your backdrop and is fully equipped with a sleek kitchen, bathroom (with a tub) and lounge room. The complete look of the studio reflects its rustic environment with lots of warm wood from the timber floors to soft furnishings throughout. Down the road, you'll find the nearby Warburton Trail as well as a selection of the Yarra Valley's top wineries just a short drive away.
Forest Farm Stay
MOUNT EVELYN
One for you all the whole crew, this sprawling Dandenong Ranges stay can comfortably accommodate up to seven and is an ideal escape for a long weekend. The Forest Farm Stay which dates back to the early 1900s has been lovingly restored and rests on its own 3-acre property which backs onto the Olinda Creek and Dandenong Ranges national park. With polished hardwood floors and white-washed walls, the inside has a breezy laid-back vibe and there's even a 12-seat dining table which is perfect for those big cook-ups.
Kirkness Sanctuary House
KALORAMA
Situated on the footsteps of Mount Dandenong just an hour from town, Kirkness Sanctuary is a sleepy getaway surrounded by the lush native bush. Although there's room for eight here overall with three bedrooms, the entire stay has a cosy and intimate feel with a light-filled lounge and farm-chic kitchen fitted out with everything you'd need to whip a Michelin-star dinner. The bathroom has a freestanding claw-foot bath which is ideal for long soaks and the back deck extends out on the lawn it even has its own fire drum—ideal for a night of star gazing.
Magnolias On Mernda
OLINDA
The complete package. Magnolias On Mernda is the quintessential Dandenong Ranges stay—from the chic charcoal-painted weatherboard exterior to the well-spaced impeccably designed inside. Imbued with that #Cottagecore aesthetic there's a motley collection of modern and antique furnishings that evoke all of that cosy regional feels but with enough space to sleep four and plenty of spots to take five—from the sun room couch, the hammock on the outdoor deck or the bathtub that overlooks the property.
Tiny Home Farm Stay
CLEMATIS
One for those looking for a closer getaway, this converted shipping container tucked away in the Dandenong Ranges is an ideal option. Perched up on six and a half acres with a motley collection of friendly farm animals, the cosy stay offers up all the romance of a top farm stay in Victoria without the hefty mileage. While you're staying you can even drop into the nearby Paradise Valley Hotel which took out the 2022 Best Parma in Victoria award.
Billabong Falls
OLINDA
Just under an hour out of town in the lush bush surroundings of Olinda you'll find Billabong Falls. Surrounded by the breezy ferns of the Dandenong Ranges, Billabong Falls gets its name from the resident natural billabong and waterfall that circle the property. The tranquil body of water has been expertly landscaped with curving boardwalks and rock walls highlighting the views of the sunlit valley below. And yes you can swim in it. If the enticement of your very own natural oasis isn't enough the house itself is a dreamy escape with outdoor decking, floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the bushlands, split-level dining and kitchen, and a hot outdoor shower.
Violet's Cottage
EMERALD
If you're after a cosy and secluded stay for just two, Violet's Cottage is the spot for you. The light-filled house has been excellently curated with plenty of retro-chic furnishings from brass tapware, plant life and vintage couches and chairs. Flanked by the lush native rainforest landscape of the Dandenong Ranges it's an ideal retreat for escaping the city and reconnecting with nature.
Haven In The Hills
KALORAMA
An easy inclusion on the best Dandenong Ranges stays list, Haven In The Hills is a tranquil escape in Kalorama. It's small in stature but the cabin offers up all the creature comforts and even has its own Japanese-style cedar outdoor cedar bathtub—providing a steamy vantage point to take in all the local flora and fauna. You'll also be sharing the property with local wildlife as well as the resident animals including an adorable duo of pygmy goats.
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Image credit: Airbnb (supplied)
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