Dandenong Ranges Local Guide

Your Stay. Elevated.

Welcome to the hills. Winding roads lead to cosy cafés, destination dining, boutique shopping and lush gardens, all surrounded by towering trees and cool mountain air. Take your time exploring, as the charm of the ranges is as much about the journey as the destination.

Jump to: Groceries · Eat & drink · Explore · With your pet · Safety & health

Groceries and essentials

We recommend picking up supplies on your way up the mountain where you can.

  • IGA Mt Dandenong (1526 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda): open 7 days and the closest option for basics, last-minute items and firewood.
  • IGA Montrose and IGA Mt Evelyn: handy for basics and last-minute items.
  • Woolworths, Coles and Aldi: off the mountain in areas like Monbulk, Boronia, Kilsyth and Lilydale. Your best option for a full shop.
  • Service station (Ferny Creek): another place to pick up firewood.

Eat and drink

Special-occasion dining

  • Citrine Bistro & Bar (Olinda): a wonderful contemporary restaurant in the heart of the township.
  • House of Fras (Sassafras): a relaxed but slightly elevated experience for lunch or dinner.
  • Pig & Whistle (Olinda): a popular choice for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.

Local favourites

  • Micawber Tavern (Kallista): our pick of the pubs. A terrific little Irish pub with a lovely outdoor area on warmer days. It's a little further to drive, but worth it.
  • King Henry's Restaurant (Sassafras): a quaint English-style restaurant with a cosy feel. Opening times vary, so check before you go.
  • Kelly's Bar & Kitchen (Olinda): a simple, no-fuss pub.

Cocktails and a tasting paddle

  • Killik Handcrafted Rum (Kallista): just across the road from Micawber, with great food and even better cocktails. Rum fans will love the very affordable tasting paddle. Bookings recommended on weekends.

Cafés, breakfast and lunch

  • Proserpina Bakehouse (Ferny Creek): a must in the ranges, with delicious treats, fresh bread and baked goods. Go early on weekends, before the cyclists arrive.
  • Ripe Café (Sassafras): a cosy café with a fireplace and a great all-round menu. Reliable for breakfast or lunch.
  • Kallista Tea House (Kallista): good coffee, great breakfasts and our pick for scones.
  • Fortnums (Sassafras): a beautiful setting for lunch, and another lovely spot for high tea or scones.
  • The Storehouse Roastery (Olinda): a simple coffee shop and the best option for takeaway coffee on the mountain.

A cosy night in

  • Dudley's (Olinda): our pick for pizza on the mountain. Wood-fired and reliable.
  • Indian by Nature (Olinda): flavourful Indian takeaway, perfect for a cosy night in.
  • Olinda Tea House (Olinda): Chinese-style dishes and dumplings if you're after something a little different.
  • Pie in the Sky (Olinda): a casual local favourite for pies and quiches.
  • Olinda Pizza & Takeaway (Olinda): a simple option when you want something quick and easy.

Opening hours and menus can change, so it's worth checking before you go.

Explore the region

  • Sassafras Village: boutique shops, cafés and local stores along the main street.
  • Olinda Village: more dining, galleries and small homewares stores.
  • Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (Olinda): seasonal blooms, walking paths and scenic views. Especially beautiful in autumn and spring.
  • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens (Sherbrooke): one of the most picturesque gardens in the ranges, with a lake, bridges and lush greenery.
  • SkyHigh Mount Dandenong: panoramic views across Melbourne, with a café and restaurant. A great spot at sunset.
  • Scenic drives and lookouts: winding roads throughout the ranges, with plenty of viewpoints and photo spots along the way.
  • Walks and hikes: there are many to choose from. We like the free AllTrails app, and some of our homes have a copy of 32 Bushwalks in the Dandenong Ranges to borrow.

Good to know

  • Weather can change quickly in the ranges and is often cooler than surrounding areas, so bring layers.
  • Mobile reception can be patchy, depending on your provider. Your home's Wi-Fi details are in your Welcome Guide.
  • Roads are narrow, winding and dark at night, so please take care when arriving and departing.
  • You may see local wildlife, including birds, possums and the occasional deer. Please don't feed the animals, and don't leave food or rubbish outside.

With your pet 🐾

  • Wildlife: the ranges are home to plenty of native animals, so please keep your pet close and supervised outdoors.
  • Vets: there are several nearby, including in Mount Dandenong and Montrose.
  • Looking for a pet-friendly café or walk? Message us through your booking and we'll point you in the right direction.

Safety and health

In an emergency, call 000 for police, fire or ambulance.

  • Nearest hospitals (24/7 emergency): Angliss Hospital, Albert Street, Upper Ferntree Gully, and Maroondah Hospital, Ringwood East.
  • Health advice at any time: Nurse-On-Call, 1300 60 60 24.
  • Fire Danger Period: the CFA restricts the use of fire to help prevent bushfires. You can't light fires in the open air without a permit. On Total Fire Ban days, no open-air fires are allowed, including firepits, and barbecues can only be used under strict conditions. Check today's rating and any Total Fire Ban at cfa.vic.gov.au →
  • Warnings: we recommend downloading the free VicEmergency app for alerts during your stay.
  • Power outages: being on the mountain, the area can lose power in severe weather. Your home's torch location is in your Welcome Guide. Keep the fridge and freezer closed, check AusNet's outage page →, and we'll message you with updates.

Need a recommendation for something else? Message us through your booking and we'll be happy to help.

Warmly,
Maison Luxury Stays Team

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