The ‘Dandenongs’, otherwise known as the Dandenong Ranges, is one hour east of Melbourne. Being so close to Melbourne, day trips or even Sunday afternoon drives are a popular pastime with Melbourne residents. However there’s so much to see and do in the Dandenongs, that to really sample what’s on offer, nothing beats spending a couple of nights in one of the special places that can be found in and around the mountains.

Sherbrooke Forest, perhaps the best known of the the forests, is just one among several that make up the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Picnic grounds abound. Easy walking tracks past towering tree ferns, through gullies, across creeks, are delightful excursions before a light lunch or afternoon tea. Olinda is a favourite stop to browse for antiques and local crafts, or to grab a bite to eat. So too are most of the small townships such as Kalorama, Sassafras, Monbulk, Emerald, and the somewhat larger hubs of Belgrave and Berwick further south.

You could not talk of the Dandenongs without mentioning Puffing Billy, the steam train that travels between Belgrave and Gembrook. Travelling through forest, past quaint towns, across trestle bridges, whistle tooting and steam billowing along its 25km journey. An absolute favourite with children, but adults can enjoy the licensed buffet car for a more subdued and relaxing trip (see www.puffingbilly.com.au for more info). Once a year there is a race between Puffing Billy and hundreds of keen runners.

Apart from the the tracts of preserved native forest, the hills are dotted with very European style gardens. The cooler temperatures and rich mountain soil are home to the National Rhododendron Gardens (15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas over 40 hectares). CloudeHill Nursery and display gardens, near Olinda, is also a must for garden lovers. And for a truly spectacular spring show the Tesselaar Tulip Farm brings Holland to life a stone’s throw from the Silvan Reservoir. The Karwarra Australian Plant Gardens in Kalorama is a botanic showpiece of native plants.

William Ricketts Sanctuary is a magical place to visit. Here the meandering paths take you past Ricketts’ Aboriginal clay sculptures tucked into the landscape. These figures represent the soul of the land and its indigenous caretakers who are spritually connected with the environment. A most unique place.

A visit to the Dandenongs is not complete without taking in the view from Mt Dandenong Observatory. It’s the highest point in the range, at 633 metres, with views to Melbourne and the bay. At night it can be even more breathtaking.

The Dandenong Ranges & Knox Visitor Information Centre is located at 1211 Burwood Highway, Upper Ferntree Gully, 3156 Telephone (03) 9758 7533.