Dandenong Ranges National Park
In 1987 Sherbrooke Forest, Doongalla Reserve and Ferntree Gully National Park were combined to form Dandenong Ranges National Park. Covering 3215 hectares, the park plays an important role in protecting a population of famous lyrebirds and other fauna, as well as protecting the forests and fern gullies of the Ranges. Since June 1997 Olinda State Forest and the Mt Evelyn Forest have also been included in Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Things to Do
* Scenic drives through the Ranges are just as popular now as they have been for many years.
* Enjoy a picnic at the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground or at One Tree Hill or in Sherbrooke Forest.
* Near the park are coffee shops and restaurants, bed and breakfasts, craft shops, antique shops, gardens and the historic Puffing Billy train from Belgrave to Gembrook.
* Numerous walking tracks are excellent for short family strolls or longer hikes
The park is a day visit area and camping is not permitted. However, there are many B&Bs in and around the Dandenongs that are popular for short weekend breaks.
Heritage
Originally inhabited by the Wurundejeri Aboriginal people, the Ranges became an important source of timber for early Melbourne and much of the forest was cleared. Land was used for farming in the late nineteenth century as roads and railways were built. The 'Puffing Billy' narrow-gauge line from Ferntree Gully to Gembrook was opened in 1900.
The area became popular with tourists from the 1870s onw Fern Tree Gully was first reserved as a park in 1882 and other areas followed. The present national park was established in 1987.
Famous artists such as Sir Arthur Streeton chose to depict sites around the Dandenongs in their paintings. Reproductions of their works can be found in the park and around the Ranges.
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