William Ricketts Sanctuary - Close to Attic House. We have hosted guests who travelled across the world to see this special place – a natural garden of beauty and tranquillity displaying half-hidden mystical sculptures of Aboriginal figures set among rocks, tree-ferns and the massive Mountain Ash forest. A true environmentalist, Ricketts believed that the natural environment is entrusted to us all, and by nurturing the earth, we nurture life. Abundant birdlife. Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong. Open Daily.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens - Historic garden developed by a wealthy businessman – delightful walk through huge trees down to the most pituresque lake. One of our favourite spots. Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke. Open Daily.

George Tindale Memorial Garden - a garden for all seasons – a sea of Hydrangeas in Summer; in Autumn the flame of foliage underplanted with delicate cyclamen; Daphne perfumed in Winter; Spring – Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Bulbs. 33 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke. Open Daily.

R.J. Hamer Arboretum - Brilliant hues of imported exotic trees contrast with the Australian native vegetation. A 100 hectare woodland refuge. Magnificent sweeping views. Chalet Rd. Olinda. Open Daily.

Pirianda Garden - Hectares of terraced gardens lead to intact native fern gullies. Spot Currawongs, Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, Butcher Birds, Honey Eaters and Kookaburras. Superb views. Hacketts Road, Olinda Open Daily.

Cloudehill - Beech and Hornbeam hedges, drystone walls and mellow brick masonry define the garden "rooms". Plus the Green Theatre, the old Rose Walk and the Peony Pavilion. Adjoining Cloudehill Nursery is Kejoma Gardens - A nursery opened in 1917 which became overgrown and impenetrable. Recalaimed in recent years, the original plants have responded and blossomed. "An enchanted place". Corner Olinda-Monbulk Rd and Woolrich Rd, Olinda.

Dandenong Ranges National Park - Attic House is located in about the centre of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, which stretches from near Montrose to Ferntree Gully and Gembrook.

Mountain Ash trees (the tallest flowering plants in the world) provide a towering canopy for deep gullies filled with ferns.

Birdlife is dominated by Laughing Kookaburras, gangs of crimson Rosellas and crowds of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. You may catch the song of our magnificent Lyrebird – and if you are very lucky you may spot one dancing. Most native animals in the park are nocturnal, but during the day you may come across an echidna or a wombat scratching around.

Sherbrooke Falls - An easy 2.5km return walk from the Sherbrook Picnic Ground – gently cascading water in a lush forest setting.

Mount Dandenong - From the summit, enjoy the panoramic view to the city buildings of Melbourne and the Bay beyond – a distance of about 36 km. Especially splendid as the sun sets and the lights come on at night! On the way back down, look for the view of Silvan Reservoir – there is a car park at the Kalorama Fiveways junction.

Walking Tracks - There are 300 km of walking tracks through the park – from short strolls to longer hikes for the fit. Maps are readily available.

The Thousand Steps - Climb to One Tree Hill up a challenging rainforest track – starts in the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground at Upper Ferntree Gully.

Drive Through the Forest - Every road in the Dandenongs has its own attraction! Perhaps take Perrins Creek Road down to Monbulk Rd and follow through to Belgrave, with a stop at Grants Picnic Ground for a stroll. Then down to Ferntree Gully and back up the Tourist Road.

This historic steam train began providing daily transport in 1900 for people living in the beautiful countryside of the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing Billy is now a major tourist attraction, running each day except Christmas Day, operated in the main by hundreds of volunteers.

The Steam Museum is near the Menzies Creek station – home of a unique collection of local and overseas locomotives, rolling stock and steam machinery. You can break your journey at Menzies Creek, and continue or return to Belgrave on a later train.

Emerald is the highest point on the journey. The town jumped into life with the discovery of gold in 1858. After the gold, the town remained as an agricultural centre. The Carriage Repair Workshop for the railway is in Emerald.

Lakeside station is adjacent to an excellent picnic park. The train then travels on to the terminus at Gembrook.

There are a variety of ticket/destination options, depending on the time you have available, plus tickets offering special extras.

The Dinner Train offers you the chance to wine and dine on Puffing Billy. Or you may choose the Luncheon Special, running Monday to Friday except public and school holidays. Pre-booking is required. There is also an Afternoon Tea Special.

Trains depart from Belgrave Station. Phone Puffing Billy (03) 9754 6800

MOUNTAIN FOREST NIGHT WALKS
See Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Owls,Fish, Possums
Let an experienced local guide take you for an educational and fun stroll under the stars at one of our fun parks On these walks you can discover the sights and sounds of the Australian bush. Walks start at sunset and are available throughout the year. For details, call 03 5962 5115.

WALK THE DANDENONGS WITH ALLWALKS
ALLWALKS will give you a walking experience of the Australian Bush. They will expertly guide you "off the beaten track" to some of the places only the locals know. Take the time to stop and chat, absorb the views and the fresh air. The family of the proprietor of ALLWALKS has lived and worked in the area since the 1890's. Learn it from a local! Contact ALLWALKS at 03 9751 1132.

ANNUAL DAFFODIL DISPLAY
Wonderful undercover display of daffodils in the National Rhododendron Gardens Show Hall. See and smell the glorious blooms and wander through the garden to marvel at the Golden Mile of Daffodils. Open 10 am to 5 pm daily Entry charge. The Georgian Rd, Olinda.

CAMELLIA FORTNIGHT
Explore the National Rhododendron Gardens and look for the many Camellias in bloom. Take part in the guided walks at the George Tindale Garden, Alfred Niholas Garden and Pirianda Garden. Open 10 am to 5 pm daily.

RHODODENDRON SHOW
During November, and particularly on the Melbourne Cup weekend, you will be stunned by the colours, scents and views at the spectacular National Rhododendron Gardens. Open 10 am to 5 pm

Craft and Antique Shops, Galleries and Tearooms abound in the townships of the Dandenong Ranges. Near Attic House, groups of interesting and varied stores may be found at the villages of Mount Dandenong (1 km), Olinda (2 km) and Sassafras (4.8 km).

Tea Leaves in the Sassafras Village offers the largest range of teas and teapots in Melbourne.

The Lace Shop in Olinda – eyecatching displays of lace – one of Melbourne's largest ranges.

A short drive through the Dandenongs will bring you to several other townships with more shops, galleries and tearooms