Guidebook for Sassafras
Entertainment & Activities
Puffing Billy is Australia’s favourite steam train. This century old steam train is still running on its original 25 kilometre mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook, through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges.
The open-sided carriages are the best way to see the stunning views and you can even dangle your legs over the side of the carriages – if you dare!
234 locals recommend
Puffing Billy Railway
1 Old Monbulk RdPuffing Billy is Australia’s favourite steam train. This century old steam train is still running on its original 25 kilometre mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook, through the beautiful forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges.
The open-sided carriages are the best way to see the stunning views and you can even dangle your legs over the side of the carriages – if you dare!
Food Scene
The Forest Lounge
543 Mount Dandenong Tourist RdTry the seafood chowder - it's so tasty!
Choose from a beautiful deck overlooking the forest on sunny days or one of the gorgeous rooms inside perhaps near the open fireplace on the cooler days.
14 locals recommend
King Henry Arts Cafe
320 Mount Dandenong Tourist RdChoose from a beautiful deck overlooking the forest on sunny days or one of the gorgeous rooms inside perhaps near the open fireplace on the cooler days.
Dudley's
540 Mount Dandenong Tourist RdGreat food in a great location. Indoor and outdoor dining options.
Lovely staff, great coffee and cakes. Try the lemon curd muffin with cream - Yum!
Great breakfasts and lunch menus too. Indoor and outdoor dining areas and an open fire to warm up by on those wintry days!
27 locals recommend
Ripe Australian Produce
376 Mount Dandenong Tourist RdLovely staff, great coffee and cakes. Try the lemon curd muffin with cream - Yum!
Great breakfasts and lunch menus too. Indoor and outdoor dining areas and an open fire to warm up by on those wintry days!
Parks & Nature
Beautiful trail walks where you can see the lyrebirds foraging or visit the waterfall. Very peaceful.
9 locals recommend
Sherbrooke Forest Car Park
Beautiful trail walks where you can see the lyrebirds foraging or visit the waterfall. Very peaceful.
Take in some important history of our Diggers and challenge yourself to walk the steps. A must do for all visitors.
48 locals recommend
1000 Steps Carpark
Mount Dandenong Tourist RoadTake in some important history of our Diggers and challenge yourself to walk the steps. A must do for all visitors.
Shopping
Sassafras
Quirky craft and gift shops.
Olinda
Quirky craft and gift shops, cafes.
Mount Dandenong
Antique store, cafes, bakery, florist, groceries.
Essentials
IGA Mt Dandenong
1526 Mount Dandenong Tourist RdCloses 8:00pm most nights.
Has a liquor store also.
Getting Around
Upper Ferntree Gully Station
Burwood HighwayApproximately 1 hour trip by train from Melbourne CBD.
Belgrave
Approximately 70 minute trip by train from Melbourne CBD.
Arts & Culture
Burrinja is a vibrant community cultural centre that encompasses multiple gallery spaces, a 400 seat theatre, live music, arts activities and events, artist studios, gardens, a gallery shop, workshops and a café.
48 locals recommend
Burrinja Cultural Centre
351 Glenfern RdBurrinja is a vibrant community cultural centre that encompasses multiple gallery spaces, a 400 seat theatre, live music, arts activities and events, artist studios, gardens, a gallery shop, workshops and a café.
Hidden away in a dense inlet along the winding Mt Dandenong Tourist Road is the internationally renowned William Ricketts Sanctuary. The sanctuary is not only one the Dandenong’s more iconic experiences, but one of the most inspiring and tranquil places on the mountain.
102 locals recommend
William Ricketts Sanctuary
1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist RdHidden away in a dense inlet along the winding Mt Dandenong Tourist Road is the internationally renowned William Ricketts Sanctuary. The sanctuary is not only one the Dandenong’s more iconic experiences, but one of the most inspiring and tranquil places on the mountain.