Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Melbourne, Australia

5 to 6 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Explore the beautiful forest and gardens of the Dandenong Ranges on a relaxing day tour not too far from the city. Enjoy a guided walk through an old-growth forest and learn about the flora and fauna, as well as the area's history. Break for lunch in the little village of Kallista before visiting the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, where you'll find tranquil Japanese-themed lake gardens at the bottom of a hill. End at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens to see the award-winning Australian Garden.

Experience the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges
Enjoy the serenity of the Alfred Nicholas Garden in Sherbrooke
Stopover for lunch and round trip transportation from Melbourne CBD
A private tour to ensures an intimate personal experience

What's Included

Local guide
Air-conditioned vehicle

Drinks
Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pick up time is 10.00am. The tour guide will pick up customers from the accommodation if it's in the city centre, or north of the city. Please make a request to be picked up in the notes and provide the name and address of accommodation, while making the booking. The tour guide will be in contact close to the date of travel, to confirm the pick up location.

Operating hours
.10:00 am

Itinerary

Dandenong Ranges National Park

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Kallista

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Visit to a cosy restaurant after forest walk
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Stephanie_B

It was a beautiful, relaxing day in nature. Jay was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and full of interesting conversation and insights. The eucalyptus forest smelled incredible and we enjoyed watching all of the birds. Lunch was delicious and we really enjoyed seeing the Australian plants at the botanic gardens.

Reviews

4.9

based on 68 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Dandenong Private Tour

Molly_C, Feb 2026

We appreciated Jay’s suggestion to start our tour earlier to benefit the better weather and cooler temperatures for our hikes. The hikes were stunning and our lunch stop was well timed. Jay’s knowledge of the flora and fauna was impressive.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks for a lovely review Molly, all the best to you both. Cheers, Jay

Natural beauty just outside the city with great guide

James_C, Jan 2026

Had a wonderful day with Jay. He is quite knowledgeable about the area - it’s flora and fauna and it was so nice to see how much he loves Australia and being out in nature - making him the perfect guide for this excursion. His transportation is comfortable. Had a great lunch too. We had nice conversation- felt like we got to know him without being overwhelmed or talked at all day like tours can sometimes be. We found it spectacular to see the tall trees and all the beautiful gardens. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thanks for a great review matey, enjoy the rest of your Aussie adventure. Cheers, Jay

A relaxing day in nature

Stephanie_B, Jan 2026

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thanks for a lovely review Stephanie, really enjoyed hanging out with you guys yesterday, all the best with the rest of your Aussie adventure, Cheers, Jay.

It was a nice day out...

Jared_B, Dec 2025

It was a nice day out with Jay, he has a lot of knowledge on the area and the nature we were walking through.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thanks for a lovely review matey, all the best. Jay

A day in the Dandenongs.

david_s, Feb 2025

We had a great guide. Jay took us on three beautiful walks in the Dandenong Mountains . The scenery was fantastic.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thanks for a lovely review David, enjoy the rest of your time in Australia. Jay

Jay is friendly,...

Manju_L, Dec 2024

Jay is friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I thoroughly enjoyed my day trip to the Dandenong ranges and botanical gardens. Lunch was at a very quaint cafe where the food was good and the ambiance was peaceful. We got to take the hikes in at a good and moderate pace and still enjoy the scenery. I highly recommend this tour into nature.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thanks for a lovely review Manju, have fun in Sydney. Jay

Natural

Diana_G, Aug 2024

Enjoy nature and fresh air meditate our body and soul. Our guide Joe being a great job to explain all kinds of plants and flowers👍

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thanks Diana, for a lovely review. All the best to you both. Jay

Private tour.

Goran_M, Jun 2024

I went during the winter, on a day that was cold and wet but that just added to the experience. I got to see the area in a different climate whereby the mist made it all that more enchanting. Thanks to Jay for being very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thanks for a lovely review matey, all the best. Jay

Towering Trees, Cool Air and Captivating Sounds

Nura_A, Jun 2024

We are truly grateful for this private tour. The Dandenong Ranges forest is breathtaking, with the majestic Mountain Ash trees towering above us. The forest walk was definitely memorable — the air was cool and the sounds of birds captivating. Jay, our tour guide, was passionate and knowledgeable. Thanks Jay for the experience and for accommodating to our request to visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie instead of the cool climate gardens. We had lots of fun and learnt a lot!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Hi Sri, Thanks for a lovely review, all the best to you both. Jay

Excellent tour

Philip_T, Mar 2024

Excellent tour by Jay. Very knowledgeable about everything and highly recommend. Gave great recommendations on places to eat and things to see.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thanks for a lovely review Philip, it was lovely hanging out with you guys. All the best. Jay

A beautiful day to reconnect with green surroundings

katharine_h, Feb 2024

Was wonderful yo see 3 different places with very different, yet equally tranquil gardens and landscapes.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Katharine, Thanks for the lovely review. Take care and all the best. Jay

Great half day tour

Lauren_H, Feb 2024

Traveling with Jay was great! Really cool to have a personalized tour and learn more about the areas history. Would definitely recommend for a half day trip.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Lauren, Thanks for a lovely review, hope you both have enjoyed your other adventures around Melbourne. Cheers, Jay.

Amazing views!

Alia_L, Feb 2024

Jay was extremely professional and a great guide to explore the beautiful forest and gardens! We had great conversations along the way, as he kept me informed of the treasures before me. I highly recommend for a wonderful experience to explore the natural beauty of areas surrounding Melbourne.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hey Alia, Thanks for a great review, hopefully catch you on a future visit to Melbourne. Jay

Best guide ever!

ANGELA_N, Jan 2024

Our tour guide, Jay, was wonderful. He took us on a few hikes in the Dandenong Ranges and then to some beautiful botanical gardens. We stopped for lunch at a great cafe and were an arms length away from a hundred cockatoos. He then drove us around the city while explaining the history of Melbourne. Soooooo much fun. Best guide ever!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hey Angela, Thanks for a great review, it felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends at the end of the day. All the best to you both. Jay

Would like to Nature dont miss!!

Erdem_Y, May 2023

First of all I would like to my Guide to Jay. He was very helpful and kind. He give all information about tour. Thanks to him. Tour was very good. Nature was perfect, fresh air. Many different kind of birds.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thanks for the lovely review my friend. All the best, Jay

Nature at its best

christopher_r, Nov 2021

Awesome nature immersion saw kangaroo lyre bird kookaburras cockatoos and many smaller birds amongst giant eucalypts

Pure magic

Amy, Mar 2020

I have wanted to go to the William Rickett's Sanctuary ever since I saw photos from there over two decades ago. I traveled across the world to see it and it did not disappoint. Jay was extremely knowledgeable and explained the significance of the place including both land and sculptures. He gave plenty of time to absorb this magical place. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch followed by a walk in the woods. What a perfect day!

Response from Host, Mar 2020

Hi Amy, Thanks so much for a wonderful review, and for persisting with tripadvisor. Enjoyed spending time with you both. All the best with everything. Regards, Jay

A great time

Christiane R, Dec 2019

I had a private tour with Jay and it was a great tour. It was very informative and the guide was as receptive to questions as possible. I highly recommand this tour.

Response from Host, Dec 2019

Hi Christiane, Thanks for a wonderful review, much appreciated. Take care and all the best. Jay

Well worth the trek!

westlinwind2019, Sep 2019

The William Ricketts Sanctuary is stunning and mythic and well worth the trip. Our guide Jay was entertaining, jovial, and well informed. This was a highlight of our Melbourne stay.

Response from Host, Oct 2019

Thanks for a lovely review guys, much appreciated. Take care and all the best. Jay.

Beautiful trip and amazing service

abdul_s, May 2019

Dandenong forest was amazing! i have been to 1000 steps but didnt get the chance to visit forest and the sanctuary which is why i booked this tour. it was incredible and Jay was very helpful and kind. he brought some homemade fennel tea which was the best tea i ever had!

Response from Host, May 2019

Thanks Abdul, for an excellent review. It was a fun day. Talk soon. Jay

Something really special

Gail_P, Apr 2019

My friend and I went on the tour on 1 April, the day was overcast to start, but refreshing cool. Jay was a fantastic tour guide, prompt, efficient, a really delightful young man. His knowledge and passion for the William Ricketts Sanctuary was exceptional, really engaging us with the man behind the works, his relationship with our First Nation people, his life and his beautiful art. The experience was a once in a lifetime one. Lunch was perfect! Delicious, well prepared in a magical setting. The walk through the Sherbrooke Forest amongst majestic mountain ash eucalypts was stunning, we lucked seeing crimson rosellas and even a couple of lyrebirds! The drive was comfortable both ways, and we arrived back at our hotel refreshed, inspired and looking forward to the next visit to Melbourne when we can join Jay again for another adventure. Thank you SO much. We had a great time.

Response from Host, Apr 2019

Hi Gail, Thanks for a wonderful review. Much appreciated. I looked into Tim Low's song bird research, very fascinating stuff. Thanks for that. Yea, look me up when you're down in Melbourne again. Take care, Jay

William Ricketts Sanctuary

David K, Jan 2019

An informative journey to an off the tourist trail location. Our guide Jay was enthusiastic and engaging throughout and the sanctuary as well as old growth forest walk afterwards both proved rewarding. Worth doing if you don’t have a lot of time and want to get outside of Melbourne.

A great day out!

Fiona_B, Nov 2018

Jay was a wonderful tour leader who has an extensive knowledge of what he is showing, His driving was excellent and for interstate people it is good to have cultural experiences and enjoy the relaxing beauty of the Dandenongs whilst in Melbourne. Thanks Jay for a memorable day and for looking after us so well.

We joined this tour on 9 May...

KingSan_L, May 2018

We joined this tour on 9 May. William Ricketts sculptures mixed with the natural environment very well and inspire us a lot. Thanks for the guide, Jays explanation. He is friendly and considerate. We have lunch in a restaurant where we can see parrots at eye level through windows - an unique experience and the food is nice. Then, walking in Dandenong forest and exploring fern, mountain ash, Lyrebird, parrots that is something new to us who live in city. Relax and fun!

Quite expensive for what it is, a...

Kimberly_R, Jan 2018

Quite expensive for what it is, a 45-minute ride out of the city, entry into a national park with commentary and lunch.

Dandenong and William Ricketts...

Japandrea02, Aug 2017

Dandenong and William Ricketts Sanctuary 1/2 day tour is a unique, beautiful, and moving experience. There are many perks to this tour: William Ricketts Sanctuary is like nothing I'd ever seen before, and the forests are amazing! Because the tour is limited to three people, you get to hear Jay's extensive knowledge of the aboriginal people, the sanctuary, and the wildlife. And another: the tour doesn't start super early and you are home to Melbourne with plenty of time to enjoy dinner, city life after a super day in nature. This was a wonderful tour in Melbourne. Suggestion: we went on a rainy day and I did have to buy new Uggs when I got back to the city. Bring some throw-away sneakers or rain boots just in case. Or buy new Uggs if it's muddy. :

Being a small group, you can tailor...

Bev H, Jun 2017

Being a small group, you can tailor the trip to suit you. We spent an amazing morning at the William Rickett Sanctuary followed by a fabulous lunch by the fire. We walked through the Sherbrooke Forest which was so peaceful then Jay drove me to show off the gorgeous Autumn colours in the Dandenong Ranges which was what I really wanted to see. Jay was so informative about Melbourne, it's history and the Dandenongs. Hopefully I can take another trip when spring arrives if I am still in Melbourne.

Excellent tour. Wonderfully...

Helen_K, Apr 2017

Excellent tour. Wonderfully knowledgeable guide. The lunch was amazing 5star. Not over taxing walking. Great half day tour. Highly recommended.

A pleasant enough day out. Jay...

Adele S, Feb 2017

A pleasant enough day out. Jay picked us up from St. Pauls on time and was very friendly and talkative on the drive up to the Sanctuary. He was very knowledgeable about the sculptures that Ricketts created and the beliefs and values of the people he depicted. Lunch was very nice at a restaurant 2 minutes away. I think it is a bit of a misnomer to describe the day as a 'nature' day trip as the walk in the Dandenong Ranges was simply a stroll along a very well-trodden path in the woods and Jay's knowledge of local fauna and flora was rather limited, focusing very much on trying to spot a lyre bird and the crimson rosella parrot.

I did this tour with Jay in mid...

Abigail S, Jan 2017

I did this tour with Jay in mid December, and it was fantastic! I was slightly worried about doing a tour on my own, but with such a friendly tour guide it was brilliant. The tour itself was very well planned, Jay's knowledge on the area and its history was very impressive, he taught me a lot about not only Melbourne's history but also also of other cities and parts of Australia. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is very impressive, and along with Jay's explanations of its development, history and meaning, it is a must to do! I was in awe and admiration of the whole Sanctuary, and I know if i had gone myself I would have missed such crucial parts that Jay taught. The lunch provided was also amazing, I wont ruin the surprise for anyone else, but just ask for the salad!! The walk through the ancient forest was so peaceful and calming after being in the city for a few days! Again Jay's knowledge on the area shone through, teaching me not only about the history but of the plant and wildlife in the area. This tour is a must do for anyone!! Thank you for a wonderful day!