Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Get out of the city and spend a relaxing and peaceful day out in nature in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges which is less than an hour from Melbourne by road. Discover the majestic and ancient forests on a leisurely walk and spot wildlife. If we're lucky we might run into the beautiful and elusive Lyrebird. Learn about the flora and fauna, as well as the history of the area. Enjoy a wholesome lunch at a homely and cosy restaurant. After lunch we will go to the Alfred Nicholas Gardens which has a beautiful Japanese inspired lake garden at the bottom of the hill and then our final stop will be to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden which showcases an award winning native Australian garden. This is a private tour catering to a group of up to 7 people and can be customised on the day. Please note that if you make a booking for you or your group then no one else will be able to book, ensuring that it is a private tour just for you.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Visit to a cosy restaurant after forest walk
What To Expect
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Take a leisurely walk in the main forest of the Dandenong Ranges, where you will be amongst the second tallest trees in the world, the Mountain Ash eucalyptus tree, and the ancient Fern tree forest. Soak in the sights and sounds of this beautiful forest.
Kallista
After our forest walk, we'll drive to the little village of Kallista to stop over at a cosy restaurant for lunch.
Options
Group of 5 people
Pickup included
3 People
For 3 guests Pickup included
Group of 7
Pickup included
Group of 4 people
For 4 guests Pickup included
Group of 6
Pickup included
Couple
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Local guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Drinks
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
70 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Experience
Tr1pAdv1s0rUser,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can't say enough about our day with Jay in Dandenong. He picked us up promptly at the time of our choosing, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the plants, animals, people and geography of the area, and most importantly he was super friendly and really put us at ease. We now have a smart new friend in Australia. The forests and gardens in the mountains are stunning and soothing. Well worth the short trip out from the hustle of Melbourne.
Best tour company
BTH66,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked with Awaken Tours and Jay the owner was our driver and guide for the day. Jay was fantastic, he arrived on time and was so friendly and knowledgeable about the areas we visited. If you are looking at booking any tours, make sure you contact Jay at Awaken Tours, as you won't be disappointed.
Dandenong Private Tour
Molly C,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
First class tour & Jay, the Tour Guide is very personable and knowledgeable of the area & Australia.
988sylvianel,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great way to experience the Dandenong Ranges forest, vegetation and birdlife. We also visited two additional picturesque Gardens & experienced the Jay’s Lunch Special. All in all, a great and memorable day. Thank you very much Jay. Doug & Sylviane Calgary Canada
Natural beauty just outside the city with great guide
James C,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had 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!
A relaxing day in nature
Stephanie B,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It 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.
It was a nice day out...
Jared B,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a nice day out with Jay, he has a lot of knowledge on the area and the nature we were walking through.
Great tour with Jay
Z1424PPkristinm,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was excellent - we had an amazing tour! Highly recommend to everyone who wants an informative experience with a tour guide that is knowledgeable.
Amazing flora of the area
KevinHood,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although it was a rainy day that impacted a bit on the day, Jay was amazing in regards to his knowledge and ability to show us the beauty of the area. We would gladly have spent another day travelling with Jay!
A day in the Dandenongs.
david s,Feb 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great guide. Jay took us on three beautiful walks in the Dandenong Mountains . The scenery was fantastic.
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Operated by Awaken Tours