Visit the Villages of Mt Dandenong

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Visit the Villages of Mt Dandenong

The Villages of the Dandenong Ranges are the unique tourist Villages scattered through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia.
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Have you discovered THE MELBOURNE HILLS VILLAGES? The Villages of Mt Dandenong are unique in Victoria and you’ll see why as soon as you start to ascend the mountain. The concrete of Melbourne is suddenly replaced by lush greenery, rain forest, towering mountain ashes, giant tree ferns and in Spring a wonderful array of colour. Along the ridge of the mountain there are three main villages, Mount Da

ndenong, Olinda and Sassafras all within 2km of each other. In these Villages you’ll find Unique Speciality Shops, Restaurants and Boutique Accommodation. Surrounding the Villages are beautifully manicured gardens, stunning view points and the crispness of the mountain air will ensure that you leave us feeling revitalised and energised to take on the city again. Explore what the Villages have to offer and build your itinerary as you go. When finished you can print your itinerary or email it to yourself for reference. Only 1 hour from Melbourne on top of a lush green mountain. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

23/09/2024

WE LOVE SPRING! 🌷

With so many gorgeous gardens in the Villages, we just love the Spring colour. It really is a beautiful sight to see and not to be missed. Tesselaar Tulip Festival is on until Sunday 13th October so make sure you get out of the house and along to the most visited event in the region.

Many of our businesses are bringing Spring into the Villages for you to enjoy. Pop into Kallista and see the gorgeous display at Kallista General Store & Cellars. Stock up on delicious local pantry items, coffee, wine and gourmet foods while you are there.

Plan your visit now at www.thevillages.com.au

20/09/2024

Our favourite wine dinners are back!
PENFOLDS GRANGE vs THE REST! brought to you by Olinda Cellars
Friday 18th October 7.30pm
Citrine Bistro & Bar, Olinda

3 Course Dinner, 9 wines (3 wines per course)!
$195 per person - book now

Our next Wine Dinner - Penfolds Grange vs The Rest! - https://mailchi.mp/ce26b62afea4/our-next-wine-dinner-penfolds-grange-vs-the-rest
How good IS Penfolds Grange? This dinner we put it to the test against 8 other of our favoutite Shiraz which we think stack up against Australia's most iconic wine. But we're not going going to tell which wine is which until the end of the evening to avoid any preconceptions, all this paired with a stunning dinner from the Citrine Team.
3 Course Dinner, 9 wines (3 wines per course)!
Bookings at www.olindacellars.com/wine-dinners.html

09/09/2024

🌷TULIP FESTIVAL SPECIAL OFFER 🌷
SAVE $70 with a complimentary double pass

The spectacular Tulip Festival starts next weekend and runs until 13th October. With something happening everyday, and of course the rows and rows of beautiful tulips, it’s a very popular event that’s a ‘don’t miss’ in the Dandenong Ranges.

🌷Book any two-night stay at Mountain Lodge on Mt Dandenong during the Festival (Sept 14th to Oct 13th 2024) and receive a complimentary double pass. 🌷 Only available through direct bookings by calling Julie on 0422 494 871.

Find out more about Mountain Lodge at www.thevillages.com.au/listings/mountain-lodge-bed-breakfast

19/08/2024

I can almost smell SOAK in Sassafras just by looking at the picture. Gorgeous 😍
I didn't know about trimming the wick before lighting a candle. Did you?

Loving our wick trimmers ❤️ This handy little tool is one of those things you don’t know you need until you have one!
Trim wicks nice and short before every burn to see the difference. Your candle will burn beautifully, with a calm flame, no sooting, just clean vivid fragrance. Also helps your candles last, with an overall slower burn time. We’re obsessed. 🤩

07/08/2024

🌷 🌷 Spring is coming! 🌷 🌷

Spring time is tulip time. 4 weeks of special themed events and children’s activities and entertainment. Tulip season is truly beautiful and the entertainment is great. Themed weekends like Dutch, Turkish, Food & Jazz, Irish and a special week for Children.

🌷 More than a million spring flowering bulbs
🌷 Live entertainment
🌷 Delicious foods or bring a picnic
🌷 Free onsite parking
🌷 Just 40km east of Melbourne
🌷 Dogs on leads welcome
🌷 Pram Friendly
🌷 A kaleidoscope of colour

Come along to celebrate the beauty of tulips.

Find out more at tulipfestival.com.au
Plan you visit at thevillages.com.au

22/07/2024

One of our favourite Olinda stores, Mangana will be closing at the end of next month and everything is now 30% off until sold out.

Did anyone see Mangana in the Australian drama TV series 'Fake' with Asher Keedie and David Wenham? The Mt Dandenong Hotel also featured. Great series!

19/07/2024

Yes, Father's Day is creeping up very fast!

Organise the perfect day for Dad in the Villages of Mt Dandenong. From leisurely garden strolls to delicious lunches or high teas, it's a popular day in the hills so get organised now!

Plan your visit as www.thevillages.com.au

It's time to secure your table for Father's Day before the best tables get snapped up. ⏰

Sunday1st September, 2024 - for menu and pricing click on the below link:-

➡️ https://www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/whats-on/fathers-day/

09/07/2024

Christmas comes early at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong!

If you love the festive season and don’t want to wait until December, then join us for Christmas in July at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong and indulge in the traditional Christmas lunch and everything that makes the season delicious.
Perfect for groups small and large, bring your club or a group of friends and enjoy all the trappings of Christmas including live entertainment if booking numbers are over 70 guests.
Dining upstairs in our stylish function room which will be transformed for Christmas, you will have spectacular views across Melbourne from the Mornington Peninsula to Mt. Macedon and beyond.
Find out more at
www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/whats-on/christmas-in-july

02/07/2024

Green Folk - Mycelium Magic
Free exhibition at Leaf Studios in Kallista

Come see our community exhibition 'Green Folk - Mycelium Magic' celebrating the folk of the green and fanciful fungi! Like mycelium, we are all connected in nature and in spirit. We welcome you enjoy a collection of art that explores this hidden magic. A fantastical display of local artists' work displayed in our magical gallery space, complete with a nature inspired musical soundscape to take you into another world.

On show at Leaf Studios until July 21st
Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm
Find out more at www.leafstudios.com.au/events

23/06/2024

**NOW SOLD OUT - waiting List available**

SATURDAY 27th July 12pm - 4pm

It's Olinda Cellars 20th birthday this year so they are celebrating by holding their best WINE FEST yet! Focusing on just Reds for the cold winter months, they'll have a momentous selection of wine on tasting.

You will see wines from some of their favourite and Australia's most sought after winemakers: Giaconda, Wendouree, Sami-Odi, Henschke, Standish and more. Plus a rare selection from our personal cellar with early vintages of wines that have helped shape the reputation of little store in the Hills, Bindi, Black Magic, Azte's Corner, Deisen, Flaxman, Golden Ball, Samuels Gorge, Wantirna Estate, Yarra Yering, Yeringberg to name a few.

Tickets $75 includes all tastings and finger food
BOOK NOW at www.olindacellars.com/wine-fest

21/06/2024

SUNDAY BUFFET LUNCH AT SKYHIGH

Looking for a delicious Sunday buffet lunch to celebrate with friends and family?

Then make sure you check out SkyHigh's all you can eat Buffet Lunch our first one is scheduled for August 11th. These events are sure to be booked out, so secure your table today.

Find out more and to book:
www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/whats-on/sunday-lunch-special/

18/06/2024

THIS SATURDAY 5pm - 8pm

The winter solstice is upon us, which means that this Saturday, Belgrave will again become a literal and figurative beacon of light, levity and celebration across the hills. The Belgrave Lantern Festival will fill the streets of Belgrave with entertainment, food, fun and festivity.

Book some accommodation quickly and dive deep into the darkest and longest night of winter and explore a medley of entertainment, music, circus, art and craft stalls, DJ’s, workshops, fire pits and more.

Plan your visit here. www.thevllages.com.au

28/05/2024

20% OFF UNTIL SOLD OUT!

If you ever needed an excuse to visit The Villages, this is it!
Our beloved Mangana is saying good-bye after 40 years in Olinda.

This means that ALL stock has to go and with a massive 20% off, it won't take long.

Mangana has been an icon in Olinda, a treasure filled, eclectic mix of hand selected items from around the world, chosen for their beauty, charm and timelessness.

We'll have some exciting news soon about what will be filling the massive gap that Mangana will leave behind - and it is exciting!

But until then, Mangana is open daily 10am - 5.30pm in the centre of Olinda.

The Villages of Mt Dandenong are unique in Victoria and you’ll see why as soon as you start to ascend the mountain. The concrete of Melbourne is suddenly replaced by lush greenery, rain forest, towering mountain ashes, giant tree ferns and in Spring a wonderful array of colour.

24/05/2024

WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
in the Dandenong Ranges

Puffing Billy's Train of Lights might be sold out but you can still see the train making it's way from Emerald to Gembrook. Book your accommodation, bring the family and choose a vantage point to catch a glimpse of this amazing sight.

There is plenty of entertainment for the kids in the Villages with the gorgeous Olinda Playscape, the many parks and gardens to explore, Geppetto's Workshop, Sassafras Sweet Co, Only Mine Chocolate Factory, the Maze at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong, kid friendly restaurants and some amazing family friendly accommodation.

Plan your visit at www.thevillages.com.au

21/05/2024

BELGRAVE LANTERN PARADE
Saturday 22nd June
5pm - 8pm

Reserve the date, book in your accommodation and dive deep into the darkest and longest night of winter and explore a medley of entertainment, music, circus, art and craft stalls, DJ’s, workshops, fire pits and more.

On the longest night of the year, Belgrave will again become a literal and figurative beacon of light, levity and celebration across the hills. On Saturday, June 22, The Belgrave Lantern Festival will fill the streets of Belgrave with entertainment, food, fun and festivity.

Find your accommodation now at:
www.thevillages.com.au/categories/accommodation

16/05/2024

Puffing Billy - Train of Lights
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10.00 AM THURSDAY 23RD MAY!

Back by popular demand, the spectacular nighttime light show returns across three weeks from 28th June to 21st July!

Embark on a return 2.5-hour journey that travels from Lakeside Station to Gembrook. As dusk falls and the chilly winter air sets in, the train will come to life with a dazzling display of moving lights, colours, and immersive patterns, captivating passengers from the comfort of open-side carriages as the train winds its way along the historic narrow-gauge track.

Don't miss out on the magic – reserve your seats from 10.00am on Thursday 23 May and let the winter wonder unfold on the Train of Lights!

PLEASE NOTE | To manage traffic flow and to ensure the fairest possible purchase experience for all customers, you will be placed in a virtual queue when purchasing tickets on the 23rd May.

Find out more at www.puffingbilly.com.au/events/tol-tickets-on-sale-soon2024

11/05/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all our mums out there!

We hope you have a wonderful day designed just for you.

If you haven't organised anything with your mum yet it's not too late to jump in the car and take her for a stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the autumn colour. Maybe organise a voucher for a relaxing break away when it suits her. You'll find everything for the perfect day out with Mum in the Villages.

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Melbourne, VIC
3788

Website

http://www.thevillages.com.au/

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🌷TULIP FESTIVAL SPECIAL OFFER 🌷 SAVE $70 with a complimentary double pass The spectacular Tulip Festival starts next weekend and runs until 13th October. With something happening everyday, and of course the rows and rows of beautiful tulips, it’s a very popular event that’s a ‘don’t miss’ in the Dandenong Ranges. 🌷Book any two-night stay at Mountain Lodge on Mt Dandenong during the Festival (Sept 14th to Oct 13th 2024) and receive a complimentary double pass. 🌷 Only available through direct bookings by calling Julie on 0422 494 871. Find out more about Mountain Lodge at www.thevillages.com.au/listings/mountain-lodge-bed-breakfast #visitthevillages #dandenongranges #visitdandenongranges #mtdandenong #tulipfestival2024 #tulipfestival

Christmas comes early at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong! If you love the festive season and don’t want to wait until December, then join us for Christmas in July at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong and indulge in the traditional Christmas lunch and everything that makes the season delicious. Perfect for groups small and large, bring your club or a group of friends and enjoy all the trappings of Christmas including live entertainment if booking numbers are over 70 guests. Dining upstairs in our stylish function room which will be transformed for Christmas, you will have spectacular views across Melbourne from the Mornington Peninsula to Mt. Macedon and beyond. Find out more at www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/whats-on/christmas-in-july #SkyHigh #visitthevillages #dandenongranges #christmasinjuly #olinda #sassafras #mtdandenong #kalorama #sherbrooke #kallista #fernycreek #fortnumssassafra

Look at the goregous Autumn colour! Take a stroll on Mother's Day through the stunning Cloudehill Gardens. #visitthevillages #mothersdaygift #dandenongranges #melbournesmountainretreat #visitdandenongranges #MothersDay #gardens #cloudehill #cloudehilll #cloudehillgarden #cloudehillgardens

Give your mum the gift of quality time with you this Sunday. Come and explore the Villages of Mt Dandenong in its beautiful Autumn colour, just one hour east of Melbourne. Take a stroll through one of the many gardens, browse the unique village shops and grab a bite to eat or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together. Plan your visit here www.thevillage.com.au #visitthevillages #visitdandenongranges #dandenongranges #melbournesmountainretreat #mothersdaygift #MothersDay #gardens

MOTHER'S DAY - Celebrate in the Villages Sunday 12th May The perfect place to bring Mum on Mother's Day. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the autumn colour. Enjoy a delicious Mother's Day lunch or maybe experience an authentic High Tea. Browse the gorgeous shops with many gift ideas for Mum. Stay a little longer and book a weekend away with Mum or maybe give her a voucher to organise a relaxing break away when it suits her. You'll find everything for the perfect day out with Mum in the Villages. #accommodation #visitdandenongranges #dandenongrangesstays #melbournesmountainretreat #visitthevillages #dandenongranges

Kapi Art Studio

As part of the Open Studios in the Dandenong Ranges, you can also join our local artists in a workshop in their craft. Studio 2 • Heather Bradbury - Kapi Art Studio, Kalorama Workshop: Photorealistic Painting Photo realistic oil painting workshop, take home a masterpiece Start: 3pm 13th April & 20th April Duration: 2 hours Cost: $45 Event: Movement Art Live performance: Painting, movement & music. A collaborative feast Start: 3pm 14th April & 21st April Duration: 30 mins FREE Bookings close the Friday before the workshops. Book now at https://openstudios.org.au/events/ #dandenongranges #visitdandenongranges #melbournesmountainretreat #visitthevillages #openstudios2024 #openstudiosdandenongranges

As part of the Open Studios in the Dandenong Ranges, you can also join our local artists in a workshop in their craft. Studio 4 • Helene Campbell - Tall Trees Studio, Olinda Workshop: Beaten Ring - Create a beaten sterling silver ring Start: 2pm Sat 13th April & Sat 20th April Duration: 90mins Cost: $150 Workshop: Beaten Earrings - Create your own sterling silver earrings Start: 2pm Sun 14th April & Sun 21st April Duration: 90 mins Cost: $150 Bookings close the Friday before the workshops. Book now at https://openstudios.org.au/events/ #dandenongranges #visitdandenongranges #melbournesmountainretreat #visitthevillages #openstudios2024 #openstudiosdandenongranges

VISIT OLINDA THIS WEEKEND The autumn colour is starting to make an appearance, so jump in the car and head to the hills this weekend. Magical Olinda awaits with waterfalls, inspiring gardens, delicious food and wine and some of the most browseable shops you'll ever come across. It's not too late to book a last minute getaway in one of our stunning accommodation properties. Plan your visit here www.thevillages.com.au #mtdandenong #visitthevillages #sassafras #dandenongrangesstays #dandenongranges #melbournesmountainretreat #olinda #visitdandenongranges #accommodation

BROWSE THE DAY AWAY You'll spend hours happily browsing the unique shops in the Villages. There is something to keep the whole family happy. Remember to bring a BIG shopping bag as it will be impossible to leave empty handed. Take a rest afterwards in one of the many cafés and restaurants or plan ahead and stay at one of our cosy cottages or stunning hills houses. More than one day of shopping? Perfect! Plan your visit at www.thevillages.com.au #melbournesmountainretreat #dandenongranges #visitthevillages #dandenongrangesstays #olinda #mtdandenong #sassafras

EASTER ACCOMMODATION | Wake up amongst the trees Our stunning accommodation is filling up fast so get online and book now. Escape the city and wake up amongst the trees and wildlife in the Dandenong Ranges. You'll be spoilt for choice with a range of restaurants, attractions, parks and gardens and unique village shops. Trust us, you won't want to go home! Plan your visit here www.thevillages.com.au #visitthevillages #visitdandenongranges #mtdandenong #melbournesmountainretreat #olinda #sassafras #accommodation #dandenongranges #dandenongrangesstays

Escape the city and experience the magic of Sassafras. Just an hour east of Melbourne, the Villages of Mt Dandenong are the heart and soul of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Iconic eateries, eclectic shops, gorgeous gardens and if you want to stay a little longer, stunning accommodation. What are you waiting for? Come and explore Melbourne's mountain retreat. Plan your visit at www.thevillages.com.au #visitthevillages #sassafras #olinda #dandenongranges #dandenongrangesstays #mtdandenong #accommodation #visitdandenongranges

FATHER’S DAY IN THE HILLS Sunday 3rd September Give Dad a break away from his usual routine this weekend and bring him up to the hills. Spend time with him on a stroll through one of our magnificent gardens and a browse through the village shops. Drop into Truffaux Hatmakers in Olinda and find him the perfect hat - there is one to suit every dad! Plan your visit here www.thevillages.com.au #visitthevillages #dandenongranges #accommodation #olindastays #sassafrasstays #dandenongrangesstays #olinda #sassafras #chelseaaustraliangarden #kalorama #mtdandenong #sherbrooke #fernycreek #gardens #Truffaux

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Our Story

Have you discovered The Villages of the Dandenong Ranges? The Villages are unique in Victoria and you’ll see why as soon as you start to ascend the mountain. The concrete of Melbourne is suddenly replaced by lush greenery, rain forest, towering mountain ashes, giant tree ferns and in Autumn and Spring a wonderful array of colour. Along the ridge of the mountain there are three main villages, Mount Dandenong, Olinda and Sassafras all within 2km of each other. On the other side, explore Sherbooke, Kallista, Monbulk and Silvan before venturing into wine country south of the Warburton Highway.

If you drive around the mountain you can follow the Puffing Billy Steam Train trail through Belgrave, Emerald and Gembrook. In all these Villages you’ll find unique speciality shops, restaurants and boutique accommodation. Surrounding the Villages are beautifully manicured gardens, stunning view points and the crispness of the Ranges air will ensure that you leave us feeling revitalised and energised to take on the city again. Explore what The Villages have to offer and build your itinerary as you go. Only 1 hour from Melbourne, what are you waiting for?