This morning you are going to enjoy some good old fashioned fun and the most beautiful rainforest in Victoria. You may consider topping that up with some great Aussie food and wine for lunch and go on to meet some of Australia’s wonderful wildlife. We’ll get your day started with a journey through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and views of the Dandenongs in the distance.
The Dandenongs
The Dandenong Ranges, known to the locals as the Dandenongs, are beautiful low mountain ranges just 35kms east of Melbourne. At their peak, they rise to more than 630 metres and are cloaked in lush rainforests of Mountain Ash trees (the tallest flowering plant in the world), waterfalls, rolling hills and steep valleys. The region is home to the very famous Puffing Billy Railway, numerous art and craft stores and cafés offering delicious homemade produce.
Grant’s Reserve & Morning Tea
Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Mountains is Grant’s Reserve – a haven in the wilderness. On arrival you will be charmed by the surrounding mountain hue and crisp clear air. While here you’ll enjoy a traditional Aussie billy tea with vegemite, crackers & lamingtons!
Handfeeding the Bird Life
Grant’s Reserve is a paradise for bird life and you can handfeed some of the most striking Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and pink-chested Galah. Make sure you have your camera on hand for some great photos.
Puffing Billy Steam Train
Next you head to Belgrave, home of the famous Puffing Billy Steam Train, where you are in for some fun! This century-old steam train is maintained in its original glory and runs to this day on its own mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook. Here you’ll go back in time as you get on board for a 30 minute ride through the heart of the rainforest. You’ll head through the gorgeous Sherbrooke Forest and ride over the old Trestle Bridge. Just before Menzies Creek you can see stunning views of Port Phillip Bay before heading through Paradise Valley and on to the townships of Emerald and Gembrook. You’re going to love it!
Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
Now you’re off to explore the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary and meet some Aussie wildlife. Set in a natural bushland environment this Sanctuary is home exclusively to Australian wildlife. Here you can walk the paths through the numerous habitats to see wallabies, wombats, koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and more than 200 native bird varieties.
• Travel through the lush ferns and dense forests of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges
• At Grants on Sherbrooke, enjoy a delicious traditional Devonshire Tea of scones served warm with jam and cream, and tea or coffee served in china cups. Plus, there's crackers with Vegemite for those brave enough to try!
• Before you leave, you can hand-feed some of the most striking Australian birds such as the colourful Crimson Rosella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Pink-chested Galah (seed provided)
• Ride the century-old Puffing Billy Steam Train on the 30-minute ride from Belgrave to Menzies Creek. View the towering Mountain Ash trees and beautiful gullies of Sherbrooke Forest
• Get ready to meet a group of furry friends at Australia’s premier wildlife and nature sanctuary, Healesville, home to mammals and reptiles and over 200 varieties of native birds
• Every Sunday, you can learn about the local Wurundjeri Aboriginal people. Hear of their culture, traditions and stories of the Dreamtime. Listen to the sounds of the didgeridoo and be amazed at their mastery making that Boomerang really fly!
• Lunch is available to purchase at one of three cafés at Healesville Sanctuary
• A volunteer guide will escort you among Australia’s unique birds and animals in a natural bushland setting
• You can experience ‘Kangaroo Country’, the ‘Spirits of the Sky’ show and ‘Tales from Platypus Creek’