EVERY SEASON IN THE EASTERN DANDENONG RANGES BRINGS ITS OWN KIND OF MAGIC, AND WINTER IS NO EXCEPTION.

There is nothing better than waking up in a cosy cottage, luxury accommodation or farmstay with a warming fire in the grate, walking outside to catch the scent of freshly baked bread drifting through the rainforest air, a lush green scene from the balcony punctuated with the clear ring of bird calls.

Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty – majestic mountain ash eucalypts towering over a quivering carpet of fern trees, steep cascading forests that plunge into natural gorges or part to reveal glimpses or sky and distant mountains – the Eastern Dandenong Ranges forms the gateway from Melbourne to a diverse range of some 20 townships, each with something special to offer travellers.

The Puffing Billy historic railway wends its way from Belgrave to Gembrook, disappearing between tracts of untouched forest and re-emerging in charming villages or rolling farmland. For a limited time, Puffing Billy will light up the dark with the visually stunning Train of Lights running between 23rd June – 9th July.

Between Clematis and Gembrook, you can jump on the 17 km Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail and walk, cycle or ride alongside the trainline. Enjoy scenic drives, beautifully curated gardens, walking and hiking trails, horse riding,\ picnic spots, family-friendly parks, country markets, arts, culture and history attractions. Savour delicious local foods prepared in a variety of styles at one of The Hills region’s many restaurants and cafes.

Book in for an agriculture experience at a u-pick farm and take home produce fresh from the source. Discover the delights of the Dandenongs’ fresh produce at the trout farm, or growers producing nuts, olives, truffles and mushrooms, as well as small boutique wineries.

Be entertained by a diverse range of artistic performances at venues across the region. Musicians, bands and amateur theatre groups perform throughout the year, with artists coming from near and far to showcase their talents.

And of course, a trip to the Eastern Dandenong Ranges isn’t complete without exploring the village shops and meeting the locals, to send you home smiling.