ParkReady/ VictoriaBeta
← All parks

Yarra and Dandenong Ranges · official-source index

Dandenong Ranges National Park

A multi-precinct forest park near Melbourne where storm damage, local closures and different opening arrangements can be highly site-specific.

Source state

Official source checked

Last successful check
23 Aug 2026, 6:07 pm AEST

Active source matches

Conditions in the latest valid snapshot

Snapshot checked 23 Aug 2026, 6:07 pm AEST

Closure or no accessAffecting access or use

Areas of Dandenong Ranges National Park closed for night deer control operations

Parks Victoria will be continuing deer control operations within Dandenong Ranges National Park from 16 August to 19 November 2026. These works will be conducted on selected nights between 4:00 pm and 7:00 am by accredited and authorised contractors. To ensure public safety, some areas of the park will be temporarily closed and inaccessible during control operations. Signage will be displayed at park access points where control activities are taking place. For your safety, please read all signage and do not enter closed areas. For further information, please contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963. Attachments: DRNP control sites 26-27 (2) (787KB)

Read the official record Parks Victoria ↗
Works or maintenanceAffecting access or use

Margaret Lester Forest Walk Condition Update

The Margaret Lester Walk at Grants Picnic Ground has historically provided visitors with an accessible forest experience through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Due to the age and condition of the trail surface and associated infrastructure, the walk no longer meets the expected standard of an all abilities trail. Visitors may encounter uneven surfaces, drainage issues and sections of trail that may be difficult for some users to safely navigate. Planning work has been undertaken for a future upgrade of the trail, however delivery timeframes are still being confirmed. Until improvement works are completed, visitors are encouraged to assess whether the current trail conditions are suitable for their individual needs and abilities. Parks Victoria acknowledges the importance of accessible visitor experiences and appreciates the community’s patience while future options for the Margaret Lester Walk are progressed.

Read the official record Parks Victoria ↗
Changed accessAffecting access or use

Olinda/ Silvan Area- Georges Track pedestrian access only

Due to unstable ground from a damaged underground culvert, temporary fences have been installed at Georges Track and Herman Track intersection prohibiting vehicle access.This portion of the track is pedestrian use and horse riding only. Parks Victoria and DEECA are working to fix this issue to reinstate full access.

Read the official record Parks Victoria ↗
Closure or no accessAffecting access or use

Temporary Closure of Grants Picnic Ground Cafe

Grants Picnic Ground Café is temporarily closed while Parks Victoria works through an Expression of Interest process to secure a long-term and appropriate lease for the site. In the meantime, a mobile coffee van will be operating on-site from Tuesday to Saturday for the duration of the process.

Read the official record Parks Victoria ↗

Stable planning context

How to check this park

Dandenong Ranges National Park is divided across several forest precincts and visitor sites on Melbourne’s eastern edge. A track near Olinda, a picnic area in Sherbrooke and an access point around Ferntree Gully can have different notices and opening arrangements. Proximity to the city does not make a park-wide status more meaningful; the exact precinct and facility remain the useful level of checking.

Tall forest and steep terrain make storm damage, fallen trees and repair work recurring reasons for changed access. Some gates and picnic areas also follow published closing times or fire-danger arrangements. ParkReady does not infer that an unaffected listing item applies to another precinct, and it does not translate a removed notice into a claim that repairs are complete.

Before leaving, open the Parks Victoria page for the intended area and compare its place names with any active condition shown here. Check VicEmergency and current severe-weather information, particularly after strong wind or heavy rain. Local road and public-transport details should be confirmed through their controlling official sources. This site’s last-check time describes the automated source retrieval, not the time every facility was inspected. If no matching condition appears, continue to the official park page; the result does not say that every track, road, gate or visitor area is open.

This park

Recent recorded changes

All changes →

  1. removed from source

    Hardy Gully Nature Walk - Temporary Track Closure

  2. added

    Areas of Dandenong Ranges National Park closed for night deer control operations

  3. removed from source

    Areas of Dandenong Ranges National Park closed for night deer control operations

  4. added

    Hardy Gully Nature Walk - Temporary Track Closure

  5. added

    Areas of Dandenong Ranges National Park closed for night deer control operations

  6. added

    Margaret Lester Forest Walk Condition Update

  7. added

    Olinda/ Silvan Area- Georges Track pedestrian access only

  8. added

    Temporary Closure of Grants Picnic Ground Cafe