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    Weekend Itinerary: Enchanted Escapes in the Dandenong Ranges – Forests, Food & Fairy Tales

    Olinda Tea House

    Mist, moss, and magic just an hour from the city

    Looking for a weekend that feels like stepping into another world? The Dandenong Ranges are calling. Just an hour from Melbourne, this whimsical region is all towering gums, lush fern gullies, steam trains, and cosy villages tucked beneath the trees.

    In winter, it’s even more magical — fog curling through the hills, fireplaces crackling in cafés, and the scent of wet eucalyptus on every walk. Here’s your guide to a weekend escape that’s equal parts relaxing and romantic.

    Arrive & Wander: Olinda Awaits 🌿🧁

    Start your escape in Olinda, a village that feels like it belongs in a storybook. Duck into the Olinda Tea House for lunch or a luxe afternoon tea overlooking landscaped gardens, or try Pie in the Sky in nearby Sassafras — a Dandenong institution.

    Stroll through Olinda’s boutique shops and galleries, or take a peaceful walk through the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, where seasonal colours, winding paths, and misty vistas await.

    Afternoon Adventures: Garden Strolls & Misty Moments 🌸🌫️

    Spend your afternoon exploring the enchanting Cloudehill Gardens, where stone paths wind through terraced garden rooms bursting with colour, even in the cooler months. In winter, the gardens take on a dreamy, moody feel — think bare branches, mossy stonework, and dramatic silhouettes in the fog.

    If you’re in the mood to linger, the on-site Seasons at Cloudehill restaurant is perfect for a mid-afternoon tea or early dinner — warm, elegant, and surrounded by nature’s quiet.

    Prefer a more low-key wander? Try the RJ Hamer Arboretum nearby, with panoramic views and walking trails that cut through towering eucalypts and lush tree ferns.

    Dinner & Firelight Feels 🔥🍷

    As the sun sets behind the hills, settle in for dinner at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, where you’ll find hearty seasonal dishes and sweeping views that stretch across Melbourne — weather permitting. On foggy nights, the warm interior and candlelit tables make for an atmospheric dining experience all on their own.

    If you’re after something more low-key, The Pig & Whistle Tavern in nearby Olinda delivers classic pub favourites, open fires, and an old-world feel that fits the forest setting perfectly. It’s a favourite with locals and a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.

    Whichever path you choose, you’ll find the Dandenongs do comfort food — and cosy corners — exceptionally well.

    Back at your accommodation, curl up by the fire or soak in a spa bath with a view. Treehouses, boutique cottages, and log cabins abound in this region — all designed with quiet in mind.

    Day Two: Steam Trains & Village Charm 🚂🧣

    Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Kallista Tea Rooms or Storehouse Roastery in Olinda, then make your way to Belgrave to hop aboard Puffing Billy — the iconic steam train that winds through tall mountain ash forests and open fern glades.

    Even if you’ve ridden it before, it’s pure joy — especially in winter, when steam and cold air mix in dramatic clouds over the treetops.

    Before You Go: Markets, Mist & Mountain Air 🧺🌬️

    If timing aligns, pop into the Emerald Craft and Produce Market (third Sunday of the month) or explore smaller villages like Monbulk and Kallista for antique shops, handmade goods, and more forest walks.

    No rush. This is a weekend best enjoyed slowly.

    Forest Folk Tips & Cosy Clues 🗺️

    • Fog is part of the fun – don’t wait for sunshine to enjoy the views.

    • Book Puffing Billy in advance, especially on weekends.

    • Keep an eye out for lyrebirds in the undergrowth – early mornings are best.

    • Wear sturdy shoes – paths can get muddy, especially near gardens and trails.

    Wander Well: Links for Your Dandenong Escape 🌳

    Your curated collection of planning links for a dreamy forest-filled weekend:

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