Get out of the city and spend a relaxing and peaceful day out in nature in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges which is less than an hour from Melbourne by road. Discover the majestic and ancient forests on a leisurely walk and spot wildlife. If we're lucky we might run into the beautiful and elusive Lyrebird. Learn about the flora and fauna, as well as the history and culture of our First Nations People who are the traditional custodians of the land. Enjoy a wholesome lunch at a homely and cosy restaurant. After lunch explore a couple of beautiful cool climate gardens of the Dandenong Ranges or tweak the tour a bit to do one garden and spend time in one of the quaint villages for shopping or a wander instead. This is a private tour for either a single person, or a couple or a group of 3, so can be customised on the day. Tour starts at 10.00am and finishes at around 4.30pm which means you don't have to get up early, and still have plenty of time in the evenings to do other things.
Posted By : Nura_A
We are truly grateful for this private tour. The Dandenong Ranges forest is breathtaking, with the majestic Mountain Ash trees towering above us. The forest walk was definitely memorable — the air was cool and the sounds of birds captivating. Jay, our tour guide, was passionate and knowledgeable. Thanks Jay for the experience and for accommodating to our request to visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie instead of the cool climate gardens. We had lots of fun and learnt a lot!
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Posted On : 2024-06-18 01:07:02 
Posted By : DFWtravels_12
Jay was a terrific tour guide. The Forest walk was amazing and his knowledge of the trees and birds was impressive. If you want to know more about the nature of the area, this is a wonderful choice. I also enjoyed the botanical garden and seeing all the Aussie plants in one area - see if you can find cousin It!
The conversation with Jay was also interesting as he shared a bit about local life. And, the tea room he stopped at for lunch was delicious. All in all, a great day!
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Posted On : 2024-06-02 01:36:43 
Posted By : JONBONSC
Jay is just such a personable guy who led us on some interesting walks in the Dandenong ranges. Scenery was amazing - such tall trees and great bird sounds. My nine year old son just loved him! Had a great break at a tea room with a ton of sulphur crested cockatoos for scenery. He’s willing to arrange all sorts of private tours involving nature, and we will use him the next time we are in Melbourne.
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Posted On : 2024-05-31 01:21:21
Posted By : Philip_T
Excellent tour by Jay. Very knowledgeable about everything and highly recommend. Gave great recommendations on places to eat and things to see.
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Posted On : 2024-03-24 03:02:52
Posted By : 186fabiennev
A perfect day with a great guide! I thought I had seen everything there was to see in Dandenong but I wanted my French friends to discover nature with a guide (Japanese garden, wild or native nature) and I don't regret it. Jay, a passionate guide, knows everything about this region and I discovered places I didn't know, including the Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda, officially opened in June 2023.
I will go back in a month and a half to admire the fall colors.
Plus a very pleasant little restaurant where I will certainly return.
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Posted On : 2024-03-08 00:24:40
Posted By : katharine_h
Was wonderful yo see 3 different places with very different, yet equally tranquil gardens and landscapes.
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Posted On : 2024-02-23 21:57:57
Posted By : Lauren_H
Traveling with Jay was great! Really cool to have a personalized tour and learn more about the areas history. Would definitely recommend for a half day trip.
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Posted On : 2024-02-20 19:30:31
Posted By : Toronto2424
An enjoyable outing with a guide who is knowledgeable and passionate about nature and gardening.The walks are informative , beautiful , and easy to do.
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Posted On : 2024-02-11 18:17:36
Posted By : Nancy Quick M
Jay gave us a fantastic tour of 3 areas. We started in an old forest of eucalyptus trees that was stunning. The walk was easy and full of magnificent trees and ferns. Then we went to a public garden that was once part of an estate and so how formal gardening was used to bring more English style to Australian plants and trees. We had a lovely walk that included a Japanese pond. Our last garden was more botanical. It had more of Australian indigenous plants that were very unusual, a billabong, surrounded by walks willed with hydrangeas and rhododendrons. Great end of the day.
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Posted On : 2024-02-08 23:19:25
Posted By : Alia_L
Jay was extremely professional and a great guide to explore the beautiful forest and gardens! We had great conversations along the way, as he kept me informed of the treasures before me. I highly recommend for a wonderful experience to explore the natural beauty of areas surrounding Melbourne.
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Posted On : 2024-02-06 01:35:22
