Escaping the city buzz and heading for the hills is a great alternative for a family time. The Dandenong Ranges, with its crisp mountain air, towering Mountain Ash trees, and stunning scenery, is the natural outing suited to all ages. After all the walks, you can roll out your picnic blanket with portable meal options like sushi platters and bento boxes that fulfill everyone’s tastes.
Top Picnic Spots in the Dandenong Ranges
First things first, you need to pick the perfect spot. The Dandenongs are filled with awesome spots, whether you want a slow stroll or a place for the kids to run around. Here are a few of our favourites.
1. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Image: Parks
This place looks like something out of a fairy tale. With picturesque bridges and lake, an iconic boathouse, and gazebo, this garden is a beautiful spot for a relaxed family picnic. Just imagine laying down a blanket by the water. A useful visiting tip when you’re visiting: dogs are allowed, but make sure they’re leashed at all times.
2. Grants Picnic Ground
The Dandenongs has many picnic grounds, but if you want the full “Mountain Ash trees canopy” and fern gully experience, this is it. Sitting in the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, it’s abundant with birdlife and short walking trails. It has BBQ shelters and tables, making it a convenient and popular family spot.
3. Sherbrooke Falls in Sherbrooke Forest
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Close to the beautiful hilltop villages in the Dandenong Ranges, Sherbrooke Forest offers a short trail to the waterfalls from the picnic grounds. You can follow the signposts from Sherbrooke Track or O’Donohue Track to get to the Sherbrooke Falls. Great for those who want a nature walk before lunch.
4. Puffing Billy Railway
Image: Visit Yarra Valley
Your family trip in the Dandenongs is incomplete without hopping on the historic Puffing Billy steam train. The track runs from Belgrave to Gembrook, through the towering forest and fern gullies, offering a view and experience that kids will love.
5. 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Image: Visit Victoria via RACV.com.au
For the more active family and fitness enthusiasts, why not tackle the famous 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Memorial Walk? It’s a challenging but rewarding hike. A good meal afterwards is the perfect way to refuel and celebrate your achievement.
Just a little reminder before you go:
- Check availability and facilities: many picnic areas provide tables, BBQ, and toilets, but some have limited services. Plan for wipes and nappies if you go with kids. Picnic grounds condition may vary, so always check with Parks Victoria or the related website for current updates.
Pack The Easiest, Tastiest Picnic Food
Now for the best part: the food! Instead of spending your morning making sandwiches, bring along a grab-and-go from Pika Sushi.
Our platters are made for sharing. The Regular Sushi Platter comes with 48 pieces and you can choose up to six different flavours like the classic Tuna Avocado to Teriyaki Chicken Avocado.
Your kids might love the Snack Platter, packed with crowd-pleasers like Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki, Veggie Spring Rolls, and more. It serves 4-5 people and comes with the dipping sauces you need.
If you prefer an individual meal, yet still convenient, our bento boxes are a complete, nutritious meal in one easy-to-carry box. The Chicken Karaage Bento Box or the Chicken Katsu Bento Box are fantastic options that are filling and delicious.
Packing a picnic with Pika Sushi means no prep and a whole lot more flavour. Order a platter before you go, and get ready to make your day trip to the Dandenongs even better.
