Dandenong Ranges Day Trip from Melbourne by Train
Want a break from the city without hiring a car? The Dandenong Ranges, on Melbourne's eastern edge, are known for tall mountain ash forests, tree ferns and cool, shady walking tracks. You can get there by train on Melbourne's public transport network.
Getting there
Take a Belgrave line train from the city. Use your myki card and check times on the PTV journey planner.
For the 1000 Steps, get off at Upper Ferntree Gully station. Parks Victoria says the station is about 1200 m from the bottom of the steps.
For Puffing Billy, stay on the train to the end of the line at Belgrave.
The 1000 Steps (Kokoda Track Memorial Walk)
This is one of Victoria's best-known walks. According to Parks Victoria, the route climbs the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, including the 1000 Steps, to a clearing with city views, and you can return via the Lyrebird Track. It's steep, so take it at your own pace.
It starts at the Ferntree Gully Picnic Area, at the corner of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Burwood Highway.
There are toilets, a picnic area and the 1000 Steps Café near the start.
It gets busy on weekends. Parks Victoria says the car park often fills by about 10am, which is another reason to come by train.
Dogs aren't allowed on the 1000 Steps.
Puffing Billy steam train
Puffing Billy is a heritage steam railway that leaves from Belgrave. The railway says bookings are essential, as trips often sell out. For travel from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, an adult return from Belgrave to Lakeside costs $66, and the trip takes about an hour each way. Timetables change by date, so check before you go.
A simple day plan
Morning train to Upper Ferntree Gully and walk to the 1000 Steps
Climb the steps, then come back down via the Lyrebird Track
Train on to Belgrave for lunch
Afternoon Puffing Billy ride (if you booked) or a relaxed walk, then train back to the city
Safety tips
Parks Victoria closes the park on days of Extreme Fire Danger or severe weather. Check alerts on the Parks Victoria website and the VicEmergency app before you leave.
Some areas may close for planned burns or for deer control at night (between 4pm and 7am on selected nights until 19 November 2026). Follow the signs.
Bring water, good shoes and a light jacket. It's often cooler in the hills than in the city.
Love day trips? Read our Blue Mountains day trip guide for a Sydney option.
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Sources: Parks Victoria, 1000 Steps Walk (Dandenong Ranges National Park); Puffing Billy Railway, Fares & Timetables (2026–27 fares).
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