All aboard the Puffing Billy steam train, and travel through the Dandenong Ranges with gullies full of ferns, thick forests and rolling meadow land east of Melbourne that is a perfect romantic get away. The area is spotted with wildlife parks, crystal lakes, and quaint villages with a glorious past and fairy tale names such as Belgrave, Emerald and Gembrook; there in these towns you will find good restaurants, craft shops and comfortable lodgings. The weather is crisp and cozy the year round combined with the sound of bird song, the sight of wildlife and the scent of natural perfumes of nature to produce a perfect setting for a holiday. It's like a fairy tale, but everything is real.

Within the slopes of the mountain range there is the internationally famous William Ricketts Sanctuary, which is a moving collection of clay sculptures of Aboriginal figures; the sculptures blend in artistically within the nearby forest. One can tour the 3217 hectares Dandenong Ranges National; the park plays an important role in protecting a population of famous lyrebirds and other fauna, as well as protecting the forests and fern gullies of the Ranges. There are the mountain walking tracks through the R.J Hamer Arboretum of international reputation that is an attraction to many visitors the garden is host to a collection colorful blooms, mainly rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. There is the allure of adventure from green rich gullies to misty mountain ash forests to enchanting places like the Sherbrooke Forest, the Thousand Steps and Dongalla Homestead that attracts the enterprising trekkers. A visit to the Olinda State Forest with its numerous lookouts offers spectacular of the surrounding areas. Visitors to the area should not miss the National Rhododendron Gardens in the Olinda region where there are growing in great numbers; rhododendrons, daffodils and azaleas that are among other species flourishing flora; and added to spectacle are the native birds and other creatures of wildlife. There are other spectacular and interesting sites throughout the Dandenong Ranges to be seen and enjoyed.

The Dandenong Ranges an ideal place for a day trip but if one wants to have an extended holiday there are comfortable accommodations with many traditional homes being converted into small hotels, guest houses. http://www.visitvictoria.com/' .

ONE TASTY NOTE:
Devonshire teas (tea taken with scones, clotted cream, and jam, and primarily eaten as an afternoon snack) that is a delectable treat that can be found throughout the ranges. The delicacy is one of the specialties of the region that is quite delicious to taste.

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