Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train

Tue 1st January  until Thu 31st December , Departs daily at 12.30pm - 3.30pm (except public holidays)

We invite you to Puffing Billy for a different experience - travelling First Class! Relax and unwind with a majestic three-hour steam train journey as you take in the scenic vista of the Dandenong Ranges. Indulge in a delicious seasonal three-course menu or Natter Platter filled with a selection of cured meats, fine cheeses and Devonshire Tea. All tickets include your selected meal, 2-hour train journey and 1-hour spare time at Emerald Lake Park.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

See the website for pricing

Devonshire Tea Anyone?

Tue 1st January  until Thu 31st December

People often travel to The Villages just for a real Devonshire Tea and with the increasing popularity of a High Tea, will often spend all afternoon drinking tea and grazing on the sweet and savoury delights. What a way to spend a day! Whether you want a full English High Tea Experience or just a piece of delicious cake or tart with a pot of tea or a coffee - you're in the right place! Find out more about the differences and where you can find the best Afternoon Tea experiences in the Dandenong Ranges.

See the website for best places in the Dandenong Ranges

The Gully Market

Wed 30th January  until Thu 31st December , Saturday 8am-3pm Sunday 9am-3pm

The Gully Market is a long established market that runs every Saturday and Sunday in the carpark of the Upper Ferntree Gully Train Station. Drop in on the way up (or the way down) the mountain and stretch your legs as the Gully Market has lots of craft stalls, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and home made goods.

Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station

Enquiries: 0417 599 466

Friday Night Wine Tasting at Olinda Cellars

Thu 31st January  until Thu 31st December , 5pm - 8pm

Join us EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT for free wine tasting where we explore new wines, new vintages and sometimes golden oldies. With a reputation as one of Melbourne’s finest boutique wine specialists, we offer sensational wines from all over Australia, with a great collection of hard to find vintage wines, boutique local beers and Australian Spirits.

Shop 7/540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda

Wines are selected weekly so call 9751 0999 for details of wines available for tasting.

Sunday High Tea at Marybrooke Manor

Wed 1st May  until Thu 30th May , 1-4pm every Sunday - bookings essential

High Tea can be enjoyed every Sunday afternoon at the historic Marybrooke Manor. Celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and hens days or just to spoil yourself. Our delightful menu consists of unlimited Manor made scones with chantilly cream and jam, assorted savoury and sweet selections and a selection of Madame Flavour teas and brewed coffee. Seatings available in the Sherbrooke Room between 1pm and 4pm. Price $40 per person. Children under 12 years are half price. Bookings are essential. Please call (03) 9755 2755.

Marybrooke, 10 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke

$40 per person including unlimited scones!

Mid Week Happy Hour at Dudleys

Wed 1st May  until Fri 31st May , 4.30pm to 6.30pm

Monday to Friday Happy Hour 4.30pm to 6.30pm. $8 pints. $30 Dips plate with any pint, stubby or glass of sparkling or 150ml wine. Yes any drink.... save up to $10.

540 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda

$8 pints!

Streeton Roberts McCubbin Exhibition

Fri 3rd May  until Sun 26th May , Open Wed - Mon 11am - 4pm (closed Tuesdays)

The Streeton Roberts McCubbin Exhibition is one of the longest continuous annual art event in the Dandenong Ranges region. The Exhibition has over 70 artists exhibiting 140+ works of art utilising a variety of mediums including oils, acrylic, pastels and watercolour. Held in high-esteem by both the local and wider community, the Exhibition boasts hundreds of visitors each year, with the number of visitors continually growing. Winning one of these awards is a prestigious addition to any artist's CV.

Sherbrooke Gallery, 62 Monbulk Road, Belgrave

Free Entry

Kellybrook Cider Festival

Sat 4th May  until Sun 5th May , 11am - 5pm

Scrumpy cider, great live bands, loads of great food and smiles all round is what the Kellybrook cider festival is all about. With a strong focus on families it’s an event for everyone. Since its inception nearly 30 years ago it has become the premier independent cider festival event in Australia. Don’t miss the Morris dancers and there are also tastings in the historic cellar door and lots of kids activities as well.

Kellybrook Winery, Fulford Rd, Wonga Park

$20 Adults, Kids Free

Kallista Community Market

Sat 4th May , 9am - 1pm

Kallista is a vibrant outdoor country market with handmade and home crafted goods including jewellery, plants, wood crafts, soap, clothing, delicious food and so much more.

Village Green, Church St, Kallista

Annual Kalorama Chestnut Festival

Sun 5th May , 10am to 4pm

An Annual Hills tradition celebrating all things Chestnut! Chestnut ice cream? Chestnut beer? Chestnut cream poffertjees? Who knew there were so many delicious ways to enjoy a chestnut. Come and join us for a day of family fun on the mountain. Gourmet food, Devonshire tea, coffee, beer and mulled wine. Explore locally made handcrafts and produce and there are loads of fairground rides and fun activities to enjoy.

Kalorama Reserve, Kalorama

Free Entry

The Great Train Race

Sun 5th May , The race begins in Belgrave at 9.30am.

The Great Train Race is an exciting challenge where runners compete against the steam locomotive, Puffing Billy! The race route extends 13.5 km's through the hills and fern gullies of the picturesque Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Entries are limited to 3,500 runners and have sold out in advance for the last three years, so competitors are encouraged to enter early!

Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park

Lilydale Craft and Produce Market

Sun 5th May , 8am - 1pm

A farm fresh produce and craft market next to Lillydale Lake with over 50 stalls with a variety of fresh foods, easy access and car parking. You'll find a range of local crafts, fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits and berries, butchers with beef, pork and small good products, processed foods – jams, chutneys, sauces, soups and pasta lines, bakery products – breads, croissants, cakes, tarts & muffins and more... and baby farm animals and a jumping castle for young children to enjoy.

Bellbird Park, Swansea Rd, Lilydale

Patchwork Quilt Exhibition at Warratina

Sat 11th May  until Sun 26th May , 10am to 4pm

Come and see a selection of local quilts on exhibit and for sale at Warratina Lavender Farm. All patchwork, craft & embroidery is by local sewing groups displaying a vast example of talent. The Tea Rooms are open throughout the Exhibition. Make up a table & enjoy the tranquility of the farm, fresh air, & beauty. This is the 19th year of this event. Disabled access, ample car & coach parking, warm & cosy Tea Rooms. Entry fee and donations to the Wandin CFA. All enquiries please call 03 5964 4650.

Warratina Lavender Farm, 105 Quayle Rd, Wandin Yallock

$5 Adult $4 Concession, Children under 12 FREE

Mist @ Olinda Mother's Day Buffet Lunch

Sun 12th May , 11.45am until 4pm

Enjoy Mothers Day Lunch at Mist @ Olinda in the stunning Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Entree: Mezze platters Main: Buffet lunch Dessert: Dessert & cheese buffet. Book your table today to avoid disappointment! Maximum numbers per table are 12, for larger groups the booking will be spread across 2 tables.

Mist @ Olinda, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, 1 The Georgian Road, Olinda

$75.00 Adult $35.00 Children

Mother's Day at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

Sun 12th May , 9am until 9.30pm

With a family friendly atmosphere and delicious dining options, SkyHigh Mt Dandenong is the place to spoil mum on her special day. We’re offering a number of different Mother’s day dining options in both our lower floor bistro and in our upper floor function room. See the webiste for details and bookings can be made on 9751 0443.

26 Observatory Road, Mount Dandenong

Price Range from $30 to $80 per person

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

Sun 12th May , 9 am - 2 pm

A place to find all things grown and made with love : A dream come true : A dream to foster community, abundance, joy and creativity. You'll discover a collection of Melbourne's finest Artists and Makers. Discover original and bespoke design pieces alongside some of the yummiest and freshest produce the area has to offer with live music courtesy of our very talented onsite buskers, bouncy castle and facepainting for the kids, this is a market for the whole family to enjoy!

Hayes Car Park/Blacksmiths Way, Belgrave

Free Entry

Puffing Billy - Steam & Cuisine After Dark

Sat 18th May , 7.30pm - 10.30pm (Please arrive 20 mins prior)

Welcome to the opportunity to step back into the romantic era of train travel. Enjoy an evening of luxury dining with family and friends whilst whistling through the exquisite Dandenong Ranges. All tickets include a three-course meal, 2-hour train journey and 1-hour spare time at Emerald Lake Park. Our roving live musician will be entertaining guests from the moment you arrive on the platform at Belgrave Station.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$115 per person

Montrose Craft Market

Sat 18th May , 9am - 1.30pm

Situated at the base of the mountain on the way to Lilydale the Montrose Market has a variety of craft and fresh produce stalls. Drop in on the way out to the Yarra Valley.

Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Montrose

Enquiries: 9728 1703

Emerald Craft and Produce Market

Sun 19th May , 9am - 3pm

The Emerald Market is vibrant and colourful featuring locally made products and home grown produce right in the centre of town. Visitors can expect a variety of goods including preserves, cakes, hot food stalls, local specialties, vegetables and plants, jewellery, clothing, food, lifestyle products and massage. Our market is plastic bag free, so don’t forget to bring along your own bags.

Cnr Kilvington Drive & Main St, Emerald

Enquiries: 0419 345 750

Puffing Billy Special Offer - 25% off Lakeside to Gembrook tickets*

Mon 20th May  until Mon 30th September , 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Get 25% OFF Tickets on Puffing Billy, Australia's premier preserved steam railway running everyday over winter! With lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest from Lakeside to Gembrook.

Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Road, Emerald

*Monday to Friday only, not including weekends or public holidays. Use the code RUGUP to redeem the special discount online. Terms & Conditions apply. Visit the website for more information.

Winter Warmer Soirees at Kapi Art Space

Sat 25th May , 5pm - 7pm

KAPI Art Space is hosting a cozy Winter Soiree featuring a performance by Americana and folk DUO Kimberley Wheeler & Roadside Holiday. Come join us by the fire in the lush hills of the Dandenong Ranges, sip some mulled wine and devour a platter of locally grown delights while being transported by Americana folk tunes amidst beautiful artworks. Gourmet delights and first glass of wine included in the ticket price. The evening will also include an added bonus: Conversations from two Kapi Exhibiting Artists, sharing insights into their art practise.

1282 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd Kalorama

$28 (2 for 1 for Kapi Members) includes 1 glass of wine and nibbles

Ngulu Festival- Honouring Sorry Day and The Indigenous Community

Sun 26th May , 1pm - 5pm

Ngulu Festival is Presented by Yarra Valley ECOSS and Sponsored by The Victorian Government Multi Cultural Commission and is the Official Opening for the ‘Woiwurrung Translations signage’ put up around ECOSS to help preserve the critically endangered Woiwurrung language of the local Wurundjeri people. The day will comprise of Indigenous performers such as Kutcha Edwards. Wayapa Wuurrk workshop with Michelle Atwell, Welcome to Country with Aunty Kim Wandin and more to be announced.....

Yarra Valley ECOSS 711 Old Warburton Road, Wesburn

$20 / $15

Gembrook Market

Sun 26th May , 9am - 2pm

Promoting sustainable living, many of the 90+ stall holders are artisans and craftspeople who have created unique items from recycled materials. Purchase home grown produce including some wonderful gourmet foods. We have a 'garage sale site' and if occupied on the day you visit, who knows what bargain you may find! A jumping castle, farm animals or similar activities for young children are on site at most markets.

Gembrook Community Centre, Gembrook-Pakenham Rd, Gembrook