April Events

Valley Ranges Getaways Autumn Picnic Hamper Offer

Thu 1st March  until Mon 30th April

Autumn is such a beautiful time to get out into the gardens and parks of the Dandenong Ranges. Find some peace under the trees with a gourmet picnic hamper for two from The Sassafras Providore. Enjoy a changing hamper of baguettes, a selection of fruits, antipasto produce and cheeses, flourless chocolate cake and two bottles of mineral water, iced tea or soft drink. Simply Add the code AUTUMN when booking 3 nights or more or call 1300 48 84 48 to book. Offer is not available for stays that include public holidays. Direct bookings only and not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

Accommodation throughout the Dandenong Ranges

Stay 3 nights or more during Autumn and enjoy a Complimentary Gourmet Picnic Hamper worth $80!

Peach & Nectarine Season at Rayners

Thu 1st March  until Mon 30th April , 9am - 4pm

Stonefruit is the taste of summer, and Rayners Orchard has plenty to choose from — yellow, red & white flesh peaches & nectarines—ready for sampling on fruit tasting tours & available for picking. Rayners Orchard run fruit tasting adventure tours every day on demand—walk ins welcome. Tours run for an hour, & include lots of fruit samples. U Pick optional during tours. Open 7 days from 9am–5pm.

Rayner's Orchard, 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock

Door Sales Only

Chocolate Facial at Nourish Olinda

Thu 22nd March  until Mon 30th April , Open 7 Days 10am - 5pm

The absolute ultimate indulgence - the Chocolate Facial - NEW at Nourish Day Spa. Be one of the first to experience it for JUST $99 (normally $135). It's the indulgent facial, with AMAZING results!! Call 9751-1029 to book your spot today!

Nourish Day Spa, 31 Monash Ave, Olinda

Introductory Offer Just $99

Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Exhibition

Fri 30th March  until Sun 6th May , Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 4pm

What Lies Beneath. Now in its 15th year, The Dandenong Ranges Open Studios presents artwork from 27 participating studios. The annual group exhibition is designed to produce a cohesive and diverse range of artwork to showcase the creative energy and skill of each artist. This exhibition asks you to see what lies beneath…

Burrinja Gallery, Cnr Glenfern Rd & Matson Dve, Upwey

Free Entry

High Tea Experience at Fortnums

Sun 1st April  until Mon 30th April

Enjoy our High Tea experience 7 days a week in the picturesque town of Sassafras. With its English style conservatory windows overlooking the gardens Fortnums is perfect for a relaxing afternoon indulgence. You will be treated to a selection of savoury delights and sandwiches, followed by our famous scones, served with our own jam, and petite pastries and your choice of leaf tea or espresso coffee. Bookings are essential on 9755 1200.

Fortnums, 295 Mt Tourist Dandenong Rd, Sassafras

$45.90 per person

SkyHigh Easter Children's Festival

Sun 1st April  until Mon 16th April , 11am - 5pm Daily

Bring your kids to SkyHigh's Easter Children's Festival. Free Activities include Face painting, mini golf, farmyard friends, pony rides, jumping castle, cooking classes, scratch art, stilt walkers and much, much more. Maze Fees Apply. Not all activities run every day - see our website for Timetable of events. Events subject to change.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, 26 Observatory Road, Mount Dandenong

Gate Entry $7.00 per car

Spend $100 at Olinda Tea House and Receive a special Gift

Sun 1st April  until Sun 15th April

If you haven't tried the new Olinda Tea House opposite Cloudehill Gardens yet, then this is the perfect opportunity. Simply spend $100 and mention this special and you'll receive a special surprise gift. But hurry as this offer is for two weeks only!

Olinda Tea House, 86A Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Train

Sun 1st April  until Mon 30th April , Departs daily at 12.30pm- Return 3.30pm

Experience first class travel in our 100 year old fully enclosed and heated heritage dining carriages. Share the grandeur and charm of a three hour steam train journey whilst savouring our first class menu. Select from a three course standard menu or graze over our two course Natter Platter- great for sharing! Bookings essential. Contact: 03 9757 0700.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

3 Course Menu $93-$103 Natter Platter $71- $79

Earthly Pleasures Cafe Now Open for Dinner Fri & Sat Nights

Sun 1st April  until Mon 30th April , Small Plates from 4pm dinner from 5pm

Earthly Pleasures Cafe Dinner service is back, Friday and Saturday nights from 5.30pm, Small plates from 4.30pm and Happy Hour Friday nights from 4.30pm. For a meal or just a knock off drink after a long week, come and enjoy this perfect summer weather on the terrace. Come and try our new Autumn menu!

1627 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave

Yesteryear Tours at Mont De Lancey

Sun 1st April  until Mon 30th April , Weds - Sun 11am & 2pm (2 hours)

Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the 1880s? Our YesterYear tour highlights the comparisons between a modern home and the pioneer Homestead. See if you can guess what rooms are missing. How would you manage without hot water, electricity, phone, internet, car and many other conveniences? As the Tour progresses around the property you will walk through the beautiful gardens set in lawns with stunning trees including a magnificent 100 year old oak. There’s also Montys Tearoom for light lunches and refreshments.

71 Wellington Road, Wandin

Adult $10 Concession $8 Children FREE

The Gully Market

Sun 1st April  until Mon 30th April , 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

Afternoon Tea Anyone?

Sun 1st April  until Mon 30th April

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.

Locations throughout the Dandenong Ranges

Rotary Club of Lilydale’s Craft and Produce Market

Sun 1st April , 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

Culture Tracks: Art Exhibitions, Music and Movies across the Ranges

Sun 1st April  until Mon 30th April

The Culture Tracks program of arts and cultural events covers performance, music, exhibitions, workshops and movies at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, The Memo in Healesville, Montrose Town Centre, Mooroolbark Community Centre, the Arts Centre in Warburton and Burrinja Cultural Centre. Drop in to your nearest venue and pick up a copy of the full Culture Tracks program, call our team on 1300 368 333, or visit our website to book tickets or find further information on all our events.

Brought to you by Yarra Ranges Arts, Culture & Heritage Department

Family Fun Days at Tesselaar KaBloom - Festival of Flowers

Tue 3rd April  until Fri 6th April , 10am - 5pm daily

KaBloom will be an explosion of colour in nature, with waves of over 1.2 million flowers in bloom across five acres of garden. Join us for fields of flowers and plenty of fun to be had with a live entertainment program all day and delicious food! On everyday is craft activities, story telling, treasure hunts, face painting and tractor rides. The perfect day out for the school holidays.

357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan

$25 Adults, $22 Concession, U16 Free

Steam and Cuisine After Dark

Fri 6th April , 7.30pm - 10.30pm

Puffing Billy introduces Steam & Cuisine After Dark where you and your guests will enjoy this exclusive dining event in our faithfully restored First Class dining carriages. The entree and main course are served whilst the train winds its way through the Dandenong Ranges, arriving at Lakeside. The return journey completes the evening, with dessert, tea, coffee and a complimentary glass of port.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

3 Course Menu $103 per person

Discover pests, predators and pollinators

Sat 7th April , 10.30am for approximately 1.5 hours

Is that a good bug or a bad bug you ask? Learn how to identify common pests, predators and pollinators in your garden, and discuss organic treatments to keep your home garden healthy. In this workshop, you'll learn about integrated pest management, and how to get the good bugs to do all the hard work for you. Bookings essential on 03 9751 0584.

Diggers at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Diggers members: $39, non-members: $49

Seed Sowing for your Winter Vegie Patch

Sat 7th April , 1pm for approximately 1.5 hours

Jac will take you through some simple steps and basic rules on how to start your seeds in the cooler months using some tried and tested methods. There are many seeds that specifically require a higher soil temperature than others in order for seeds to successfully germinate. So come along to this popluar workshop and learn about some basic and fool-proof steps you can employ to grow your own from seed, and ensure a bumper winter crop this year! Bookings essential on 03 9751 0584.

Diggers at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Diggers members: $39, non-members: $49

Rock the Fields Weekend at Tesselaar KaBloom - Festival of Flowers

Sat 7th April  until Sun 8th April , 10am - 5pm daily

KaBloom will be an explosion of colour in nature, with waves of over 1.2 million flowers in bloom across five acres of garden. Get funky in the fields of flowers with plenty of fun to be had with a live rock'n'roll entertainment all day and delicious food! On everyday is craft activities, story telling, treasure hunts, face painting and tractor rides. The perfect day out for the school holidays.

357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan

$25 Adults, $22 Concession, U16 Free

Cockatoo Country Market

Sat 7th April , 8.30am - 1.30pm

The Cockatoo Country Market is your local artisan market held in Cockatoo in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Where possible stall holders offer locally grown and made products.

77 Pakenham Road, Cockatoo

Kallista Community Market

Sat 7th April , 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

Glorious Garlic!

Sun 8th April , 10.30am for approximately 1.5 hours

Easy to grow, delicious to eat, beautiful to look at, and prolific at harvest time. Forget that imported fumigated garlic you find at the supermarket, and learn how to grow your own from commercial organic garlic growers Helen Garvey and Brian Woodstock. In this workshop you'll learn about garlic varieties, how to ideally plant, and how to get the best out of your garlic crops, including successful harvesting, and then storage tips to enjoy your home grown garlic all throughout the year!Bookings essential on 03 9751 0584.

Diggers at Cloudehill, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda

Diggers members: $39, non-members: $49

Belgrave Big Dreams Market

Sun 8th April , 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

PAVE Festival

Sun 8th April  until Sat 15th April , Events throughout the day

Performing and visual arts comes alive in Emerald with live music, dance and art at various venues and a street fair with entertainment. The PAVE community arts festival continues to grow each year with involvement of a wide range of artists and community groups, bringing you events and activities to stimulate your mind, please your taste buds and excite your eyes and ears. See the website for a full list of events and ticket bookings.

Emerald Villages, Dandenong Ranges

See the website for Event tickets prices

PAVE and FunFest Street Festival

Sun 8th April , 10am - 4pm

FunFest is once again jammed packed with free activities and events for the whole family to enjoy. Emerald comes to life with music, dance, performances, circus tent, magic tricks, craft activities, street performances, pop up surprises, art and craft stalls, an international food court, community stalls and carnival rides.

Kilvington Drive, Emerald

Free Entry

Family Fun Days at Tesselaar KaBloom - Festival of Flowers

Mon 9th April  until Fri 13th April , 10am - 5pm daily

KaBloom will be an explosion of colour in nature, with waves of over 1.2 million flowers in bloom across five acres of garden. Join us for fields of flowers and plenty of fun to be had with a live entertainment program all day and delicious food! On everyday is craft activities, story telling, treasure hunts, face painting and tractor rides. The perfect day out for the school holidays.

357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan

$25 Adults, $22 Concession, U16 Free

Murder on Puffing Billy Express

Fri 13th April , Departs at 7.30pm Fridays and 7.00pm Saturdays. Returns 11.30pm

Join us for an intriguing night of murder, mystery and suspense aboard Puffing Billy's evening train special. Dress to the 1920s and 1930s era to go in the draw to win a prize! Includes train journey, three course meal at the Nobelius Packing Shed and live entertainment. Bookings essential. Contact: 03 9757 0700.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$115 per person

Colourific Weekend at Tesselaar KaBloom - Festival of Flowers

Sat 14th April  until Sun 15th April , 10am - 5pm daily

KaBloom will be an explosion of colour in nature, with waves of over 1.2 million flowers in bloom across five acres of garden. Colour your world with lively entertainment, a garden festival and fields of flowers. Featuring a colourful double Chinese Lion Dance at 1pm! On everyday is craft activities, story telling, treasure hunts, face painting and tractor rides. The perfect day out for the school holidays.

357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan

$25 Adults, $22 Concession, U16 Free

Tesselaar Gardening and Plants Expo

Sat 14th April  until Sun 15th April , 10am - 5pm daily

The Tesselaar Gardening and Plants Expo is a fantastic exhibition where nurseries and plant growers come together. You will be able to browse a huge range of plants, bulbs and trees from over 40 stall holders. Not only that, you can pick up all the tips and tricks you need from gardening experts with a full program of free talks and demonstrations. The incredible selection of plants is second to none and you can meet the experts in their fields. Now in its tenth year, this event goes from strength to strength with a solid reputation for quality.

357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan

$25 Adults, $22 Concession, U16 Free

Steam and Cuisine After Dark

Sat 14th April , 7.30pm - 10.30pm

Puffing Billy introduces Steam & Cuisine After Dark where you and your guests will enjoy this exclusive dining event in our faithfully restored First Class dining carriages. The entree and main course are served whilst the train winds its way through the Dandenong Ranges, arriving at Lakeside. The return journey completes the evening, with dessert, tea, coffee and a complimentary glass of port.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

3 Course Menu $103 per person

Hills Art Market

Sat 14th April , 9am - 3pm

Come and see what is hidden in the hills at this unique open-air Artists Market, a visual and musical feast. Artists will showcase and sell their art directly to you and visitors can wander through a world of artistic imagination, discovering the variety of skills and techniques and musicians of the local region, while enjoying the beauty of the tall trees, good food, great coffee, and all that the Emerald village has to offer.

Beside Puffing Billy at Emerald Station

Free Entry

Trash & Treasure Market

Sun 15th April

What treasure will you find? The Hart School of Dance is fundraising to take students over to the USA to train in New York & perform at Disneyland!! Come & support the kids, have a sausage, enjoy some live music & find a treasure!

Mechanics Hall, Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras

Emerald Craft and Produce Market

Sun 15th April , 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

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Fri 20th April , Departs 7.00pm Returns 11.30pm

Are you ready to Dine & Dance the night away at Puffing Billy? We’re waiting to welcome you and your guests to your unique heritage experience. Winding through the Dandenong Ranges, Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy is the perfect setting for your work function, birthday celebration or a great night out with friends.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$98 per person. No concessions apply.

Murder on Puffing Billy Express

Sat 21st April , Departs at 7.30pm Fridays and 7.00pm Saturdays. Returns 11.30pm

Join us for an intriguing night of murder, mystery and suspense aboard Puffing Billy's evening train special. Dress to the 1920s and 1930s era to go in the draw to win a prize! Includes train journey, three course meal at the Nobelius Packing Shed and live entertainment. Bookings essential. Contact: 03 9757 0700.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$115 per person

Montrose Craft Market

Sat 21st April , 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

Little Yarra Market

Sat 21st April , 10am - 3pm

Looking for a great outdoor market? Little Yarra has it all, quality stalls, crafts & recycled goods, organic skincare, eco-cleaning products, local & organic produce, sourdough bread, coffee, chai, great food, massage, wood fired pizza, biodynamic sausages, local buskers, entertainment and more. Enquiries can be made to [email protected] or phone 0411 243 673.

Upper Yarra Museum, Old Railway Station, Warburton Hwy, Yarra Function

Free Entry

Gembrook Market

Sun 22nd April , 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

Anzac Day Memorial Service

Wed 25th April , 9.00am

You and your family are invited to attend an Anzac Day Memorial Service at 9am at Fiveways Peace Memorial. The Service is being coordinated by the Anglican Parish of Mt Dandenong in conjunction with the Dandenong Ranges RSL Sub-Branch. For further information please contact Rev’d Andrew Smith 9728 6353 or Ian Fraser 9728 3233.

Fiveways Peace Memorial, Cnr Ridge Rd & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Kalorama

All Welcome

Anzac Day Dawn Memorial Service

Wed 25th April , 6.30am to 7.00am

Dandenong Ranges R&SL will be conducting the Dawn Service to commemorate Anzac Day at the Anzac Avenue of Honour Memorial. It will commence at 6.30am and will be followed by breakfast at the Ferny Creek Scout Hall, Clarkmont Ave, Ferny Creek. Parking is also available at Ferny Creek Reserve.

Anzac Avenue of Honour Memorial, Cnr Sherbrooke Rd & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Ferny Creek

All Welcome

Anzac Day March & Service

Wed 25th April , March at 10.30am followed by Service at 10.50am

Dandenong Ranges R &SL will be conducting the Anzac Day March & Service at 10.30am on Anzac Day. We encourage all to attend either of our Services (Dawn at Ferny Creek Memorial or 10.30am in Sassafras). Refreshments will follow at the R&SL, 1773 Mountain Hwy, Sassafras.

Sassafras Village Green, Cnr Mountain Hwy & Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras

All Welcome

Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy

Fri 27th April , Departs 7.00pm Returns 11.30pm

Are you ready to Dine & Dance the night away at Puffing Billy? We’re waiting to welcome you and your guests to your unique heritage experience. Winding through the Dandenong Ranges, Dine & Dance on Puffing Billy is the perfect setting for your work function, birthday celebration or a great night out with friends.

Puffing Billy Belgrave Station, 1 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave

$98 per person. No concessions apply.

The Great Train Race 2018

Sun 29th April , 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