Olinda

Olinda is a town within the Dandenong Ranges in central-south Victoria, Australia, located 41 km east of Melbourne's CBD, located within the Shire of Yarra Ranges local government area. Olinda recorded a population of 1,773 at the 2021 census. Wikipedia.
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Top places to visit

1Olinda Tea House & Restaurant

4.3
(1596)
4.0
(250)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Asian fusion restaurant
Olinda Tea House is a luxurious restaurant situated in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, offering stunning views of the countryside. The food here is amazing - the pork dumplings are absolutely delicious, and the ribs are beautifully tender. The honey chicken is also very good, and it's a great place to finish off your meal. The service is excellent too - thank you for making our stay in Olinda so enjoyable!
The Olinda Tea House provided a delightful setting for our recent family gathering. Initially, we encountered a minor issue when staff suggested splitting our group of 14 into two separate tables. However, after expressing our preference for a single large table, they reluctantly accommodated us, ensuring our comfort and convenience. The food, though served in modest portions, was bursting with exquisite flavors that left us thoroughly impressed. Despite this initial hiccup, the overall experience was exceptional, and we're already looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommended for families seeking a charming and accommodating dining venue in Olinda. Photos taken from two separate visits.
Johnson Teoh — Google review
My family and I dined here on Good Friday on the $66 set menu and left extremely satisfied. Everything came out not only aesthetically pleasing like the venue itself but delicious and filling. The portion was very generous hence why we had to leave with takeaway boxes. The star dish apart from their signature dessert stand (which is a must order) was Stir Fry Eggplant with Potato with Sweet Soy Sauce and their Pickled Tomato that was apart of the assorted cold dishes, the sweet and tangy flavours worked very well. It is very fitting for large groups and would recommend for a nice little getaway from the busy city chaos.
Q H — Google review
High- Tea Location is a lovely venue in mount Dandenong that is highly recommended if you want to be in nature and away from the city for the weekend. The desserts and food stands were fresh and visually stunning! They provide you with good quality tea and you can request them to fill up your teapot as you go. The scones and jams were also fresh, and we were allowed to take the rest of our desserts home. Also, you can tell them your dietary requirements and they change them for you. Also, you can request more savory items or sweets as you like. There are few animals out in the garden, you can feed them as well.
Deji H — Google review
Not sure why it’s so busy. The place is not Japanese restaurant but Chinese. Food was so average that you could find better ones in Box hill. We had fried chicken with lemon sauce. The chicken was dried in my opinion but eatable. They have many staff running around but very hard to catch their attention. Scones was good though.
Jessica Filumu — Google review
Excellent ambience and great service. The exterior is beautifully landscaped and the place transports you to a quiet getaway. The service was great and prompt. The service staff was attentive throughout. Food was a bit of a let down though. The pork ribs hardly had any meat on them and were more like nibbles. The cumin Lamb though excellently cooked had extra salt. The dessert was the saving grace.
Arun Sudheendran — Google review
A wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day. The venue was beautifully decorated and offered a fantastic selection of Vegan options. The staff member Fran was helpful and welcoming. Please pass on our thanks to her for making our outings so positive! She went above and beyond. The dumplings and the vegan spicy chicken were key standouts. The venue also had a great wine selection.
Liam Morkham — Google review
We went here for dinner as we were in Olinda for a little getaway and let me just say I'm still thinking about the food absolutely delicious! The pork dumplings were the best I've had, ribs were but sized and so tender and the star was the honey chicken so delicious and fresh wow. We got the chicken for dessert and that was nice little dessert to finish off the night. The service was spot on, so glad we came here!
Nina Y — Google review
Celebrated my sister’s birthday here last Saturday, our first time to dine here and so glad we chose the right place. Foods were so delicious and beautifully presented. Service was excellent and staff were helpful, especially that girl named ‘Lily’ who helped us chose which food is the best. This restaurant also has a beautiful park, entertained by Alpacas and a Pony. We will surely come back here.
Miss Daisy — Google review
Food was descent and service was nice, place is really nice and has a cosy feel to it. Had lunch there and tried a few different options. Their signature dishes were really good. We had a family member with certain dietary requirements and the staff offered options that suits their needs. We were really happy with the food.
tanmay singh — Google review
Outstanding! Not only is Olinda Tea House nestled in beautiful, lush gardens, the service and the food is amazing! Mr Hoover, our waiter, was a delightfully funny and a customer focused server! We were thrilled with his service and the light humour, with his joking around! We thoroughly enjoyed the fusion high tea experience……beautifully presented and scrumptious! A nice balance of savoury and sweet. They allowed us to take home what we couldn’t consume. Highly recommend coming to Olinda Tea House and we will come again for dinner!
Nat Ral — Google review
We had a wonderful birthday party here for my son. Food is beautiful and waiters are absolutely friendly and helpful. Party organiser/manager is a lovely young girl who is thorough and passionate. Dining environment is definitely a big plus. All our guest had a wonderful experience here at that night! Highly recommend and will definitely come back!!! Thanks team, you done a great job!
Cecilia Chan — Google review
We were in the area looking for a late lunch, and they graciously accommodated us. The food was excellent and served very quickly, even though it was quite busy. Wait staff were very friendly and for the most part attentive. Soups were very tasty, main dishes exceptional, and desserts superb! My wife loved the unique dishware for each dish, as you can see in the photos.
Michael Bouy — Google review
Food was good. The group really enjoyed it, really filling. Loved how they have their garden outside to enjoy before or after dining. We hung out outside enjoying the weather and Alpaca's before having lunch.
Kelly Y — Google review
Our friend invited us to celebrate her birthday here and we tried their high tea selections for the first time. I loved the presentation of everything and I enjoyed most of the dessert and the dishes. Their sandwiches and pork bun were delicious and the mushroom pastry was creamy and rich. As for the dessert, my personal favourite was the mini pink pig mousse cake. The services were amazing and all the waiters and waitresses were attentive and friendly. Definitely recommend it for special occasions!
Nanling Liu — Google review
Stunning views, excellent service, and good food. They also have high tea selection but we opted for lunch menu instead. The lunch menu is ample with classic Asian dish as well as several Asian fusion (such as wasabi prawns). Loved the relaxed atmosphere and staff's attentiveness. Reservation is definitely recommended as it can get very busy despite the location being quite secluded.
Jovino Margathe — Google review
A comfortable and lovely place. We had the Chinese lunch menu, which was great, we didn't try the fancy high tea. It is a very popular place, even on weekdays because it is the only nice eatery in that area. Indoors is the better option, though outdoors looks romantic. We visited at around 2:30pm, after the peak hours, which is much more relaxing.
Neoflam K — Google review
Beautiful restaurant in a gorgeous garden setting! Fran who was looking after us was incredibly friendly and warm hearted with us. The portion sizes are generous. We had a few entrees and shared a plate of vegetables, fried rice and the lamb. Everything was just delicious. We’ll be back! Thanks again Fran for the great hospitality ☀️
Antje Leifheit — Google review
86A Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australiahttps://www.olindateahouse.com.au/+61 3 9751 0556

2Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

4.7
(4023)
4.5
(480)
Mentioned on 
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Gardens
The National Rhododendron Gardens, now known as the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, is a sprawling 36-hectare garden filled with diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can stroll along the extensive paths that wind past water features and colorful blooms, including rhododendrums in bloom during summer. The newly renamed Botanical Gardens showcases a variety of trees and plants from around the world.
Nice place for a walk. It’s pretty huge so probably need to go a few times to walk around. Love the tall trees at the car park. Nice place for kids and elderly to see some nature. Lucky to see a lyre bird in action. Would be good to see spring flowers or autumn colours when the time is right.
Cecilia Wong — Google review
Love this place and visit at least 4 times a year to fully appreciate all the different plantings. Great picnic spots, good work out as it's quite hilly with mainly sealed footpaths. On this particular visit we saw quite a few lyrebirds doing their mating dances and showing off their tale feathers and all their vocal capabilities. It was enchanting. In the past we've also seen wombats wandering about. It's beautiful and the air is always fresh. Worth a visit any time of t he year
Perry — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous! The colour of the changing leaves at this time of year is so pretty. A nice walk around with a slight incline heading back up to the exit. There are lots of side tracks to take you amongst the trees for a quieter walk. Gardens are beautifully kept with plenty of space to sit for a picnic. It's best to go when the gates open, as parking fills up quickly and the garden becomes very crowded.
Anne C — Google review
What a great place to go for a walk! You can easily do 4 -5Km on the various paths. Even in Winter (dress warmly: this area is a few degrees colder than Melbourne) it has a lot of charm and there is enough colour. The ideal time to go is in September, when the cherry trees are blossoming, but it's quite difficult to time a visit that perfectly, as the blossoms are over in a few days. Check out their web site for notes on when the blossoms are... blossoming! Check out the new Chelsea garden exhibit, and keep a look out for Wombats, Kookaburras and the elusive Lyre Birds. Also worth visiting the aptly named "Serenity point" although to be honest, there are better views into the distant hills from higher up close to the entrance. I'd advise grabbing a coffee before you arrive as their cafe is often closed. Entry is free and there is a little curio shop at the entrance.
Mark Strathmore — Google review
It is beautiful and good walk. Weather is beautiful, bring a waterproof jacket with you. It might rain at anytime. You can enjoy the time there.
kareem khattab — Google review
We spent an awesome few hours wandering the paths of the gardens and marvelling at the magnificent displays of stunning blooms. In future we'll endeavour to go in time to see the avenue of cherry trees in full bloom, I bet it is spectacular. This is a free garden to explore and appreciate, lots of places where you can picnic and enjoy the scenery. Please if you go, don't be like the stupid moron that climbed up a large rock and encouraged his kids to do the same. There are signs saying keep off the garden beds and rocks. Have some respect when visiting such places. Other than that enjoy the beautiful scenery and gardens. Take your own refreshments and food, the Cafe was extremely over priced. Also be aware there are no rubbish bins, take your rubbish home with you.
Jan Buck — Google review
Beautiful garden though i feel our visit was inbetween seasons. So there were not much blooms and loads if wilting leaves. But beautiful nonetheless and definitely a good walk through the park. Come early and properly spend time like u shld here.
Sha Sanwan — Google review
Nestled within the tranquil Dandenong Ranges lies a gem of natural beauty, the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. This botanical haven is not just another garden; it's a delightful sanctuary that never fails to astonish and captivate its visitors with its ever-changing floral tapestry and unique wildlife encounters. One of the most enchanting aspects of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is its cleverly orchestrated planting scheme, ensuring a spectacle of blossoms and blooms throughout the year. Each visit promises a new array of colors and fragrances, making every stroll through its pathways a journey of discovery and delight. Whether you're an avid botanist or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this garden never ceases to impress. Beyond its botanical wonders, the garden offers a glimpse into Australia's diverse wildlife. From the elusive wombat to the majestic lyrebird, there's always a chance to spot something truly special during your visit. And let's not forget the charming presence of various small birds, adding melodies to the already serene atmosphere. One of the most commendable aspects of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is its accessibility and safety features. Perfect for visitors of all ages, including the elderly and children under supervision, the garden ensures a comfortable and secure experience for everyone. With well-maintained pathways and clearly marked areas, exploring the garden is a breeze. For those looking to linger a little longer, the garden provides convenient facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch amidst nature's splendor or simply taking a moment to rest and rejuvenate, these amenities enhance the overall experience, ensuring your visit is as convenient as it is enjoyable. In conclusion, the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of Australia's natural landscape. With its ever-changing floral displays, enchanting wildlife encounters, and visitor-friendly amenities, it's a destination that continues to enchant and inspire all who wander through its gates. Whether you're a local resident or a traveler seeking solace in nature, this garden is a must-visit destination that promises memories to last a lifetime.
Hamid Soleimaninejad — Google review
Came here for a walk on the weekend and the gardens are simply gorgeous and is such a nice place to relax. Definitely would come back for a relaxing stroll here any day of the week. It was really busy, but I suspect that was due to the long weekend and school holidays but there was still plenty of space to walk.
Thomas Lim — Google review
There are no words to express the magical beauty of this garden. This is one of the best gardens I have ever seen. I keep coming here almost on a weekly basis, no matter the weather or the season. Rhododendron Gardens has played a big part in my wellness journey, and I promote it to my clients as part of their wellness strategy.
Larisa Sipek — Google review
Amazing gardens. Really picturesque, with lots of winding paths leading to other little gardens off the main path. There are also several water areas such as lakes and a waterfall. Would also be great for a picnic. Some of it is also up hill, so be prepared to do a lot of steps. I would travel especially to come here.
Igor — Google review
Beautiful gardens, especially the Chelsea gardens, will definitely be coming back. Unfortunately, the person at the front desk was less than friendly or helpful. If you have a query, I'd suggest googling it. It will be a more pleasant experience.
Alexis Kolsky — Google review
Absolutely stunning. I would say this park would be just as beautiful during spring Autumn and Spring. I’m surprised they don’t charge to enter, I would be more than happy to pay! They do have a donation box (which I put money into) and I think everyone should, just for the amount of work that goes into making the gardens as stunning as they are. Highly recommend going and going all through the seasons.
Severine Josey — Google review
During this summer season there are still a few rhodadendrums in blossom. The change of name to Botanical Gardens is reflective of the range of trees and plants. It is a fairly steep walk down to the pond then the lake, but a guided tour in a mini bus is available. it would be especially beautiful in autumn and spring. We enjoyed our picnic by the lake in the rotunda the an ice cream from the cafe back up the top level.
Jean Pettitt-Brown — Google review
Great place for a picnic or just a stroll. Unfortunately just like the cafe, the rubbish is not well worked out. On your walk you see a cup, a bag or some ice cream wrappers. Some items left on the handrails. There are literally bins. I get it. Everyone should take the rubbish with them. But the don’t and nowhere to dispose. This doesn’t take away from the fact that the park is great, gorgeous and entertaining.
LocalPro Plumb — Google review
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Dandenong Botanical Gardens, and despite the late autumn weather with its cloudy skies and chill in the air, the beauty of the gardens still shone through. Even at this time of year, when many plants and trees were losing their leaves, there were still pockets of vibrant colors and breathtaking scenes. Although I couldn't witness the full splendor of autumn or the blooming of spring, I couldn't help but imagine how magnificent the gardens must be during those seasons. The glimpses I caught during my visit were enough to ignite my anticipation for a return trip in the future. One of the highlights of my visit was the serenity of the gardens. It was a quiet day with few visitors, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the peaceful ambiance and appreciate the natural surroundings. During my explorations, I was fortunate enough to encounter a Lyrebird, a fascinating native Australian bird known for its impressive mimicry skills. I watched in awe as it skillfully dug the dirt, searching for a meal. Surprisingly, I managed to get closer than I expected and capture stunning photos and videos of this captivating moment using my phone. In addition to these wonderful experiences, I must also commend the maintenance and organization of the Dandenong Botanical Gardens. The pathways were well-maintained, making it easy to navigate through the different sections of the gardens. The signage and information provided were helpful in understanding the various plant species and their significance. Overall, my visit to the Dandenong Botanical Gardens in late autumn was a delightful experience, despite the cloudy and cold weather. The gardens still showcased their natural beauty, and the quietness of the day allowed for memorable encounters with wildlife. I'm eagerly looking forward to returning during different seasons to witness the gardens in their full glory. It's a place that truly captivates the senses and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Chaz — Google review
Gorgeous! The botaniv garfens were so much fun with loads of trails to follow along with stunning little brooks and steps, hedges, footpaths and bridges, secret little nature tunnels like walking through tree tunnels. Toilets were clean and easily accessible, Cafe on site. Little garden centre and gift shop. Highly recommend a visit!
Chel D — Google review
This was such a wonderful surprise and mindblowingly beautiful. Despite the intermittent showers, we thoroughly enjoyed meandering through the extensive and well-maintained gardens! The Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens are well worth seeing aside a few hours to wander around... It won't disappoint!!!
Sarah Tester — Google review
We were fortunate to be there in springtime so the colour in the flowering trees and shrubs was spectacular. The Australian section was great but unfortunately very little signage and many of their eucalypts are dead. Being free meant this was very popular on a Sunday.
peter caust — Google review
Beautiful Gardens to explore! Great for a day out with the Family. Take a picnic if you can, there are multiple tables and chairs around the park to eat lunch at or a take a picnic rug and relax on the grass areas. Lots of walking so take a pram if you have small kids and good walking shoes.
Melissa Hoff — Google review
Amazing and short hike through the gardens. Get there early as they start closing 4:30pm. Will take you roughly 2-3 hours enjoying the views!
R C — Google review
How surreal and calming 😌. The flora and fauna are just beautiful. The Gardens are a lot bigger than I realised. You could easily spend all day here. A nice picnic lunch, a beautiful day and a beautiful setting 😍 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 On a not so nice note TO VISITORS: DON'T BE DISGUSTING TAKE YOU RUBBISH AND YOUR DIRTY NAPPIES WITH YOU. THERE ARE NO BINS SO DON'T STASH YOUR RUBBISH IN THE GARDENS.. It is not the Rangers job or other visitors to pick it up. 😡
Lynne — Google review
Went early October 2023 This garden is picturesque , so many flowers and colours This is a must see, slightly steep hill but worth it . They run little carriages of tours which tell you all about the different flowers and plants
Dexter — Google review
Absolutely serene, had a great time walking in the beautiful gardens, the lake was my absolute favorite…….sat in the beautiful bench and disappeared into my own world 🥰🥰🥰 it’s so peaceful and heavenly, very well maintained as well, variety of trees and flowers all so well preserved the drive to the garden was also so therapeutic! highly recommend when you want a break from the busy city!
Hellen Mnjalla — Google review
Great place to visit with kids and family. It has various picnic areas to spend your day. Few spots were under maintenance so couldn’t access. Not a huge but surely not disappoint if you are a nature lover. You can also make a visit to Montrose reserve park nearby if kids get bored after walking. The entry is free and timing is from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm). There are two parking areas which are quite busy but you will find a spot.
Nihar Mishra — Google review

3Cloudehill Garden & Nursery

4.5
(202)
4.5
(181)
Mentioned on 
Garden
Nature & Parks
Cloudehill Garden & Nursery in Olinda, Victoria offers a serene dining experience with its ambient cafe and BYO restaurant. The garden's Olinda Tea House provides a relaxing setting for enjoying Japanese fine dining and special sushi, along with the option to bring your own alcohol. Additionally, Afous Moroccan and Spanish Tapas at Cloudehill allows BYO for a small fee per person, offering flexibility in beverage choices.
The restaurant is okay but the garden and nursery is really where it’s at. Absolutely stunning gardens, words can’t really describe the amount of care that must go into this place. There is a delightful selection of nursery plants, some of which you can find in the garden, plus gardening tools, books, seeds, decorations etc. in the little shop. Entry to the garden is $12.50 for general public, you get a map as well. Lots of stairs so most of it is not wheelchair accessible as far as I can tell.
Miranda — Google review
The garden is a well designed European styled garden, sections seperated by trees or hedges. It's a great garden to relax and reflect about the nature around you. Sculptures are all tastefully located around the garden to compliment the garden. The entry fee is $10 per person, plus parking is easily found.
Adie Klein — Google review
Likely one of the most beautiful and intimate spaces in Melbourne. If you can explore during a very quiet time, early morning on a weekday, it’s absolutely stunning. Beautiful any time of year!
Peter Suwara — Google review
A beautiful garden changing each session. Autumn colour and spring time is the best time to visit Many interesting garden beds and paths to explore . Good walking shoes stairs to go down. Enjoyable experience especially if you appreciate nature.
Sophie Handris — Google review
Garden is maintained in its best form.. made hedge and shapes out of any and every plant 😊 It feels so connected to nature when you’re in the garden!! Will keep visiting..
Ankur Goyal — Google review
Dog walk🦮tourist area, nursery and eatery.If you enjoy beautiful gardens and would like to take the dog with you,this is a good one. There is over 5 acres of extremely well crafted and planted 25 specific areas this is a labour of love 💕 there would be 10s of thousands of hours of hard work since the 1920 s this really is a beautiful garden and at any time of the year, there is a small fee to enter which is nothing compared to how much the up keep would be. They also have a plant nursery on site and a great sit in area in the old historical house this tea is a great day out for the whole family and a great local business, if coming out to the ranges highly recommend calling in.
Anton Engelmayer — Google review
Undoubtedly, one of the most magical gardens I have ever had the good fortune to visit. So many cosy nooks and crannies to sit and ponder. I am more cat than dog, but luckily didn't encounter any, just lots of lovely birds 🐝🌻🌲including some firsts for me..the Hornbill. The restaurant is outstanding. Hats off to the head chef and baker. 👍Great coffee cakes and the lightest pastry I have yet encountered in the pumpkin feta spinach pie. Delicious.🙏 And I am not even a vegetarian. Thank you to all constant gardeners for creating and sharing their passion.
Ann — Google review
Love, love, loved Cloudehill! Visited today for the first time and spent a few hours wandering through the tranquil garden and marvelling at all the plants and garden rooms. It’s clear this garden is beautifully maintained and takes full advantage of the scale of plants within. From conifers that shoot a hundred metres into the sky to the tiny little sedum hiding underneath foliage that covers the entire spectrum of greens. The aspects from particular viewing points are all very thoroughly planned and thought out with tight hedged corners opening up into sweeping tree-lined meadows and paved pathways narrowing into cosy shaded spaces the kitchen garden is another impressive space to marvel at. The shop is excellent. Great selection of books, exquisitely merchandised, and beautiful windows framing the garden. I already can’t wait to return.
Emma-Lee MacMaster — Google review
Beautiful garden during Autumn time. Some parking available in front of the nursery. Entry fee applies, dogs on leash are welcome🐕🐶
fernando m — Google review
Stunning gardens, well maintained, lots of space and secret paths to explore. Will be spectacular in high Autumn Entry fee of $12.50
Angela Bowater — Google review
Wonderful garden that is definitely worth the entry fee. Cafe is lovely too, especially the seafood pie. It is very well maintained and beautiful to stroll through, especially in autumn. Very kid friendly although not ideal for prams, take a baby carrier for little ones.
Paris R — Google review
89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australiahttp://www.cloudehill.com.au/+61 3 9751 1009

4R.J. Hamer Arboretum

4.7
(535)
4.5
(27)
Mentioned on 
Arboretum
Nature & Parks
Arboretum featuring scenic, hilly walking trails amid 150+ types of native & exotic trees.
It’s such a big place with lots of tracks. It might take a full day if you want to do all of them. Nice walking tracks with very different views. Some of them are wide with crushed rocks; some are narrow hidden under trees; some are very steep and hilly; and some are easy and flat.
Dan Li — Google review
We've visited here a few times and it's an idyllic spot to stop for a breather to enjoy the views, or to spend a day enjoying the fresh air and great views North to the Yarra Valley. Accessed via well graded dirt and gravel roads, expect your vehicle to get quite dusty in dry weather, or muddy in wet weather Sweeping verdant green lawns in spring, although it is quite steep if you come straight down from the car park, so watch your step! Plenty of space to kick a ball around, throw a frisbee etc, people set up deckchairs and have picnics. There are public toilets at the Eastern end, a couple of shelters, with free BBQs, benches, and paths to various walks. I didn't notice any signage or maps indicating what walks are available, distances etc. Although it is a mature Arbortoreum established in the 1970's, apart from a memorial plaque there was no history, info plaques on plantations, purpose or aims of the plantation etc, which I found disappointing.
Frank S — Google review
Park picnic and dog walk 🦮 This is a great area to visit either for a quick look at the view, or hang around and have a picnic all you needed for a great day is available bbq,gazebos,toilets,water,picnic tables and seating,plus there is heaps of grassed area to play cricket,football or just roll around. There are many different tracks though out park and well worth exploring. It would take many hours to walk them all.
Anton Engelmayer — Google review
Such a pretty spot. Parking can be a challenge, depending which entrance track you decide to take. Lots of tracks and walks to check out and the trees look amazing. Most of the area is closed off still at the time of writing (Oct 2021), but the main access roads around it are open.
Steve Alder-Goad — Google review
R.J. Hamer Arboretum: A Serene Escape into Nature's Embrace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Step into a world of tranquility and wonder at R.J. Hamer Arboretum, where nature's beauty unfolds in breathtaking splendor. As you venture deeper into the arboretum, you find yourself immersed in a thick forest of towering pine trees, creating a majestic canopy that shields you from the outside world. With each step, you feel the soft cushion of dry leaves beneath your feet, creating a soothing and comforting sensation, as if walking upon a nature-made carpet. The air is crisp and fragrant, filled with the earthy aroma of the forest floor and the refreshing scent of the towering pines. It's a sensory symphony that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. The towering pine trees reach towards the sky, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. As you look up, sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. The interplay of light and shade creates a magical ambiance, as if nature itself is putting on a captivating show just for you. The tranquility of R.J. Hamer Arboretum provides the perfect setting for meditation and introspection. Find a quiet spot amidst the trees, close your eyes, and let the symphony of nature's sounds serenade your senses. The gentle rustling of leaves, the melodious chirping of birds, and the distant whispers of the wind invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace. As you soak in the beauty of the arboretum, it's hard not to marvel at the grandeur of the natural world and contemplate the wonders created by the Grand Creator. The harmony and balance found within these sacred grounds serve as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of life and the magnificence of the world we inhabit. R.J. Hamer Arboretum is not only a place of solitude but also a gathering space for cherished moments with friends. Find a cozy spot to sit, share laughter, and engage in meaningful conversations amidst the serene surroundings. The arboretum provides a sanctuary where friendships flourish and memories are created, fostering a sense of connection and harmony with both nature and one another. So, if you're seeking an escape from the chaos of everyday life, venture into the embrace of R.J. Hamer Arboretum. Let the towering pines, the rustling leaves, and the tranquil ambiance transport you to a world of serenity and awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you seek solitude, meditation, or a heartfelt conversation with loved ones, this natural haven will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of nature and the profound sense of peace that awaits you at R.J. Hamer Arboretum.
Harvey Spencer — Google review
One of the best places for walks in Melbourne. There are a few trails to explore. I love walking here on autumn and spring days. The tracks are mostly shaded by magnificent giant trees. There's ample car park space in the mornings. The trails are mostly easy with short stretches of moderate to steep incline.
Zeph — Google review
It’s a very peaceful place . So beautiful for pictures with the tall trees nestled right behind you . If you walk beyond the trees you have a beautiful viewpoint. Ideal for picnics. It has a common bbq and toilets very close to the place
Minoli Thanapathy — Google review
Lived in Melb my whole life, and in the east… never knew about this place until now. It’s so nice; might be a stretch - but I gives me a little sense of my time at the Swiss Alps here, especially on a Sunny day in spring with the wildflowers! Heaps of walking tracks behind this spot too, including a lovely dam track walk. Magical, will be back
Donald Yip — Google review
When we were around this place, randomly searched in Google for a place to sit, relax and enjoy the nature 🏞😀. We got this place which ticked all the boxes, exactly what we were looking for. Very beautiful place 👌. First thing, there is enough space for parking, so no worry about that. There is public toilet near the parking area, which is in an okay condition for a public toilet, so no worry about that too. They have provided some barbecue area and tables if you want to spend the time with your family or friends like that. Vast lawn area for picnic or play with kids or pets or so. Lot of trees as well. Then there is beautiful view of the mountains and greeneries. The view is amazing, photo perfect, you see the nature in layers. Then there are walking trails and bushes as well, for some trail walking, which I couldn't explore. Overall a great place.
Thouseef KM — Google review
The place is very peaceful. Hidden gem with stunning valley and mountain views. Stunning on a sunny day as well as on a rainy one. Those tall trees nestled right behind you make a beautiful backdrop for pictures. Walking beyond the trees will give you a beautiful view. The site is very close to a common barbecue and toilets
Arun Chandran — Google review
Beautiful place lot's of tracks to choose from, make sure you rug up in cooler weather be careful in the wet as it's slippery. Step in sections but rewarding with views across the valley and a sneaky reward when you get into the old Olinda golf course with your fur child as it's an off leash park which gives your dog acres of land to explore . . . Great for the family great for the fur child or even has a rotunda with BBQ and toilets close by all in very clean condition.
Tony Edge — Google review
It was a very peaceful and silent place . Very good for a picnic lunch on a bright sunny day.I went during the sunset time and witnessed the beautiful orange sky, which was so amazing.
Herwanderwings — Google review
A lovely walk with many trails and great areas for the dogs to roam. Information point useful but displays a little faded.
Neville Hazell — Google review
Amazing views, perfect for hiking with family.
Athea Pardo — Google review

5Pirianda Garden

4.4
(180)
4.0
(15)
Mentioned on 
Garden
Nature & Parks
Pirianda Garden, spanning 11 hectares, boasts a diverse collection of rare, exotic, and indigenous plant species with each one meticulously named. The terraced slopes and paths wind through lush fern gullies where various bird species like currawongs, rosellas, butcher birds, honeyeaters, and kookaburras reside. On clear days, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Arthurs Seat and the Mornington Peninsula.
What a treat this garden is! I’ve been a few times now, and I’m always impressed at how well kept it all is, given the size of it. All the trees etc are labelled and it’s well mapped out. Beautiful place to come on your own first thing when no one else is around as it’s so peaceful. Very steep on the way back up, but it’s up in the Dandenong Ranges so you have to expect that!
Beth — Google review
A Peaceful Paradise in the Dandenongs: Pirianda Gardens. Pirianda Gardens is a hidden gem nestled in the Dandenongs. It's the perfect spot for a tranquil escape with family and friends. Here's what truly impressed me: Tranquil Escape: This garden offers a serene atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle. Stunning Beauty: The gardens are meticulously maintained, boasting a vibrant display of flowers and lush greenery. Family-Friendly: With ample parking and clean restrooms, Pirianda Gardens caters comfortably to families with children. A Word of Caution: While exploring the gardens, be mindful of the steep terrain, especially when venturing downhill. Take your time and wear appropriate footwear for a safe and enjoyable experience. The reward? Breathtaking views at the bottom! The culmination of the walk down is a truly spectacular vista, making the trek absolutely worthwhile. Overall, Pirianda Gardens is a must-visit for anyone seeking a peaceful and scenic escape in the Dandenongs. Just remember to be cautious on the slopes and enjoy the garden.
Bibin Thomas — Google review
A beautiful garden hidden away in the Dandenongs. 🚙 Firstly a note on access - unless you drive a 4WD, you can only enter the gardens via the section of Hacketts Rd closer to Olinda-Monbulk Rd rather than its western counterpart as the latter has a very steep uphill unsealed road. The garden features stunning hydrangeas in full bloom in the summer months, and there's plenty of foliage. 🌳 As it's lesser known, it was super quiet when we visited. The path is mostly loose gravel and some sections are quite steep so do mind your footing, especially on rainy days. Very much worth a visit for those hydrangeas!! 💐
Gladys Z — Google review
Visited these gardens on a Sunday afternoon nice and quiet doesn't get busy like the other more popular gardens in the Dandenongs. Set on 23 acres. Beautiful gardens with lots of different exotic trees from around the world, a fern gully, walking paths and signage along the way. The old stone home with rock garden is lovely. Toilets and plenty parking. Definitely worth a visit.
B Collier — Google review
To get to this garden - Do Not use google maps! It will take you up very steep & unsealed Perrins Rd. Use next door Gentiana Nursery add: 138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd & enter into unsealed Hacketts Rd to get into parking area for this garden. The signage for Pirianda Garden is pretty insignificant- do not miss it... Returning to this little known garden in the Ranges after an interval of almost 2 decades - to find nothing much has changed is disappointing. Why is Pirianda always the poorer cousin to the Dandy Ranges Botanic Gardens 5 kms away? The only difference I have noticed now - is a proper entrance into the garden & upgraded paths. Paths are a steep descent - assess your fitness to get back up again. The curving wide vehicle access road (near toilets) is a better one to take if you are not up to it. The Fern Gully path further down under canopy of trees & ferns is pretty damp & slippery. A couple - who had brought their elderly parent with them were disappointed - there is no vehicle access or even an easy vantage lookout at the top to take in the expansive downhill views. The pretty gazebo is quite a steep way down. As such - the elderly & parents with very young children in prams/strollers miss out unless very fit to be able to navigate the steep descent & ascent. There are so many exotic trees planted by the Ansell family & yet all you see sometimes is a plaque but no tree. The late gasp of autumn colours were still stunning 2 weeks ago but just not enough mass plantings to add year round colour. One lone purple salvia added picturesque foreground colour to autumnal tones but this was it!! So much potential but Parks Victoria just overlooks this gem. There must have been damage during last year's catastrophic storm event..but I really could not see any replanting. It looks pretty much the same as it did 2 decades ago...😟😟 This is such a tranquil & serene garden partly thanks to its obscure status I guess...Really deserves better treatment.. I would rather the Parks maintenance levy I contribute on my Water bill be put to beneficial use to preserve & enhance this Oasis in the Ranges. Btw - my pics attached are mostly the good bits in this garden - Sat 21 May 2022.
Melb Traveller — Google review
Very beautiful garden! We visited it in autumn and it was marvelous. You will get an absolute feeling of the season with bright leaves, green moss, ferns and small creeks. It is very quiet and peaceful in there. Not very big and was an excellent choice for kids who could enjoy falling into leaf piles and just appreciate the beauty of the nature.
Iryna Rus — Google review
One can see remnants of what must once have been a glorious garden! It is a little unkempt and in need of some TLC. However, the multitude of maple and beech trees will be glorious in Autumn as will the Rhododendrons in bloom. Quiet, plenty of benches dotted around, but the property is in need of care. Certainly worth a look for somewhere different to spend an hour or so in Olinda.
Monika Bruce — Google review
Visited in Autumn April 2022 and it is definitely a hidden gem, the beautiful autumn leaves were on full display without the hustle and bustle of similar local destinations. Steady incline and decline walking track which may be a tad difficult for some. Park is well kept and clean with visitors respecting the area and taking their rubbish home. Biggest plus for us was that it was dog friendly (must be on a leash). ***ENTER VIA HACKETTS ROAD***
Ben Trinh — Google review
Well worth a visit when up in the Dandenongs. You park at the top and make your way down the slope along windy paths. Might be a little difficult for older or less for people. There’s an old Brady Bunch looking house that would’ve been cutting edge back in the 60’s. Good place to walk off scones and cake from a local cafe!
Gee Gee — Google review
Pirianda Garden houses both native and exotic plants and it is maintained by Park Victoria (grateful to them) and feel lucky to be Victorian. However, I don't recommend for anyone with knees and joint problem as it is situated on pretty slopy area (feel like going down the valley). Car Park that we were at is pretty small but toilet is really decent. Dogs must be on the leash at all times.
Myint Myint San — Google review
The garden looks very bad.. like no one taking care of it. Such a shame, beautiful trees and lots of space. I wish someone could start taking care and make it better. No playground, no picnic area, lots of fallen trees.. looks so miserable
stan st — Google review

Top places to eat

4.5
(1535)
4.0
(451)
affordable
Pub
The Pig & Whistle Tavern is a rustic pub with outdoor tables and garden views that serves gastropub food and boutique beers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and accommodating. The pork belly here is fantastic, as are the Parma sandwiches. Overall, this is one of the local places worth checking out if you're in the area.
What an amazing Tavern. The bar crew and the other gentleman who greeted us when we first arrived had great customer service skills. The bar crew were very knowledgeable and even when absolutely slammed made sure to acknowledge anyone who went to the bar and let them know they would be with us shortly. The food, well there wasn’t one complaint on the table – everyone really enjoyed their meal. The steak, perfectly cooked and I think one of the best seasoned steaks I have ever had! We 100% will be back!
Jodie Kaye — Google review
You can’t go wrong with a place that has heads on the wall. Well worth as a destination drive. Good English feeling about the place and some locally made and imported flat beers to complement it. The meals were all pretty good pub quality and plenty of it. Staff were friendly and the whole area has a great vibe about it. Put it on the list for the Sunday drive
Glenn Calder — Google review
If you’re looking for a fantastic feed with awesome service, look no further than the Pig & Whistle. I had the Irish Parma and it was the best Parma I’ve ever had! Portion sizes are excellent and an awesome selection of taps at the bar. Will definitely be back!
Christopher David — Google review
A friend talked up these snitties, to say they exceeded my expectations as a foodie is an understatement. I had the Irish and it was an incredibly generous serve. The Chicken was perfectly cooked with a light curry sauce finished with delicious bacon. I tried the Southern and the Regular and both were exceptionally delicious. The service was friendly and accomodating. The decor is as warm and comforting as the food. The pub is located in a glorious area. I rate this place as a foodie destination 5 stars.
Ricky Pann — Google review
Had our anniversary lunch here today. Thankfully we booked as it’s still as popular as I remember it from pre covid days. Service on arrival was great, seated without a problem and orders taken without any stress. The range of drinks was good, I do enjoy some English beers and mulled wine. Food was fantastic, we ordered fish & chips that came with mushy peas and Lamb Wellington. Both were delicious. Dessert was apple crumble and sticky date. Servings were generous and prepared well. Staff were friendly. Makes for a great lunch. Would definitely recommend this place
Brian Beardon — Google review
One of the best food I ever had was right here! Amazing value with the best portion size you can ever get! Fast service and warm indoor seating. They offered both indoor and outdoor seating with bathroom. Definitely recommended the Pork belly and Southern style Parmi!!! The sauce with the pork belly was everything! 🤤As well as the spices on the Parmi was perfectly seasoned. 😋
Liza Bun — Google review
Lovely atmosphere with great friendly staff. Good pork belly and famous Parma. Drinks are good too. Had LMB and non alcoholic XO martini :) One of the local places worth checking out if you're in the area.
James K — Google review
Love love love the food and the atmosphere here. We ordered the famouse chicken parmigiana, pommy platter, bangers and mash potato. For dessert we opted for the sticky date pudding Boy that sticky date pudding is soooo good, the cake is moist and fresh and they put lots of sauce in it and with that beautiful creamy ice cream as well. Can't wait to get back and next time I'm not sharing the sticky date pudding with anyone 🤣
Ronny Wijaya — Google review
Totally loved it all… best to book if you can. Busy Sunday lunch but staff were fantastic, friendly and organised. Food was generous and delicious, really really good. Would completely recommend this pub if your having a day in the hills.
Tricia Norman — Google review
The Pig and Whistle is just like an English Tavern with a great atmosphere and also very cosy with an open fire. The staff were very friendly and helpful, the food was served quickly and tables were cleared and cleaned quickly. I had the Southern styled chicken parma, and it was delicious, while my wife had pork belly with mash and she loved it. Will be definitely coming back one day.
Jason Parry — Google review
Great place that genuinely feels like a countryside UK pub. Had the pork belly which was great but the beef Sunday roast was only so so. Meat was a bit tough and it was probably a bit expensive for what it was. Would still come back as it had great vibes! I imagine it would be lovely in both winter and summer.
Daniel Koh — Google review
Cannot fault anything. Staff are friendly, vibrant, attentive and nothing is too much trouble. The parma was one of the best I've had. Great layout and atmosphere. Will be coming back 👌
matt — Google review
An outstanding lunch at the wonderful P&W. Nick greeted us warmly and along with Tim and the team they looked after us like we were family. I devoured a delicious Bangers and Mash while my wife enjoyed a yummy southern parma. I washed it down with a quality pint of Old Speckled Hen. Highly recommend this lovely pub in Mt Dandenong for great food, good drinks and wonderful welcoming hospitality.
Jeremy Cox — Google review
The southern style parma was amazing. The desserts were also great. The brownie was very indulgent and pairing it with the lemon meringue was such a feast in the mouth
Joshua Pulbosa — Google review
Caught up with a couple of mates here and it delivered in spades. Food is great. The chicken parma is huge and delicious. The scotch fillet and southern fried chicken burger looked great and my mates both enjoyed. The waitress was awesome and super helpful. Thanks for the beer taste test :) Atmosphere is homey English tavern style which works perfectly for the are and cold night. Highly recommend.
Gerry Nassar — Google review
The best pub feed we've had in a long time, and the staff were so lovely! Will definitely be back, excited to try the rest of the menu
Alesha Kolbe — Google review
Yum! We stopped off for an early dinner and it totally didn't disappoint. Between two of us we had the scotch fillet steak, a steak and Guinness pie and a bottle of wine. Super reasonable prices and delicious, great service. It got well crowded by 6.45 pm.
Jasmine Seah — Google review
1429 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australiahttp://www.pigandwhistletavern.com/+61 3 9751 2366Pig & Whistle Tavern reservations

2Dudley's

4.1
(1362)
4.0
(403)
affordable
Restaurant
Located at 540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Olinda, Dudley's is a highly recommended spot to visit in the Dandenongs. This restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas that are simply delicious, along with generous portion sizes and a comforting atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a family lunch or a casual hangout with friends, Dudley's has something for everyone. The restaurant features two open fireplaces for colder months and two welcoming outdoor courtyards for warmer days.
This place is nice enough for my family to visit 3 times in a month since we stumbled upon it. Fast and friendly service. Comfortable sitting both indoor and outdoor. We enjoyed the breezy outdoor seats partly shaded by trees. Out of the dishes we had tried, we loved the Capricciosa pizza, chicken parmigiana, and the sweet potato chips is a must-try. The pork ribs is only average, though the potato chips that come with it is very nice.
chee chin hoe — Google review
Very sweet staff, good food, big portions though. Overall a decent place for a family lunch or hangout with friends
Spoorthy Reddy — Google review
One of the best coffees we’ve had. Food was delicious, very generous portions. Fast service and friendly staff. We had the Canadian pancakes and the bacon and eggs and shared and it was all fantastic. The restaurant was warm and inviting which was perfect for the rainy Melbourne weather. Outdoor area allows for dogs which would make for a perfect spot on a sunny day. We will definitely be back again for another meal soon. Thanks for an excellent brunch.
Tracey French — Google review
Melbourne you are beautiful! Dudley you are incredible! The staff were incredible! I was there from Sydney with my cousin's who highly recommended this place & I can see why. Your food was incredibly delicious! Thank You
Marina Semaan — Google review
Beautiful food, serving sizes are out of this world. You definitely get what you pay for. Junior staff were lovely and very attentive. Nice atmosphere, loved that James Taylor was playing in the background
edana sue — Google review
they really put the DUD in Dudley. i ordered the steak medium rare as usual. plate turns up and the steak is cooked well done. wondering where the jus went. asked for more jus, lady said we don’t have any. ok? how did 2 teaspoons get on my plate? this is not freshly made. it is very available and ready to serve. moved on with my life and ate it. pretty garbage, steak was overcooked to hell, potatoes were not “crispy”, they were microwaved. the veges were also just floppy microwaved trash. i asked if we could get a discount for the food. no discount because i ate my meal. i am not a confrontational person which is why i am here posting this review. i would never have the guts to send food back. and wait another 40 min for a steak that will be sub par again? no thanks. usually a place that looks so well established and popular serves beautiful, love filled food. this is the complete opposite. the cooks must hate their job, absolutely no respect for the food or for the people ordering. tables are sticky. honestly just go anywhere else, get a pie from the store opposite to this one.
Natalie Milic — Google review
Have been looking forward to Dudley's for a while and didn't knock it out of the park for me unfortunately. 🍴I was disappointed with the food: 🍕 Pizza base was like pita bread and lacked flavour. 🍝 Pasta was lacking in flavour. 💰 Higher price than similar restaurants. I didn't expect to be disappointed for the price. 📝 Bookings recommended 🤵 Staff were attentive, but felt like we were being rushed to order. 🚻 Amenities were fine. 🏎 Difficult parking, allow time to find a spot ------------- 🔄 Repeatability: Hopefully I caught you on an off night, plenty of good reviews so will come back another time.
David Bartlett — Google review
Very sweet staff, good food, big portions though. Overall a decent place for a family lunch or hangout with friends
aishwarya dongre — Google review
They are making wood fried pizzas 🍕 and to be honest it was a rich filling delicious vegetable pizza and tasty 😋 but in look wise it is not in a proper round shape like normal pizzas. Excellent customer service. They serve beverages aswell. Parking 🅿️ in the side of the shop was but difficult but will get more space on the back of the shop. Inside of this Shop was superb and they arranged it very nicely👍.
Bibin Thomas — Google review
Outstanding service and delicious cocktails. Really enjoyed the atmosphere and live music. Our meals were nice and presented well, but I feel the flavours were a bit basic for the price.
Ebby — Google review
What a wonderful place! Lunch. We had the perfectly golden and crunchy Arancini balls and the tasty Sopresssa, olive and pesto wood fired pizza to share with lovely glass of Helen's Hill Chardonnay each. Both meals were excellent and well presented. The Service. Polite, quick and charming. Water was delivered as we were seated, service with a smile and we were thankfully not interrupted by the staff during our conversation. The Menu. This is a huge menu with something for everyone at reasonable prices, the pizzas are a must to try! The Wine/Beer list & Coffee. Again this is a huge menu with a great selection to choose from. This time we didn't order the coffee. Seating Areas. Two great outdoor spaces to choose from, one roadside seating area behind a hedge to watch the world go by and a huge patio type area out the front. Inside is a choice of two dining options, one more dark and elegant and the other light and bright next to the windows. The Loo's. Very clean and tidy. Overall. A great place to visit with a great menu, great service and dining options. We will be returning for more!
Fip — Google review
We had a beautiful meal here, BBQ pizza cooked in a wood fired oven was divine, the best beer battered chips with fish tales and salad we have tasted! We had a side salad of, sliced pear, walnut, rocket, shaved parmesan lightly touched with balsamic vinegar. A wonderful paring of ingredients. 👍
Konrad Turner — Google review
Dined for lunch on the weekend. I had the pappardelle con agnello - slow cooked lamb shoulder w red wine, napoli sauce & pappardelle. It was tasty. Prices are on the expensive side & they also charge a 10% surcharge for weekend dining. Service friendly.
Shweta Leonard — Google review
The outdoor sitting was cozy and warm because of the heaters during a chilly day. The food was pretty authentic and delicious. The service was not bad. No dedicated parking available for guests.
Vivek M — Google review
I was really impressed by this restaurant! Kind service beautiful meal and great value! I will be returning. Also interior was cool.
Fern Murphy — Google review
540 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australiahttp://dudleysolinda.com.au/+61 3 9751 2388

3Ranges at Olinda

3.7
(794)
3.5
(377)
affordable
Restaurant
The contemporary location, featuring a fireplace and covered terrace, offers traditional breakfast options and high-quality cafe dishes. The friendly and welcoming staff provided excellent service in a timely manner, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The loaded nachos were delicious and packed with flavors. However, the smashed avocado could benefit from the addition of a poached egg on top. The mixed berry dessert was heavenly, although the crust was slightly thicker than desired.
The food is excellent in taste and presentation. Service is friendly and warm. Had a beautiful lunch with great friends!
Keng Luen Chong — Google review
We were greeted by lovely and friendly staff. Service is timely, ambience is great. The loaded Nachos are yummy and loaded with flavours. The smashed avocado could use a poached egg on top. The Mixed Berry is divine even if the crust is a bit thicker. The Lemon Lime and Bitter tastes great, the Raspberry Lemonade tastes plain and the Chocolate Milkshake is perfect. The price is reasonable even if it has a 15% surcharge today, which is not a deal breaker because it's a holiday. Overall, a fine dining experience on a busy Easter Sunday. Congratulations to the owner and staff for their warm hospitality despite the hectic schedule today.
Vito Butardo — Google review
Lovely place in local area! The staff member at the bar was very friendly and attentive, never get disappointed. 👌🏻 Foodvis was something different for me, but still love it. 😋 Definitely place to try 💯
Karina Savicka — Google review
Excellent Covid-safe service. Good coffee. Lovely cake presentation.
Don Ewart — Google review
when we first got there around 12 we were not greeted by staff for 15 minutes, after eventually being seated we were not made aware of any longer wait periods for food, so we wait d a further 10/15 minutes to have our drinks order taken, we ordered our food at the same time, 25 minutes later we were still waiting on our drinks (a tea, a coffe, and a coke) when i asked where they were were were assured they would be coming in the next 5 mins. they did not, we waited a further 10. so at this point we are in 35 mins of waiting and waited until 1:20pm for our food (chicken parma, smashed avo, eggs benny, and a nachos) after waiting over 45 minutes for food to then arrive we we’re expecting a high standard of food. i was left thoroughly disappointed, the eggs on the benny and the avo were overcooked, yolks were hard, and the avo lacked seasoning, the corn chips were stale and not crunchy anymore, i mentioned all this to the staff and she was apologetic and offered to take the two egg dishes off the bill or re make which we appreciated and they were taken off the bill, might i add to all of this that they were not busy, it was a cold raining day no one seated outside and half the cafes inside tables were empty. overall won’t be returning
Darcey Ford — Google review
2nd time at this place in the past year and only came back today as every other place in the area was too busy to accommodate two adults and two kids and we were all hungry. Was first told that it would be a 45 minute wait for anything from the kitchen. Then told we could have coffee and food from the counter. Which then changed to no, you can't have that pie because it is a 45 minute wait for anything that needs to be warmed up. By then I just wanted a coffee. After ordering this, I was told it would be a 20 - 30 minute wait for food. So I ordered two pies with chips and salad and x 2 hot cross buns just so the little ones would have something to snack on. Well, close to end of the meal, I turned over the 2nd hot cross bun and it was blue and green. Clearly stale. I had been feeding these buns to both of my boys. I showed my partner and he asked staff about it. The manager seemed quite indifferent and just said he would talk to the kitchen staff about it and would take it off the bill. Partner wasn't happy this was enough. Really if our sons get sick, of course we would be understandably upset. Pics attached. Won't be going back.
Somany Nheng — Google review
0 stars actually the cafe was not very busy on a Saturday morning. My partner and I were seated fairly quickly, given menus and water. Then we were absolutely IGNORED by all staff for the next 20+ minutes...even though several of them kept walking past us to other tables in our area. We left and went to Ripe Cafe in Sassafras....within 20 minutes we were eating a delicious breakfast...for less money than Ranges was charging. Will not be back to Ranges.....
Drew Mason — Google review
Exceptional food accompanied by a gracious staff. This weekend, we enjoyed a late lunch at Ranges, where we indulged in the visually striking and equally tasty chicken on waffles. Initially, I doubted I could consume the whole dish, but its delectable flavors ensured an empty plate. The staff's genuine friendliness added warmth to our dining experience. If you find yourself nearby, Ranges is certainly worth a visit!
David Wong — Google review
Great welcome as soon as we walked in. Lovely warm fire to welcome is in from the rain with plenty of seating areas to choose from. The service was great - he was cheerful, funny & very much our cup of tea. He was great at reading the room to cater for everyone. My friend had the vegetable fritters which came with a beautiful salad, sweet chilli sauce & beetroot relish. I had the salmon Benedict with spinach. The good was utterly delicious & we'll certainly be back when we're visiting again. Great work everyone 🙌🏽
Corinna Hull — Google review
Friendly service with a smile regardless how busy it was! The staff were approachable and quick to respond without being too hovering. The big brekkie was unmissable, nicely prepared and was delicious! The hash brown was slightly over cooked but honestly didn’t really mind the extra crunch! The mushroom bruschetta was generous and had an abundant of yes you guessed it…….Mushrooms! 😋 Just needed the extra Balsamic dressing and a touch more Fetta would have topped it off! Kudos for the venue and service! Very welcoming and cosy!
Projects By Jomar — Google review
We’ve been here quite a few times, we came in today for brunch and had I ordered a “big breakfast” which was definitely not big. It was missing items that were mentioned on the menu but was unavailable when we got the meal. I would expect to be told or offer a replacement which I was not. We also waited over 30 minutes for our meals to come out. Quite disappointed in our visit today.
Minoli Thanthrimudali — Google review
Such welcoming staff, lovely environment (the fire is amazing!), and yummy food! I needed a cozy place to study for a couple days this week and the staff were really accommodating. They were available as needed but gave me space to do my thing. Highly recommend!
Kate Reimer — Google review
5 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australiahttp://ranges.com.au/+61 3 9751 2133

4Olinda Tea House & Restaurant

4.3
(1596)
4.0
(250)
affordable
Asian fusion restaurant
Olinda Tea House is a luxurious restaurant situated in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, offering stunning views of the countryside. The food here is amazing - the pork dumplings are absolutely delicious, and the ribs are beautifully tender. The honey chicken is also very good, and it's a great place to finish off your meal. The service is excellent too - thank you for making our stay in Olinda so enjoyable!
The Olinda Tea House provided a delightful setting for our recent family gathering. Initially, we encountered a minor issue when staff suggested splitting our group of 14 into two separate tables. However, after expressing our preference for a single large table, they reluctantly accommodated us, ensuring our comfort and convenience. The food, though served in modest portions, was bursting with exquisite flavors that left us thoroughly impressed. Despite this initial hiccup, the overall experience was exceptional, and we're already looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommended for families seeking a charming and accommodating dining venue in Olinda. Photos taken from two separate visits.
Johnson Teoh — Google review
My family and I dined here on Good Friday on the $66 set menu and left extremely satisfied. Everything came out not only aesthetically pleasing like the venue itself but delicious and filling. The portion was very generous hence why we had to leave with takeaway boxes. The star dish apart from their signature dessert stand (which is a must order) was Stir Fry Eggplant with Potato with Sweet Soy Sauce and their Pickled Tomato that was apart of the assorted cold dishes, the sweet and tangy flavours worked very well. It is very fitting for large groups and would recommend for a nice little getaway from the busy city chaos.
Q H — Google review
High- Tea Location is a lovely venue in mount Dandenong that is highly recommended if you want to be in nature and away from the city for the weekend. The desserts and food stands were fresh and visually stunning! They provide you with good quality tea and you can request them to fill up your teapot as you go. The scones and jams were also fresh, and we were allowed to take the rest of our desserts home. Also, you can tell them your dietary requirements and they change them for you. Also, you can request more savory items or sweets as you like. There are few animals out in the garden, you can feed them as well.
Deji H — Google review
Not sure why it’s so busy. The place is not Japanese restaurant but Chinese. Food was so average that you could find better ones in Box hill. We had fried chicken with lemon sauce. The chicken was dried in my opinion but eatable. They have many staff running around but very hard to catch their attention. Scones was good though.
Jessica Filumu — Google review
Excellent ambience and great service. The exterior is beautifully landscaped and the place transports you to a quiet getaway. The service was great and prompt. The service staff was attentive throughout. Food was a bit of a let down though. The pork ribs hardly had any meat on them and were more like nibbles. The cumin Lamb though excellently cooked had extra salt. The dessert was the saving grace.
Arun Sudheendran — Google review
A wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day. The venue was beautifully decorated and offered a fantastic selection of Vegan options. The staff member Fran was helpful and welcoming. Please pass on our thanks to her for making our outings so positive! She went above and beyond. The dumplings and the vegan spicy chicken were key standouts. The venue also had a great wine selection.
Liam Morkham — Google review
We went here for dinner as we were in Olinda for a little getaway and let me just say I'm still thinking about the food absolutely delicious! The pork dumplings were the best I've had, ribs were but sized and so tender and the star was the honey chicken so delicious and fresh wow. We got the chicken for dessert and that was nice little dessert to finish off the night. The service was spot on, so glad we came here!
Nina Y — Google review
Celebrated my sister’s birthday here last Saturday, our first time to dine here and so glad we chose the right place. Foods were so delicious and beautifully presented. Service was excellent and staff were helpful, especially that girl named ‘Lily’ who helped us chose which food is the best. This restaurant also has a beautiful park, entertained by Alpacas and a Pony. We will surely come back here.
Miss Daisy — Google review
Food was descent and service was nice, place is really nice and has a cosy feel to it. Had lunch there and tried a few different options. Their signature dishes were really good. We had a family member with certain dietary requirements and the staff offered options that suits their needs. We were really happy with the food.
tanmay singh — Google review
Outstanding! Not only is Olinda Tea House nestled in beautiful, lush gardens, the service and the food is amazing! Mr Hoover, our waiter, was a delightfully funny and a customer focused server! We were thrilled with his service and the light humour, with his joking around! We thoroughly enjoyed the fusion high tea experience……beautifully presented and scrumptious! A nice balance of savoury and sweet. They allowed us to take home what we couldn’t consume. Highly recommend coming to Olinda Tea House and we will come again for dinner!
Nat Ral — Google review
We had a wonderful birthday party here for my son. Food is beautiful and waiters are absolutely friendly and helpful. Party organiser/manager is a lovely young girl who is thorough and passionate. Dining environment is definitely a big plus. All our guest had a wonderful experience here at that night! Highly recommend and will definitely come back!!! Thanks team, you done a great job!
Cecilia Chan — Google review
We were in the area looking for a late lunch, and they graciously accommodated us. The food was excellent and served very quickly, even though it was quite busy. Wait staff were very friendly and for the most part attentive. Soups were very tasty, main dishes exceptional, and desserts superb! My wife loved the unique dishware for each dish, as you can see in the photos.
Michael Bouy — Google review
Food was good. The group really enjoyed it, really filling. Loved how they have their garden outside to enjoy before or after dining. We hung out outside enjoying the weather and Alpaca's before having lunch.
Kelly Y — Google review
Our friend invited us to celebrate her birthday here and we tried their high tea selections for the first time. I loved the presentation of everything and I enjoyed most of the dessert and the dishes. Their sandwiches and pork bun were delicious and the mushroom pastry was creamy and rich. As for the dessert, my personal favourite was the mini pink pig mousse cake. The services were amazing and all the waiters and waitresses were attentive and friendly. Definitely recommend it for special occasions!
Nanling Liu — Google review
Stunning views, excellent service, and good food. They also have high tea selection but we opted for lunch menu instead. The lunch menu is ample with classic Asian dish as well as several Asian fusion (such as wasabi prawns). Loved the relaxed atmosphere and staff's attentiveness. Reservation is definitely recommended as it can get very busy despite the location being quite secluded.
Jovino Margathe — Google review
A comfortable and lovely place. We had the Chinese lunch menu, which was great, we didn't try the fancy high tea. It is a very popular place, even on weekdays because it is the only nice eatery in that area. Indoors is the better option, though outdoors looks romantic. We visited at around 2:30pm, after the peak hours, which is much more relaxing.
Neoflam K — Google review
Beautiful restaurant in a gorgeous garden setting! Fran who was looking after us was incredibly friendly and warm hearted with us. The portion sizes are generous. We had a few entrees and shared a plate of vegetables, fried rice and the lamb. Everything was just delicious. We’ll be back! Thanks again Fran for the great hospitality ☀️
Antje Leifheit — Google review
86A Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australiahttps://www.olindateahouse.com.au/+61 3 9751 0556

5Kelly's Bar & Kitchen

4.3
(850)
4.0
(238)
affordable
Australian restaurant
Kelly's Bar & Kitchen is a charming, century-old log cabin adorned with enchanting fairy lights. This rustic establishment offers delectable bistro meals and refreshing cocktails, both of which can be enjoyed in their outdoor seating area. The bar boasts a fantastic selection of local beers on tap at affordable prices. The staff at Kelly's are delightful and recommended trying their house special carbonara, which proved to be absolutely delicious.
I enjoyed. I was able to get coffee at start of meal and take away coffee at the end. (mum wanted me to take pictures of the food, so I thought I share them) Prices are really good, and quality of food really good too. Like “oh wow this better than the pubs in the cbd” Thank you
Pierre Traill — Google review
Fast and easy food with loads of parking. Taste however was average.
Jeromy — Google review
Consistently great steaks, in a cosy and relaxed environment with friendly and efficient service. Reasonably priced menu with popular daily specials. Good value all round and a step up from a 'pub meal' while still retaining that relaxed/country vibe. We've been back several times and will continue to do so.
David Christensen — Google review
Highly recommend this place. Great value for money, the best customer service I have ever had. Great vibes and good food. The service here reflects the owners dedication and interest in hospitality. Top-notch!11/10
Nitsy — Google review
We love this place and can't wait to come back. I had the veggie burger and couple of pints and my partner had the calamari and dessert. The dishes are superb and the ambiance is very lively. To add, the service is top notch!
Allen Tuazon — Google review
Great atmosphere. Food portions perfect. Very tasy. Highly recommend for a cosy stop over.
Eugene Myron Stewart — Google review
Hark! Let me regale thee with a tale of Kelly's Bar and Kitchen, nestled amidst the majestic mountain ranges, a place of quaint charm and heartsome revelry. 'Twas a delightful establishment, where weary travelers and jovial locals alike sought refuge in its warm embrace. Upon entry, we were welcomed by the crackling hearth, casting its comforting glow upon the timbered walls. The ambiance, verily, was akin to a cozy inn of yore, inviting all to share in mirth and camaraderie. As we partook in the victuals, we found that the fare offered was of the classic pub variety, with flavors both hearty and homely. To our delight, Kelly's extended its hospitality even unto chickens, and our companion from Lilydale found much favor in this gesture. The quibble lay in the calamari, for it was overcooked, lacking the tender touch of a gentle fry. Alas, the once tender cephalopod had turned stern and rigid, a blight upon an otherwise pleasing repast. Yet, a silver lining appeared when the beef pie graced our table. It bore a sumptuous filling of rich gravy, pleasing to the palate, and befitting of an establishment of such character. Yet, the accompanying mash was less fortunate, being coarse and lumpy, rather than the creamy indulgence we had yearned for. Furthermore, a curious matter did arise when we inquired about the promised Jus, for none was to be found. 'Twas a perplexity, as the staff insisted the gravy was the Jus. Verily, this seemed strange, for in our minds, the Jus had always been a distinct and delectable drizzle to complement the pie. Alas, this was not the case, and though the pie was grand, we mourned the absence of the much-anticipated Jus. In conclusion, Kelly's presented itself as a fine establishment with a welcoming hearth, splendid charm, and classic pub fare to savor. Its benevolence towards chickens was praiseworthy, and the beef pie held great merit, despite the mash's shortcomings. Alas, the calamari faltered, and the enigmatic absence of the Jus left us wistful for what could have been. Nonetheless, we depart with hearts still warm, and memories of the mountainous tavern, tucked away in rustic splendor.
Jonno Robin — Google review
Nice rustic environment serving pub food and a range of tap beers that were excellent. Decent food with welcoming servers and great table service. I would visit again for another round of drinks but likely to explore better food options in this area.
Praveen Wijesekera — Google review
Warm welcome and friendly staff. The food was ok with a common pub dishes menu and few specialities from chefs on board. Dishes took a long time to come despite the pub was not busy at all. This is probably due to the fact that they don't have enough staff in the kitchen. Lots seats indoor and outdoor. The pub looks like a big chalet, very wooded. There is a parking lot on the right side of the pub.
Hormesis — Google review
Delicious food (we had spicy calamari as entree and today's special, chicken korma curry and chicken parma)! Dessert was godly yummy! Amazing service. Thank you. We'll be back!
Liz Laffargue — Google review
Came here pre pandemic and loved the cozy wooden style interior and fire place. Remember having a nice streak and calamari so was looking forward to enjoying the same friendly service and good food. Wasn’t disappointed! Same great atmosphere, service and good food. But this time a new employee! If you sit outside there’s a friendly bird that is more than happy to join you for lunch. He’s cool.
Aaron Willcox — Google review
Great food, cozy atmosphere. Food was perfect, well seasoned. Not a huge range to choose from and slow to table, but overall very good.
Z Ryuu — Google review
Great selection of local beers on tap at an affordable price. Staff were lovely and suggested we try the house special carbonara which was delicious. We also had the house made pie (made from scratch to order) and it was by far the best pie we've ever tasted. 10/10 experience and we will be eating here every time we are in the area.
Nathan Phillips — Google review
1510 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda VIC 3767, Australiahttp://www.kellysbarandkitchen.com.au/+61 3 9751 1056
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