Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour USD 152.07. Explore the rich history and amazing flora and fauna of the Dandenong Ranges on this day trip from Melbourne. Enjoy a guided walk through an old-growth forest surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees and ancient ferns, and learn about the flora and fauna, as well as the region’s First Nations history and culture. Break for lunch in the little village of Kallista before visiting the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, where you’ll find tranquil Japanese-themed lake gardens..
Review the Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour direct from Awaken Tours.
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17 reviews for Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour Awaken Tours
Rated 5 out of 5
Abigail S –
I did this tour with Jay in mid December, and it was fantastic! I was slightly worried about doing a tour on my own, but with such a friendly tour guide it was brilliant. The tour itself was very well planned, Jay’s knowledge on the area and its history was very impressive, he taught me a lot about not only Melbourne’s history but also also of other cities and parts of Australia. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is very impressive, and along with Jay’s explanations of its development, history and meaning, it is a must to do! I was in awe and admiration of the whole Sanctuary, and I know if i had gone myself I would have missed such crucial parts that Jay taught. The lunch provided was also amazing, I wont ruin the surprise for anyone else, but just ask for the salad!! The walk through the ancient forest was so peaceful and calming after being in the city for a few days! Again Jay’s knowledge on the area shone through, teaching me not only about the history but of the plant and wildlife in the area.
This tour is a must do for anyone!! Thank you for a wonderful day!
Rated 3 out of 5
Adele S –
A pleasant enough day out. Jay picked us up from St. Pauls on time and was very friendly and talkative on the drive up to the Sanctuary. He was very knowledgeable about the sculptures that Ricketts created and the beliefs and values of the people he depicted. Lunch was very nice at a restaurant 2 minutes away. I think it is a bit of a misnomer to describe the day as a ‘nature’ day trip as the walk in the Dandenong Ranges was simply a stroll along a very well-trodden path in the woods and Jay’s knowledge of local fauna and flora was rather limited, focusing very much on trying to spot a lyre bird and the crimson rosella parrot.
Rated 5 out of 5
Helen_K –
Excellent tour. Wonderfully knowledgeable guide. The lunch was amazing 5star. Not over taxing walking. Great half day tour. Highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5
Bev H –
Being a small group, you can tailor the trip to suit you. We spent an amazing morning at the William Rickett Sanctuary followed by a fabulous lunch by the fire. We walked through the Sherbrooke Forest which was so peaceful then Jay drove me to show off the gorgeous Autumn colours in the Dandenong Ranges which was what I really wanted to see. Jay was so informative about Melbourne, it’s history and the Dandenongs. Hopefully I can take another trip when spring arrives if I am still in Melbourne.
Rated 5 out of 5
Japandrea02 –
Dandenong and William Ricketts Sanctuary 1/2 day tour is a unique, beautiful, and moving experience. There are many perks to this tour: William Ricketts Sanctuary is like nothing I’d ever seen before, and the forests are amazing! Because the tour is limited to three people, you get to hear Jay’s extensive knowledge of the aboriginal people, the sanctuary, and the wildlife. And another: the tour doesn’t start super early and you are home to Melbourne with plenty of time to enjoy dinner, city life after a super day in nature. This was a wonderful tour in Melbourne.
Suggestion: we went on a rainy day and I did have to buy new Uggs when I got back to the city. Bring some throw-away sneakers or rain boots just in case. Or buy new Uggs if it’s muddy. :
Rated 2 out of 5
Kimberly_R –
Quite expensive for what it is, a 45-minute ride out of the city, entry into a national park with commentary and lunch.
Rated 5 out of 5
KingSan_L –
We joined this tour on 9 May. William Ricketts sculptures mixed with the natural environment very well and inspire us a lot. Thanks for the guide, Jays explanation. He is friendly and considerate. We have lunch in a restaurant where we can see parrots at eye level through windows – an unique experience and the food is nice. Then, walking in Dandenong forest and exploring fern, mountain ash, Lyrebird, parrots that is something new to us who live in city. Relax and fun!
Rated 5 out of 5
Fiona_B –
Jay was a wonderful tour leader who has an extensive knowledge of what he is showing, His driving was excellent and for interstate people it is good to have cultural experiences and enjoy the relaxing beauty of the Dandenongs whilst in Melbourne. Thanks Jay for a memorable day and for looking after us so well.
Rated 4 out of 5
David K –
An informative journey to an off the tourist trail location. Our guide Jay was enthusiastic and engaging throughout and the sanctuary as well as old growth forest walk afterwards both proved rewarding. Worth doing if you don’t have a lot of time and want to get outside of Melbourne.
Rated 5 out of 5
Gail_P –
My friend and I went on the tour on 1 April, the day was overcast to start, but refreshing cool. Jay was a fantastic tour guide, prompt, efficient, a really delightful young man. His knowledge and passion for the William Ricketts Sanctuary was exceptional, really engaging us with the man behind the works, his relationship with our First Nation people, his life and his beautiful art. The experience was a once in a lifetime one. Lunch was perfect! Delicious, well prepared in a magical setting. The walk through the Sherbrooke Forest amongst majestic mountain ash eucalypts was stunning, we lucked seeing crimson rosellas and even a couple of lyrebirds! The drive was comfortable both ways, and we arrived back at our hotel refreshed, inspired and looking forward to the next visit to Melbourne when we can join Jay again for another adventure. Thank you SO much. We had a great time.
Rated 5 out of 5
abdul_s –
Dandenong forest was amazing! i have been to 1000 steps but didnt get the chance to visit forest and the sanctuary which is why i booked this tour. it was incredible and Jay was very helpful and kind. he brought some homemade fennel tea which was the best tea i ever had!
Rated 5 out of 5
westlinwind2019 –
The William Ricketts Sanctuary is stunning and mythic and well worth the trip. Our guide Jay was entertaining, jovial, and well informed. This was a highlight of our Melbourne stay.
Rated 5 out of 5
Christiane R –
I had a private tour with Jay and it was a great tour. It was very informative and the guide was as receptive to questions as possible. I highly recommand this tour.
Rated 5 out of 5
Amy –
I have wanted to go to the William Rickett’s Sanctuary ever since I saw photos from there over two decades ago. I traveled across the world to see it and it did not disappoint. Jay was extremely knowledgeable and explained the significance of the place including both land and sculptures. He gave plenty of time to absorb this magical place. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch followed by a walk in the woods. What a perfect day!
Rated 5 out of 5
Amy –
I have wanted to go to the William Rickett’s Sanctuary ever since I saw photos from there over two decades ago. I traveled across the world to see it and it did not disappoint. Jay was extremely knowledgeable and explained the significance of the place including both land and sculptures. He gave plenty of time to absorb this magical place. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch followed by a walk in the woods. What a perfect day!
Rated 5 out of 5
christopher_r –
Awesome nature immersion saw kangaroo lyre bird kookaburras cockatoos and many smaller birds amongst giant eucalypts
Rated 5 out of 5
Erdem_Y –
First of all I would like to my Guide to Jay. He was very helpful and kind. He give all information about tour. Thanks to him. Tour was very good. Nature was perfect, fresh air. Many different kind of birds.
Abigail S –
I did this tour with Jay in mid December, and it was fantastic! I was slightly worried about doing a tour on my own, but with such a friendly tour guide it was brilliant. The tour itself was very well planned, Jay’s knowledge on the area and its history was very impressive, he taught me a lot about not only Melbourne’s history but also also of other cities and parts of Australia. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is very impressive, and along with Jay’s explanations of its development, history and meaning, it is a must to do! I was in awe and admiration of the whole Sanctuary, and I know if i had gone myself I would have missed such crucial parts that Jay taught. The lunch provided was also amazing, I wont ruin the surprise for anyone else, but just ask for the salad!! The walk through the ancient forest was so peaceful and calming after being in the city for a few days! Again Jay’s knowledge on the area shone through, teaching me not only about the history but of the plant and wildlife in the area.
This tour is a must do for anyone!! Thank you for a wonderful day!
Adele S –
A pleasant enough day out. Jay picked us up from St. Pauls on time and was very friendly and talkative on the drive up to the Sanctuary. He was very knowledgeable about the sculptures that Ricketts created and the beliefs and values of the people he depicted. Lunch was very nice at a restaurant 2 minutes away. I think it is a bit of a misnomer to describe the day as a ‘nature’ day trip as the walk in the Dandenong Ranges was simply a stroll along a very well-trodden path in the woods and Jay’s knowledge of local fauna and flora was rather limited, focusing very much on trying to spot a lyre bird and the crimson rosella parrot.
Helen_K –
Excellent tour. Wonderfully knowledgeable guide. The lunch was amazing 5star. Not over taxing walking. Great half day tour. Highly recommended.
Bev H –
Being a small group, you can tailor the trip to suit you. We spent an amazing morning at the William Rickett Sanctuary followed by a fabulous lunch by the fire. We walked through the Sherbrooke Forest which was so peaceful then Jay drove me to show off the gorgeous Autumn colours in the Dandenong Ranges which was what I really wanted to see. Jay was so informative about Melbourne, it’s history and the Dandenongs. Hopefully I can take another trip when spring arrives if I am still in Melbourne.
Japandrea02 –
Dandenong and William Ricketts Sanctuary 1/2 day tour is a unique, beautiful, and moving experience. There are many perks to this tour: William Ricketts Sanctuary is like nothing I’d ever seen before, and the forests are amazing! Because the tour is limited to three people, you get to hear Jay’s extensive knowledge of the aboriginal people, the sanctuary, and the wildlife. And another: the tour doesn’t start super early and you are home to Melbourne with plenty of time to enjoy dinner, city life after a super day in nature. This was a wonderful tour in Melbourne.
Suggestion: we went on a rainy day and I did have to buy new Uggs when I got back to the city. Bring some throw-away sneakers or rain boots just in case. Or buy new Uggs if it’s muddy. :
Kimberly_R –
Quite expensive for what it is, a 45-minute ride out of the city, entry into a national park with commentary and lunch.
KingSan_L –
We joined this tour on 9 May. William Ricketts sculptures mixed with the natural environment very well and inspire us a lot. Thanks for the guide, Jays explanation. He is friendly and considerate. We have lunch in a restaurant where we can see parrots at eye level through windows – an unique experience and the food is nice. Then, walking in Dandenong forest and exploring fern, mountain ash, Lyrebird, parrots that is something new to us who live in city. Relax and fun!
Fiona_B –
Jay was a wonderful tour leader who has an extensive knowledge of what he is showing, His driving was excellent and for interstate people it is good to have cultural experiences and enjoy the relaxing beauty of the Dandenongs whilst in Melbourne. Thanks Jay for a memorable day and for looking after us so well.
David K –
An informative journey to an off the tourist trail location. Our guide Jay was enthusiastic and engaging throughout and the sanctuary as well as old growth forest walk afterwards both proved rewarding. Worth doing if you don’t have a lot of time and want to get outside of Melbourne.
Gail_P –
My friend and I went on the tour on 1 April, the day was overcast to start, but refreshing cool. Jay was a fantastic tour guide, prompt, efficient, a really delightful young man. His knowledge and passion for the William Ricketts Sanctuary was exceptional, really engaging us with the man behind the works, his relationship with our First Nation people, his life and his beautiful art. The experience was a once in a lifetime one. Lunch was perfect! Delicious, well prepared in a magical setting. The walk through the Sherbrooke Forest amongst majestic mountain ash eucalypts was stunning, we lucked seeing crimson rosellas and even a couple of lyrebirds! The drive was comfortable both ways, and we arrived back at our hotel refreshed, inspired and looking forward to the next visit to Melbourne when we can join Jay again for another adventure. Thank you SO much. We had a great time.
abdul_s –
Dandenong forest was amazing! i have been to 1000 steps but didnt get the chance to visit forest and the sanctuary which is why i booked this tour. it was incredible and Jay was very helpful and kind. he brought some homemade fennel tea which was the best tea i ever had!
westlinwind2019 –
The William Ricketts Sanctuary is stunning and mythic and well worth the trip. Our guide Jay was entertaining, jovial, and well informed. This was a highlight of our Melbourne stay.
Christiane R –
I had a private tour with Jay and it was a great tour. It was very informative and the guide was as receptive to questions as possible. I highly recommand this tour.
Amy –
I have wanted to go to the William Rickett’s Sanctuary ever since I saw photos from there over two decades ago. I traveled across the world to see it and it did not disappoint. Jay was extremely knowledgeable and explained the significance of the place including both land and sculptures. He gave plenty of time to absorb this magical place. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch followed by a walk in the woods. What a perfect day!
Amy –
I have wanted to go to the William Rickett’s Sanctuary ever since I saw photos from there over two decades ago. I traveled across the world to see it and it did not disappoint. Jay was extremely knowledgeable and explained the significance of the place including both land and sculptures. He gave plenty of time to absorb this magical place. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch followed by a walk in the woods. What a perfect day!
christopher_r –
Awesome nature immersion saw kangaroo lyre bird kookaburras cockatoos and many smaller birds amongst giant eucalypts
Erdem_Y –
First of all I would like to my Guide to Jay. He was very helpful and kind. He give all information about tour. Thanks to him. Tour was very good. Nature was perfect, fresh air. Many different kind of birds.