Local Vic

Doongalla Picnic Reserve, Dandenong Ranges

‘Doongalla’ means ‘Place of Peace’ and it was true once upon a time when there was a 32-room mansion built here in 1892. Unfortunately, the estate got burned down 40 years later in 1932, leaving behind just a few of the stone steps that once formed a grand approach to the old mansion. Today Doongalla is a lovely picnic area surrounded by landscaped gardens, tall Mountain Ash trees and tree ferns.

The Doongall Estate Mansion during its glorious days Pic Credit: Google

Doongalla Picnic Reserve has two picnic areas, the Stables Picnic Ground and the Homestead Picnic Ground. Both have picnic tables, wood barbecues, car parking and toilets are located at Stables Picnic Ground. Entry is via a narrow gravel road that winds from the gates near ‘The Basin Theatre’ and climbs into the forest, over Dandenong Creek into the land of the park proper. You know you have reached the car park as you spot an open grassland in the middle of the forest!

Doongalla Picnic Ground Pic Credit : www.film.vic.gov.au

The 279-hectare Doongalla Forest Reserve is comprised of several properties originally established between 1885 and 1993. The reserve extends to the top of Mt Corhanwarrabul, the second-highest peak in the Dandenongs, also known as Burke’s Lookout.

Places to Visit Nearby

1000 Steps, Olinda Falls

Distance Guide

Address: Doongalla Forest Rd, The Basin VIC 3154

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