SUMMER IN THE DANDENONG RANGES
January is holidays, relaxing, visiting friends, lunching, and dining out. It’s taking time to unwind and clear your mind.
Summer means swimming or being near the water (or staying away from it)
Water is fun, playing in it at a waterpark or a swimming pool, either public, at a friends or, if you are lucky, at home. By the way, did you know that ‘pool’ is one of the most searched for filters on realestate.com.au?
Summer Days By the Water
Thousands of people flock to our beautiful beaches either Bayside or at a Surf beach.
Swim between the flags is rattled into our heads, there are warning signs and TV ads about the hazards.
The National Drowning Report 2023 shows that 281 people drowned in Australia. 77% were male and 57% of these were over 45.
Recognising a rip is PARAMOUNT when going to the beach.
https://beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/ripcurrents
- Never drink alcohol and swim
- Don’t swim alone
- ALWAYS supervise children closely
The Dandenong Ranges is home to 3 community swimming pools including Olinda, Monbulk and Belgrave. Emerald Lake and Aura Vale Lake do NOT permit swimming.
Summer in our National Parks
If it’s a break from the heat and still being outdoors that you are wanting then going for a walk through one of the areas National Parks is a beautiful way to be out and about. Many trails are for walkers only so be prepared to park and then walk.
Take a picnic, take plenty of water, and be mindful that not all areas have toilet facilities. If you need to ‘go’ then please be respectful and bury your body waste and don’t leave dirty nappies or toilet paper anywhere. https://australianhiker.com.au/advice/going-to-the-toilet-on-the-trail/
Sherbrooke Forest has well-established trails with Grants Picnic Ground in Kallista a popular place.
Always be mindful of Total Fire Ban Days and download the Vic Emergency App. If there are fires in the area then please do not jeopardise yourself or anyone else.
On the edge of the Dandenong Ranges in Gembrook there is the Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln Regional Park.
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i
Summer in our Local Public Gardens
If National Parks are not your thing then we have stunning gardens to visit including the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Pirianda Gardens, Cloudehill (a private garden, open to the Public with the lovely Seasons Restaurant attached), the grounds around Emerald Lake, Belgrave Lake Park and on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges in Gembrook there is the Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln Regional Park.
Wherever you are in the Dandenong Ranges there are magical places to visit.
Summer in our Shops and Tourist Attractions
Of course, Puffing Billy is a local tourist icon, loved by young and old. Traveling from Belgrave through to Gembrook, there are a few options for your travel.
Skyhigh with its stunning views, maze, restaurant and cafe is also popular. Many of our venues, parks and gardens are run by Parks Victoria so their website is well worth checking out.
If shopping is more your style then our Villages are wonderful to experience too.
Olinda and Sassafras are well known but we have many other options. The Dandenong Ranges are often a little cooler than much of Melbourne, dining in one of our many cafes or restaurants and exploring our shops is very relaxing.
Staying Home in Summer
Staying home is my favourite choice in hot weather. We close the blinds to keep out the glare of the sun, and go to the coolest area of our house. Lovely to choose a book, keep hydrated and just chill out.
If you didn’t get a book for Christmas then there is a wonderful new bookshop in Emerald called Grace and Louie.
