To the South East of Melbourne are a moderate range of hills named the Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenong's enjoy cooler temperatures in summer than Melbourne and is a favourite weekend drive for the Victorians who live in and around the city of Melbourne. It is a very heavily forested area with some beautiful scenery, winding roads and abundant wildlife. After the foundation of Melbourne it was quite a while before the ranges became populated but prior to that heavy felling of forest timber took place. One type of tree that was very popular because of its use in making fine furniture, was the 'Mountain Ash' which grew very straight. Shown here below left is a stand of Mountain Ash in the Dandenong Range. Below right, is the

quaint little town of 'Sassafras' seen here in very early spring time, which survives mainly on the tourist trade.

Many of the original buildings still in existence were built when the Timber and Gold era's were in swing. It can get very cold up here in the winter time but it is so much cooler in Summer than down on the plains.

Please go to Dandenong 2...