Visit – Olinda

Destination –
Olinda, Victoria, Australia

Distance from Melb CBD
55 min from Melb CBD

Local Tourism Website
https://visitdandenongranges.com.au/olinda
https://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges/Destinations/Olinda
 
Five fun things to do

1. Stroll through the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Located just 500 metres from Olinda village, the garden is home to over 250,000 flowers. With each change of season, the appearance of the garden changes dramatically, making it a great all-year round attraction. Entry is free but dogs are not permitted.
2. Shop around the many unique local and artisan stores within Olinda village. To name a few; Mangana Antique Store is a treasure trove of antique-style goods, including vintage models, jewellery and actual treasure chests. Chilli-obsession is a hot-sauce store hidden inside a Community Op-Shop building.
3. View the spectacular wilderness sculptures at Williams Ricketts Sanctuary. Within the grounds there are over 90 different sculptures depicting the relationship between humans and the natural environment.
4. Take a picnic to the RJ Hamer Arboretum and relax amongst picturesque landscape. This Arboretum, meaning “place for trees” in Latin, hosts 150 species of native and exotic trees across rolling hills and parkland. Best enjoyed with a picnic rug and good company.  
5. Visit Geppetto’s toystore with the kids (or kids at heart), in the neighbouring town of Sassafras. Filled with wooden toys, puppets, games and puzzles; Geppetto’s is a welcome step-back in time, full of classic toys which children of all ages will enjoy.

 
Type of accommodations
https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/yarra-valley-and-dandenong-ranges/accommodation/cottages/olinda-country-cottages

• Local Motel / Hotel
  https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/yarra-valley-and-dandenong-ranges/accommodation/hotels/countryplace
• B & B’s
  https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/yarra-valley-and-dandenong-ranges/accommodation/bed-and-breakfasts/linden-gardens-rainforest-retreat

Foodie Activities

• Visit the award-winning “Pie in the Sky” bakery for handmade baked goods and gourmet pies.
• Cuckoo Restaurant – A traditional Bavarian style restaurant offering buffet-style meals as well as singing and dancing.

Anything else of interest

• The neighbouring town of Sassafras is a fantastic destination to visit while spending the day around Olinda. Sassafras is full of gourmet produce as well as craft and specialty stores.