Sassafras

Located alongside Sherbrook Forest, the village of Sassafras is within comfortable driving distance of the scenic gems of the stunning Dandenong Ranges, the hilltop retreat on Melbourne's eastern doorstep.

For starters, the celebrated craft and antique shops of Olinda are just a few minutes by car, while the National Rhododendron Gardens are just a couple of kilometres up Falls Road. The gardens feature endless blooms of azaleas and rhododendrons set among native and exotic trees.

From the gardens you are on a circuit which will take you through Mount Dandenong, Kallorama and the Kawarra Australian Plant Gardens, Silvan Reservoir and its attendant tulip farms before heading for Monbulk and a leisurely afternoon tea. You then have the choice of taking a detour west to the Monbulk Animal Kingdom or heading back to Sassafras.