Olinda

Olinda is a popular tourist town in the bushy and scenic Dandenong Ranges, situated between Mount Dandenong and the villages of Sassafras and Kallista.

Olinda is well renowned for its collection of craft and antique shops, boutique restaurants and cafes which can be found at either of its two commercial centres - one at the junction of the road to Monbulk and the other at the turn-off for the Mount Dandenong peak at Ridge Road. Olinda also offers stylish accommodation establishments which are tucked away in secluded spots along the many forest roads in the area.

The Dandenong Ranges National Park covers a significant area of Olinda, and offers visitors many walking tracks, BBQ and picnic facilities, and natural attractions such as the Olinda Falls.

Many exquisite gardens can be found in Olinda. The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden consist of 43 hectares of scenic parkland which feature blazing colours of daffodils, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas during the spring, set amongst lakes and lawns with lookouts, a cafe and display hall. To the east of the gardens is the R.J. Hamer Arboretum which consists of a lookout and BBQ areas on Chalet Road and 120 hectares of native and exotic trees. Following Silvan Road north through fields of wildflowers into the Dandenong Ranges National Park takes visitors to the popular Valley Picnic Ground. Other worthwhile gardens to visit include the 11 hectare terraced Pirianda Garden and the Cloudehill Nursery which features formal gardens combined with a retail nursery.

The Olinda Golf Course is one of the most scenic golfing venues in the area, offering sweeping views down to the nearby Silvan Reservoir.