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Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges transform into a summer haven, offering a refreshing escape from the city bustle. Awaken to a stunning landscape adorned with vibrant flowers and the cheerful melodies of birdsong. Explore the lush fern glades and towering forests that reach towards the sky.
Discover charming towns like Sassafras, Olinda, and Belgrave, where the essence of summer fills every corner. These quaint spots boast beautiful gardens, unique shops, cozy tea rooms, and delightful eateries. Don’t miss Miss Marple’s Tearoom in Sassafras for a delicious Devonshire tea or Tealeaves in Olinda for an amazing collection of loose-leaf teas.
Experience the beauty of Australia’s top gardens. The Mount Dandenong Botanical Gardens, also known as the Rhododendron Gardens, shine in the summer months. Witness colorful rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and majestic trees that create a spectacular sight. Take leisurely walks through the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden and Cloudhill amidst stunning floral displays.
Embark on a scenic journey aboard Puffing Billy, a renowned steam railway. Traverse timber bridges from Belgrave to Gembrook, embracing the fresh mountain air in open-sided carriages. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking summer scenery of Sherbrooke Forest.
As the day draws to a close, unwind in the tranquility of the Dandenong Ranges. Let the vibrant colors and the promise of new beginnings envelop your senses, creating cherished memories of a summer retreat just a short distance from Melbourne.
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We throughly enjoyed our trip and will do it again when we can.







One highlight for us how much we enjoyed our trek to the Pinnacle to enjoy the magnificent view from there. Paul added it in because the an Indigenous site that we would have visited had been closed and had not yet re-opened in time for us. He felt we were up for it and we were. This is how the Pinnacle is described:
“The Pinnacle
The shortest route to The Pinnacle
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Grade: Medium
Distance: 4.2 km return
Elevation Change: 110 metres
Start: Sundial Carpark
The track to this famous peak involves rock steps, slippery track surfaces, several water crossings and some rock hopping. Remember to wear sturdy shoes with a good tread and carry at least two litres of water per person.”
If you feel up to it, reaching the Pinnacle is worth the effort especially for the view at the top. It is a nice option to keep In mind. We did it and we are 67 and 70 years old.
We were so impressed with Paul. During the three-day period, and during meals or in transit in the van, he had several great stories to tell about his employment background and the varied outdoor activities he had done. It made for interesting conversation especially while travelling in the back country as we headed west and then south to join the Great Ocean Road.
Another notable aspect for us was the selection of music that Paul has onboard his most comfortable van. He turned on his playlist and, in addition to enjoying the songs, we would guess the song and the artist as we are trivia buffs. If you take a tour with Paul be sure to ask to hear his music while on the longer stretches of travel.
The tour was everything we hoped it would be (and more) and certainly worth the cost we paid. Paul conducted the tour flawlessly and was always attentive to our needs and flexible as required. We feel that met Paul as a driver and tour guide and we said goodbye to him after three days as a friend.
My wife and I highly recommend Melbourne Elite Tours for anyone interested in exploring the Melbourne area in a most relaxed and enjoyable way. You won’t be disappointed.






Returning to St Kild near midnight it was the best day.
Thank you Paul
Elaine Ellard


Thanks so much Paul for making this trip such an amazing experience! Would highly recommend this trip to anyone. Paul has so many interesting adventure stories. Ask him about Everest.













I would like to thank Paul for organizing this trip for us throughout. We had a wonderful time at every destination and the hotels that you chose were very elegant & elite as per your Brand.
Once again, many thanks for making such a trip possible. The organisation, the effectiveness, the planning was just perfect and Paul guiding us through felt so reliable and comfortable although being so far from home. Everything worked out in time and perfection. Paul is the best Guide for exploring the sightseeing. We felt very safe and were treated like Royals. The car was always clean, washed and spring water was placed every day at our seats which was much appreciated by us. The places he took us was The Grampians, Port Fairy, The Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Penguin Parade, Woodside Beach, Tarra Bulga National Park & many more places.. ????We will definitely recommend Melbourne Elite Tours to our friends & family who are planning trips to Australia..????????????
Once more, many thanks for all of the above mentioned and also for the gifts and the perfect service at the airport, both when arriving and leaving the country.
Kind regards from very happy clients????
Miloni
India????????
Mr. Paul and team being nature loving and enthusiastic were accurate in perfectly executing the trip as per our plans. The lunch and dinner breaks were at beautiful and exotic places with delicious delicacies of different Australian and other Continental dishes. The trip was so convenient and a feel of moving with the family was felt throughout the period of 10 days, visiting the places mentioned below not to miss out a lifetime experience. We wish the team at MELBOURNE ELITE TOURS a great success in their carriers ahead.
Last but not the least, we highly recommend MELBOURNE ELITE TOURS to my friends and families. Places visited: (The Grampians, Port Fairy, Great Ocean Road, Gippsland, Woodside Beach, Phillip Island, Penguin Parade, Dandenongs, Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento, Cape Schanck, Ballarat) and a special visit to the country town Yarram.
Regards Manuel D'souza India