Flora of the Dandenong Ranges: A Botanical Journey

Mountain ash is an extraordinary tree because of its size and ecological significance. Known as the tallest flowering plant in the world, this eucalyptus species can reach heights of over 100 metres. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem, providing habitat for numerous species including possums and birds while also helping regulate the rainforest’s microclimate. Its smooth bark which sheds in strips and its towering trunk make it a majestic sight in the cool temperate rainforests of the Dandenong Ranges.

• Spotting location: Sherbrooke Forest & throughout the Dandenong Ranges
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: 8 minutes north of Camp Belgrave

Image credit: Australian National Botanic Gardens

With its lush green fronds and thick, fibrous trunk, the Soft Tree Fern is one of the most recognisable plants in the Dandenong Ranges. These ancient plants have survived for millions of years, thriving in the cool, damp environments of temperate rainforests. They can grow up to 5 metres tall and create a stunning green canopy along shaded creek beds. Their presence adds to the magical atmosphere of the Dandenong Ranges, making them a favourite for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

• Spotting location: Found in forested areas around Sherbrooke, Sassafras Creek, and Olinda
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: Around 10-20 minutes north of Camp Belgrave

Image credit: Australian Native Plants Society

Victoria’s flower emblem, the Common Heath is a small yet striking shrub that blooms with tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. These delicate blooms are a favourite among native birds, particularly honeyeaters which feed on their nectar. The Common Heath thrives in heathlands and open forest areas where its vibrant colours contrast beautifully against the greens and browns of the bush. It blooms during the cooler months, offering a splash of colour even in winter.

• Spotting location: Throughout the Dandenong Ranges

Image credit: Australian Plants

The Smooth Flax Lily also known as the Blueberry Lilly is a versatile native plant that grows in woodlands and open forests. Its grass-like foliage, striking blue star-shaped flowers, and pale blue berries make it a visual delight. Indigenous Australians traditionally used its fibres for weaving and its berries, although bitter, were eaten sparingly. The Smooth Flax Lily is a symbol of resilience, thriving in a range of environments and adding a splash of colour to the undergrowth.

• Spotting location: Found in forested areas and grassy areas around Sassafras Creek, Sherbrooke, and Kallista
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: Around 10 to 17 minutes northeast of Camp Belgrave

Image credit: VICFLORA

The Leopard Orchid is a seasonal delight with its yellow petals marked with brown spots resembling a leopard’s coat. This delicate orchid adds an unexpected splash of colour to grassy woodlands in spring. As a ground orchid, it requires a sharp eye to spot but offers a rewarding glimpse into the region’s floral diversity for those who take the time to explore its habitats.

• Spotting location: Dandenong Ranges National Park, specifically in areas like Sassafras or Sherbrooke
• Distance of Camp Belgrave: Approximately 8-12 mins northeast of Camp Belgrave

Image credit: Yarra Ranges Council Local Plant Directory

A rarer relative of the Soft Tree Fern, the Slender Tree Fern has a tall, slender trunk and delicate fronds. It thrives in secluded rainforest gullies where the air is cool and moist. This fern adds a sense of elegance and mystery to the temperate rainforests, making it a rewarding sight for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

• Spotting location: Sherbrooke Forest or Sassafras Creek within the Dandenong Ranges National Park
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: 8 to 17 minutes north of Camp Belgrave

Image credit: Australian Plants

Tree Lomatia is a lesser-known gem of the Dandenong Ranges. This small tree has ties to ancient Gondwanan rainforests and is characterised by its serrated leaves and cream-coloured flowers. Often found in wet forests, its understated beauty and ecological significance make it a rewarding plant to encounter.

• Spotting location: Mountain Ash wet forest areas within the Dandenong Ranges such as the Sherbrooke Forest
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: 8 minutes north of Camp Belgrave

Image credit: Yarra Ranges Council Local Plant Directory

Acacia stictophylla, commonly known as the Cinnamon Wattle, is a medium-sized shrub known for its slender, pendulous foliage and fragrant yellow blooms. Its aromatic leaves give it its “cinnamon” name, adding a distinctive feature to the forest it inhabits. This species is well-adapted to the dry and damp forest environments of the Dandenong Ranges and contributes significantly to the local ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife and enriching the soil.

• Spotting location: Found in forests around Sherbrooke, Sassafras, Olinda, Kalorama, and Ferny Creek
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: Around 8-20 minutes north of Camp Belgrave depending on the specific habitat

Image credit: Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Common Correa is a small shrub with bell-shaped flowers that range from green to red. Found in open forests and woodlands, it is a magnet for birds like the Eastern Spinebill which feed on its nectar. Its understated beauty and ecological importance make it a key species in the Dandenong Ranges. 

• Spotting location: Forested areas around Sherbrooke, Sassafras, and Kallista
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: Around 10-15 north of Camp Belgrave

Image credit: AW Nursery

Tall Sedge is a grass-like plant that plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems by preventing soil erosion along creek birds. Its dense foliage provides a habitat for frogs and small aquatic creatures. Found in damp areas, Tall Sedge is an essential part of the Dandenong Ranges’ wetlands.

• Spotting location: Found in moist forest areas around Sherbrooke, Sassafras Creek, Olinda, and Kallista
• Distance from Camp Belgrave: Around 10-20 minutes north of Camp Belgrave