The Dandenong Ranges Hotels

Olinda is the main village in the Dandenong Ranges region and a good base for exploring the area. It's actually two villages (Lower and Upper Olinda, the latter being the prettier) connected by Monash Road, where you'll find a lot of the town's B&Bs and self-catering cottages. Olinda has a handful of good restaurants and cafés, and 26 specialty boutique stores including curio shops and fashion and gift shops. It's a short drive from here to the National Rhododendrom Gardens, the golf course, Olinda Falls picnic grounds, Cloudehill Gardens, and various hiking trails.