Grants Picnic Ground Accommodation | Stay Near Grants Picnic Ground at Fernglen Forest Retreat

Stay Close to Grants Picnic Ground in the Heart of Sherbrooke Forest

If you're looking for accommodation near Grants Picnic Ground, Fernglen Forest Retreat is just 10 minutes' drive from one of the Dandenong Ranges' most loved family attractions.

Nestled within the magnificent Sherbrooke Forest, Grants Picnic Ground is famous for its towering Mountain Ash trees, colourful native birdlife, peaceful forest walks and beautiful picnic facilities. It's a place where visitors can slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air and experience the natural beauty that makes the Dandenong Ranges so special.

After your visit, return to the peace and privacy of Fernglen Forest Retreat, where seven acres of rainforest provide the perfect setting to relax after a day outdoors.

Why Visit Grants Picnic Ground?

Grants Picnic Ground has welcomed visitors for more than a century and remains one of the most popular destinations in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Surrounded by some of the tallest flowering trees on Earth, it's an ideal place to experience Victoria's cool temperate rainforest, native wildlife and peaceful bushland.

Whether you're travelling as a couple, family or group of friends, Grants Picnic Ground offers something for everyone.

Things to See and Do

Visitors to Grants Picnic Ground can enjoy:

Walking beneath magnificent Mountain Ash trees
Beautiful fern gullies
Well-maintained picnic areas
Native birdlife
Forest walking trails
The start of several scenic bushwalks
Photography opportunities
Quiet places to relax
Fresh mountain air
Family-friendly open spaces

The area provides an authentic Australian bush experience just an hour from Melbourne.

Discover Sherbrooke Forest

Grants Picnic Ground is the gateway to the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, one of Victoria's best-known rainforest environments.

This ancient forest is home to:

Towering Mountain Ash trees
Giant tree ferns
Moss-covered logs
Native orchids
Cool fern gullies
Crystal-clear creeks
Diverse birdlife
Unique Australian wildlife

Walking through Sherbrooke Forest is a memorable experience in every season.

Spot Native Wildlife

One of the highlights of visiting Grants Picnic Ground is the opportunity to observe native wildlife in its natural environment.

Depending on the season and time of day, you may see:

Crimson Rosellas
King Parrots
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos
Kookaburras
Superb Lyrebirds
Eastern Grey Kangaroos
Wallabies
Echidnas
Colourful butterflies

Guests staying at Fernglen Forest Retreat often enjoy similar wildlife encounters right from their cottage veranda.

Walking Trails from Grants Picnic Ground

Grants Picnic Ground is the starting point for several popular walking tracks through Sherbrooke Forest.

Walks range from short, easy strolls suitable for families to longer forest walks for more experienced hikers.

Popular experiences include:

Gentle rainforest walks
Creekside tracks
Birdwatching walks
Photography walks
Nature interpretation trails

Many visitors spend several hours exploring the surrounding forest.

How Far is Grants Picnic Ground from Fernglen Forest Retreat?

Fernglen Forest Retreat is approximately 10 minutes by car from Grants Picnic Ground.

Our convenient location allows guests to enjoy an early morning walk before the crowds arrive or return later in the day after exploring nearby attractions.

Many visitors combine Grants Picnic Ground with:

Puffing Billy Railway
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Olinda Village
Sassafras Village
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Why Stay at Fernglen Forest Retreat?

After exploring the forest, continue your nature experience at Fernglen Forest Retreat.

Guests enjoy:

Five unique self-contained cottages
Accommodation for couples, families and groups
Seven acres of private rainforest
Open fireplaces in selected cottages
Spa baths in selected cottages
Private outdoor jacuzzi in Jacuzzi Lodge
Forest sauna available to hire
Fully equipped kitchens
Native birdlife throughout the property
Free parking
Pet-friendly accommodation in selected cottages

Unlike staying in a busy town, Fernglen allows you to experience the peace and beauty of the Dandenong Ranges long after your day's adventures have finished.

Perfect for Families

Grants Picnic Ground is one of the best family attractions in the Dandenong Ranges.

Children love:

Watching colourful parrots
Easy walking tracks
Open picnic lawns
Forest adventures
Looking for lyrebirds
Learning about native wildlife

After a day outdoors, Fernglen's spacious cottages provide plenty of room for everyone to relax.

A Wonderful Destination for Couples

Couples also enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Sherbrooke Forest.

Spend the morning wandering beneath towering trees before returning to Fernglen Forest Retreat for:

A relaxing spa bath
A cosy fireplace in winter
A private outdoor jacuzzi
A quiet evening surrounded by birdsong
Fresh mountain air and complete tranquillity

It's the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.

Best Time to Visit

Grants Picnic Ground is beautiful throughout the year.

Spring

Wildflowers bloom, birds become more active and the forest bursts with fresh green growth.

Summer

The dense forest canopy provides cool shade, making it a welcome escape on warm days.

Autumn

Golden leaves and crisp mountain air create spectacular scenery.

Winter

Mist drifting through giant Mountain Ash trees creates a magical rainforest atmosphere.

Every season offers something different to discover.

Nearby Attractions

While staying at Fernglen Forest Retreat, you can easily combine your visit with:

Puffing Billy Railway
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Olinda Village
Sassafras Village
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Cloudehill Garden
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Sherbrooke Falls
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Fernglen Forest Retreat from Grants Picnic Ground?

Fernglen Forest Retreat is approximately 10 minutes' drive from Grants Picnic Ground.

Is Grants Picnic Ground suitable for children?

Yes. It's one of the most family-friendly attractions in the Dandenong Ranges, with picnic areas, easy walks and opportunities to see native wildlife.

Can I see lyrebirds at Grants Picnic Ground?

Yes. Sherbrooke Forest is one of the best places in Victoria to spot the remarkable Superb Lyrebird in its natural habitat. Early mornings and quieter times of the day offer the best chance.

Are there picnic facilities?

Yes. Grants Picnic Ground has picnic tables, toilets and open spaces, making it an excellent destination for a family outing.

Where should I stay when visiting Grants Picnic Ground?

Fernglen Forest Retreat offers peaceful self-contained accommodation just minutes away, providing the ideal base for exploring Sherbrooke Forest and the wider Dandenong Ranges.

Experience the Natural Beauty of Sherbrooke Forest

Grants Picnic Ground is one of the best places to experience the towering forests, native wildlife and peaceful atmosphere of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Whether you're enjoying a family picnic, searching for lyrebirds or simply taking a quiet walk beneath ancient trees, it's an unforgettable destination.

Stay at Fernglen Forest Retreat and enjoy comfortable self-contained accommodation surrounded by nature, just minutes from Grants Picnic Ground and many of the region's most iconic attractions.

Related Attractions

Continue exploring the Dandenong Ranges by visiting:

Sherbrooke Falls
Puffing Billy Railway
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Olinda Village
Sassafras Village
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
William Ricketts Sanctuary
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Cloudehill Garden