Many flock to the hilly Dandenongs east of Melbourne to enjoy the Devonshire tearooms and the misty peaks and fern gullies – not to mention the array of public gardens that bring on dreams of a wedding.
But if you’re seeking something a little different, then I suggest you head for paths less travelled, slow down the pace and keep the eyes peeled for offbeat and quirky sights (and there are many, I can assure you) in this popular destination the locals refer to as The Hills.
The Wizard of Belgrave
Walk the main street of Belgrave village and you might cross path with “The Wizard”.
A colourful character in the area, the much-loved (and easily recognisable) Baba Desi aka Des Bergen is often seen wandering up the street or having a chinwag with the locals.
Stopping to take his photo, I commented he was very photogenic – to which Baba Desi joked, “I was once a male model!”
“People call me The Wizard and (pointing to his eye patch) children call me The Pirate,” Baba Desi said with a grin.
I asked Baba Desi if his highly-embellished walking stick had magic powers, and he responded with a hearty laugh.
So if you or the kids are not distracted by the toots and whistles of the Puffing Billy train not far away, keep an eye out for Baba Desi in his colourful robes and awesome “wizard” stick.
And don’t be afraid to stop and say hello.
RJ Hamer Arboretem
While tourist buses trundle to the popular National Rhododendron Gardens nearby, an unassuming turn-off on a dirt road leads to breathtaking gardens that will have you picking your jaw off the ground.
The RJ Hamer Arboretem was established during the time Sir Rupert James Hamer was Victoria’s premier (1972-1981).
Perfect for picnics and an enthralling look around, the grounds of this 120-hectare tree wonderland consists of a tapestry of more than 150 species of native, European and exotic trees.
Groovy wheels
As many a vintage car romantic will tell you, there’s no better place to take the “old beauty” for a burn than through the Dandenongs.
Now and then, you might see a Triumph TR4 or a gentlemanly Rolls Royce cruising the windy roads past green forests and hidden valleys.
Lucky for me, I recently spotted a couple of cool vehicles parked near the William Ricketts Sanctuary.
I love the vintage Volkswagon mobiles, so you can imagine my excitement at seeing two in the one spot.
Chestnuts, anyone?
If you’re nuts about chestnuts (excuse the pun), then Autumn is a great time to head for the Hills.
It’s early autumn in Melbourne at the moment, but signs of chestnut activity can already be seen as the region ramps up for the annual Kalorama Chestnut Festival in May.
Make sure you look up …
The Dandenongs, also known as the Dandenong Ranges, is home to tall Eucalypts, fern gullies and soaring Mountain Ash forests.
When European settlers discovered this part of Melbourne, the area soon became a source of timber for the booming city.
Then in the early 1880s, the area became protected parklands and by 1987 these parklands were amalgamated as the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Look ahead …
The Mt Dandenong Arboretum with its collection of deciduous and conifer trees is also worth checking out if you’re a tree lover.
Plaques identifying a tall Douglas Fir and a species of Himalayan Pine caught my eye.
But what made me stop in my tracks was the unusual trunk of a tree that was not tagged.
And look down
You don’t have to be a small person close to the ground like me to notice patterns in concrete footpaths along various roads in the Dandenongs.
I am certain any eagle-eyed walker would easily pick out motifs of ferns and bird feet tracks stamped onto the footpath.
Cute, real cute.
A secret gem
Not just fairy tale prettiness, the Dandenongs also reveals a rugged side to its character.
Tucked on the edge of the mountain range, Lysterfield Park is a mix of rocky landscapes, beaut views and a haven for wildlife.
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