Art and History - the Cultural Loop

Bit of an art and history buff? Love learning more about the culture of a local region?

Spend a day exploring some of the Dandenong Ranges' most inspiring and thought-provoking cultural spots. From the romance of a historic steam train to Indigenous history and heritage, there’s so much to discover that you might need a long weekend or mid-week staycation.

For those specifically interested in the Indigenous history of the region, click here for more ideas on how to enjoy an Indigenous experience in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Puffing Billy Railway, Belgrave

History buffs and those keen on a bit of nostalgia will revel in the romance of the Puffing Billy Railway steam trains which weave through a variety of local towns, forest areas and over historic trestle bridges, making stops along the way. This iconic attraction is a must-do experience for people of all ages with plenty of wow moments and photo opportunities.

This is Australia’s oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway where you can sit on the carriage sill of Puffing Billy’s open-side carriages; a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Discover more history at the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre and grab a bite to eat at the cafe.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival and Tesselaar KaBloom, Silvan

Not to be missed and less than an hour from Melbourne, Tesselaar Tulip Festival and Tesselaar KaBloom are major events in our region.

With amazing flowers in bloom, a changing series of live music and entertainment daily, delicious foods from around the world, activities for all ages and market stalls to discover, you won't want to miss out!

With over 50 years of running amazing festivals, discover floral delights, the Tesselaar family's Dutch heritage and a whole lot of memory making with your loved ones. Both events are also dog friendly so bring the whole family.

Get Artsy

The Dandenong Ranges are a hub for artists, writers and musicians, it’s even inspired popular crime novelist Arthur Upfield to use the location as the setting for two of his detective novels, The Devil's Step (1946) and An Author Bites the Dust (1948). Check out our region's galleries and or follow this self-drive itinerary to plan your trip around these impressive art spaces.

Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave

Located in the heart of Belgrave since 1935, Cameo Cinemas is one of Victoria's oldest and most beloved cinema destinations. Today, the cinema retains beautiful period architecture and decorative flourishes from its post-1970s revival.

With eight screens, Cameo Cinemas hosts an eclectic mix of new release titles, classic films, event screenings and live performances.

If you're visiting in summer, make sure to book a movie session in their Outdoor Cinema and experience watching your movie under the stars. Featuring a 14mm screen, the latest technology headphones, a deckchair and a bean-bag seating area, the experience is simply incomparable. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor sessions, just make sure to clean up after your pet.

Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park, Emerald

Take a journey back in time to learn more about the region's vibrant community by visiting Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park.

Situated in the beautiful leafy green Nobelius Heritage Park, explore a collection of cultural material from the operations of the former Nobelius Nursery dating from the 1880s to the 1960s. Discover horticultural and gardening implements, family belongings, photographs, ledgers, sales catalogues, stock records and wage books, as well as live horticultural stock, which continues to grow on the grounds of the surrounding Nobelius Heritage Park.

The museum also displays a range of social and cultural history items from the residents of Emerald and its surrounding districts. This collection features a variety of visual art, literature and numerous ethnographic objects.

Emerald Museum is open on Wednesdays (10am - 3pm) and Sunday (12pm - 3pm) and parking is free within the reserve.

Cloudehill Gardens, Olinda

Cloudehill is a garden at the top of the Dandenongs in Olinda, and is internationally famous for garden rooms overflowing with flowers and magnificent artwork all year round.

Deep volcanic soil and moist mild weather allow plants to reach majestic proportions. The weeping Japanese maples at the heart of the garden are of serious significance. Imported from the legendary Yokohama Nursery in Japan they have been growing on the property since 1928.

Discover the history of this truly stunning garden that you will come back and visit time and again.

Running Rabbit Military Muesum, Upwey

The Running Rabbits Military Museum is fully accredited by Museums Australia and The Australia War Museum. It is the only accredited RSL Museum in Victoria.

The museum holds over 4000 items of memorabilia, photographs, weaponry, documents, artefacts and equipment from the Boer War through to WWI and WWII to the current day peacekeeping missions. Explore detailed models and dioramas depicting historical moments in Australia's military history, interactive displays and discover the extensive library.

Run by a group of dedicated volunteers, the Museum will educate and entertain all ages and take them on an emotional journey through time and learn about Australia’s important role in various wars.