An hour east of Melbourne, the pretty village of Olinda is tucked amidst the verdant landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges. Popular with city dwellers eager to unwind in rural tranquility for the weekend, Olinda is home to a number of intimate B&Bs and charming guesthouses. Read on for our list of the best places to stay in Olinda for couples, groups of friends and families.
One of the highest villages in the area, Olinda is deservedly famous for its beautiful flora, and you’ll find no shortage of manicured gardens to discover. The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is wonderful, as are the Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens, and the William Ricketts Sanctuary. This is also an arts hub, with a lively creative scene, including various galleries and annual festivals. Stock up on artisanal pieces at the Touchstone Craft Gallery, visit the Burrinja Gallery or venture further afield to the impressive TarraWarra Museum of Art.
The scenic Dandenong Ranges are criss-crossed with cycling, horse riding and walking tracks, too. Set off to marvel at Australian plants, trees and wildlife, see striking Olinda Falls, or spot rare birds in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Back in town, you can play a round at the Olinda Golf Course, before cooking up a storm at one of the best places to stay in Olinda, using fresh produce from the farmers’ market.