Dandenong Ranges Private Day Tour

Towering Trees, Cool Air and Captivating Sounds

We are truly grateful for this private tour. The Dandenong Ranges forest is breathtaking, with the majestic Mountain Ash trees towering above us. The forest walk was definitely memorable — the air was cool and the sounds of birds captivating. Jay, our tour guide, was passionate and knowledgeable. Thanks Jay for the experience and for accommodating to our request to visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie instead of the cool climate gardens. We had lots of fun and learnt a lot!

A great day in nature

Jay was a terrific tour guide. The Forest walk was amazing and his knowledge of the trees and birds was impressive. If you want to know more about the nature of the area, this is a wonderful choice. I also enjoyed the botanical garden and seeing all the Aussie plants in one area - see if you can find cousin It! The conversation with Jay was also interesting as he shared a bit about local life. And, the tea room he stopped at for lunch was delicious. All in all, a great day!

Informative and fun with an awesome personable guide!

Jay is just such a personable guy who led us on some interesting walks in the Dandenong ranges. Scenery was amazing - such tall trees and great bird sounds. My nine year old son just loved him! Had a great break at a tea room with a ton of sulphur crested cockatoos for scenery. He’s willing to arrange all sorts of private tours involving nature, and we will use him the next time we are in Melbourne.

Excellent tour

Excellent tour by Jay. Very knowledgeable about everything and highly recommend. Gave great recommendations on places to eat and things to see.

A perfect Tour

A perfect day with a great guide! I thought I had seen everything there was to see in Dandenong but I wanted my French friends to discover nature with a guide (Japanese garden, wild or native nature) and I don't regret it. Jay, a passionate guide, knows everything about this region and I discovered places I didn't know, including the Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda, officially opened in June 2023. I will go back in a month and a half to admire the fall colors. Plus a very pleasant little restaurant where I will certainly return.

A beautiful day to reconnect with green surroundings

Was wonderful yo see 3 different places with very different, yet equally tranquil gardens and landscapes.

Great half day tour

Traveling with Jay was great! Really cool to have a personalized tour and learn more about the areas history. Would definitely recommend for a half day trip.

Relaxing outing exploring the hills and gardens outside of Melbourne

An enjoyable outing with a guide who is knowledgeable and passionate about nature and gardening.The walks are informative , beautiful , and easy to do.

Lovely lovely day with Jay

Jay gave us a fantastic tour of 3 areas. We started in an old forest of eucalyptus trees that was stunning. The walk was easy and full of magnificent trees and ferns. Then we went to a public garden that was once part of an estate and so how formal gardening was used to bring more English style to Australian plants and trees. We had a lovely walk that included a Japanese pond. Our last garden was more botanical. It had more of Australian indigenous plants that were very unusual, a billabong, surrounded by walks willed with hydrangeas and rhododendrons. Great end of the day.

Amazing views!

Jay was extremely professional and a great guide to explore the beautiful forest and gardens! We had great conversations along the way, as he kept me informed of the treasures before me. I highly recommend for a wonderful experience to explore the natural beauty of areas surrounding Melbourne.

Best guide ever!

Our tour guide, Jay, was wonderful. He took us on a few hikes in the Dandenong Ranges and then to some beautiful botanical gardens. We stopped for lunch at a great cafe and were an arms length away from a hundred cockatoos. He then drove us around the city while explaining the history of Melbourne. Soooooo much fun. Best guide ever!

Jay is a wonderful tour guide

We just spent the day with Jay touring the Dandenong ranges He picked us up at the appointed time and place. It was a private personalized tour for just the two of us in his private car.. He immediately ascertained our physical limitations and planned the day accordingly. The hike through the Dandenong forest was incredible with the gum trees, and the fern trees just captivating us. He is very knowledgeable about botany. He has another business in native landscape, gardening. He has extensive knowledge about the indigenous people and respect for the land and he willingly shared that knowledge with us He then took us to Dandenong botanical gardens and took a special interest in showing us the Australian garden, the highlight of which was a billabong For the entire day, he was very solicitous of our physical limitations, taking frequent breaks along our walks We would recommend this tour heartily for anyone as a great way to spend a day.

Highly recommend. A great day trip break with no stress

Highly recommend. A great day trip. Respect shown for the sacredness of the area fir the indigenous tribe who worshipped there. He knows his birds and nature and the history of the areas. Due to my health issues after a forest walk he realised i could not climb hills so he added on a trip to the botanical gardens there and saw the Chelsea award winning landscape. A great trip to get a taste of what one would like to see again on other trips there probably for overnight stays. Highly recommend this trip and this guide Jay.

Would like to Nature dont miss!!

First of all I would like to my Guide to Jay. He was very helpful and kind. He give all information about tour. Thanks to him. Tour was very good. Nature was perfect, fresh air. Many different kind of birds.

Excellent Experience!

Excellent experience! We can't praise Jay enough. Due to unforeseen events, we couldn't stick with our original plan. Jay came up with a creative solution that allowed us to sort out our issues, while still getting a taste of the forest that he clearly loves. Our time in the car was filled with delightful conversation on a wide variety of topics, and our time in the forest was calming and awe-inspiring. If you have a chance to tour with Jay, grab it!

Personable tour - highly recommend!

Jay was extremely fun to hang with and made this tour very personable. He has great knowledge of the forests and is easy to communicate with. It feels like you're with a friend more than a tour guide who is completing a check list of things! I went solo and he also kindly adjusted to my pace and helped me to take photos. Definitely recommend signing up a tour with Jay if you are in Melbourne. He is able to customise the tour to your desires based on where you want to explore too. Thanks for a great afternoon, Jay!

Serenity

Jay was a great host, made us felt comfortable and we had insightful conversations throughout the day which was nice. Prior to the day trip there was swift communication in regards to customising and finalising the itinerary. Unfortunately we couldn’t do William Ricketts Sanctuary due to damage from the storms, so we chose to do the Skyhigh Mount Dandenong beforehand but on day the weather became foggy and there wasn’t much of a view to see of the City. Jay then took us to Brighton Beach to get a nice photo of the City instead. Dandenong Range walk itself was pretty serene and it was wonderful to know that the ancestors preserved the forests.

Nature at its best

Awesome nature immersion saw kangaroo lyre bird kookaburras cockatoos and many smaller birds amongst giant eucalypts

Inspiring and Humbling

A fantastic day with Jay to the William Ricketts sanctuary was definitely the highlight of the trip. Jay is such a warm , friendly guy and very knowledgeable . His detailed explanations on each of the sculptures and an insight into the Aboriginal cultures was very soul stirring . I think this has been a very inspiring and humbling experience for me . Thank you Jay .

Fantastic place and amazing guide

The William Rickets Sanctuary, the lunch and the forest walk were each amazing--and each was enhanced (along with the car ride!) by the conversations with Jay. We highly recommend this trip. In addition, we subsequently booked a private tour with Jay to the Mornington Penisula, with a hike and a visit to the Peninsula Hot Sprints. This was a fantastic day out.

William Ricketts day trip

We had a fantastic day with Jay. He picked us up from the hotel early and took us straight up to the sanctuary where he gave us a personalised tour of this magnificent outdoor display of art incorporated into nature. He explained the spiritual significance of the work enthusiastically. Afterwards we were treated to a satisfying lunch at a nearby restaurant. We completed the day at Sherbrooke Forest. Jay was magnificent. As we were about to return to the car it poured with rain and a thunderstorm started. All of us got soaked through but Jay kept his cheerfulness, patiently enduring our need to connect with nature. My husband and I would thoroughly recommend this small group eco tour. Thank you Jay and the restaurant staff.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Jay was very informative about William Ricketts Sanctuary. He made it interesting describing the history of how and why the Sculptures were made. He explained the symbolism and spirituality behind them. William Ricketts lived with the Aborigines for several years and fought for there causes of preserving the environment. I loved the tour and would highly recommend it

Pure magic

I have wanted to go to the William Rickett's Sanctuary ever since I saw photos from there over two decades ago. I traveled across the world to see it and it did not disappoint. Jay was extremely knowledgeable and explained the significance of the place including both land and sculptures. He gave plenty of time to absorb this magical place. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch followed by a walk in the woods. What a perfect day!

Best tour guide we have ever had, bar none.

If you like a passionate, intelligent and highly motivated tour guide then Jay at Awaken tours will fill the bill nicely. The William Ricketts Sanctuary is an amazing place. Jay, your tour guide makes sense of it and makes it come alive. He only takes 3 people at a time usually. He spends as much time as you need to see everything, He even provides you with lunch at a nice little restaurant. You will have one of the best days you have ever had on a tour. I would give it more than 5 stars. Best tour guide we have ever had. A truly amazing young man.

Fantastic Day in Nature

Our trip out of the city and into nature with Jay was fantastic from start to finish. He offered to pick us up at our hotel and arrived promptly on time, and then we had a lovely conversation about our trip, questions we had about Australia, and many other things on the way out to William Ricketts Sanctuary. The tour of the sanctuary was deeply informative - Jay clearly knows a lot about it, and he was a great asset in helping us to understand and reflect on the messages that the artist was trying to convey. After the sanctuary, we had lunch at a cozy little spot - it was delicious and well-balanced. Finally, we headed into the mountains for a nature walk, some bird-spotting, and getting views of the tallest trees we'd ever seen!! Jay had a lot of information about the trees, the birds, and the forest that was really interesting. This tour is highly recommended as a way to get out of the city and explore nature. Jay is an excellent tour guide, and will customize your experience to your preferences!

Highlight of my whole year

The time I spent at the Dandenong ranges with Jay was such a special and magical experience that upon recounting my year to my friend just now (on New Year’s Eve) I realized it was my highlight of an already great year. I was on a solo work trip last June (their winter!) so I had no friends available to go with me on the weekend I was visiting from Los Angeles but wanted to see the rainforest. Jay was not only an incredibly knowledgeable guide but just so fun to hang out with. I also really appreciated that he took me up into the Dandenong range despite the fact that it was just me. Usually the tours have more people which makes sense but I had explained to him I only had the one day available to go. It was very kind of him and I’m very grateful! He even made us a homemade ginger root tea to drink in the forest. The places we visited in the forest and the sanctuary were so peaceful and gorgeous. Jay’s tours are a real gift. I hope I get to return to Melbourne someday and when I do I’ll be booking again!

A great time

I had a private tour with Jay and it was a great tour. It was very informative and the guide was as receptive to questions as possible. I highly recommand this tour.

A Brilliant Tour

Jay hosts a maximum of 3 people on a tour, I was one of 2. A wonderful personalised trip where we learnt so much. William Ricketts' Sanctuary was fascinating and humbling to visit. It is truly a sanctuary where one experiences a great closeness to nature. The sculptures are remarkable and Jay is knowledgeable in their timeline and meanings. Ricketts has left a wonderful jewel for those who visit.

Fantastic Tour

Jay personalized & customized this trip for us adding at our request the National Rhododendron Gardens which were bloom. He is very knowledgeable on a very broad range of subjects; covering flora, fauna and culture. We had a lot of very interesting discussions. The time passed much too quickly. We had a special lunch in a quaint little restaurant. A tour not to be missed.

Superb tour

An excellent tour of the Dandenongs with Jay as your tour guide. We loved every moment. Highly recommended.

Well worth the trek!

The William Ricketts Sanctuary is stunning and mythic and well worth the trip. Our guide Jay was entertaining, jovial, and well informed. This was a highlight of our Melbourne stay.

Beautiful trip and amazing service

Dandenong forest was amazing! i have been to 1000 steps but didnt get the chance to visit forest and the sanctuary which is why i booked this tour. it was incredible and Jay was very helpful and kind. he brought some homemade fennel tea which was the best tea i ever had!

Something really special

My friend and I went on the tour on 1 April, the day was overcast to start, but refreshing cool. Jay was a fantastic tour guide, prompt, efficient, a really delightful young man. His knowledge and passion for the William Ricketts Sanctuary was exceptional, really engaging us with the man behind the works, his relationship with our First Nation people, his life and his beautiful art. The experience was a once in a lifetime one. Lunch was perfect! Delicious, well prepared in a magical setting. The walk through the Sherbrooke Forest amongst majestic mountain ash eucalypts was stunning, we lucked seeing crimson rosellas and even a couple of lyrebirds! The drive was comfortable both ways, and we arrived back at our hotel refreshed, inspired and looking forward to the next visit to Melbourne when we can join Jay again for another adventure. Thank you SO much. We had a great time.

Wonderful!

What a lovely way to spend the day! Jay, my guide from AwakenTravel was so knowledgeable as we strolled through the amazing William Ricketts Sanctuary. It was magical and spiritual walking along with him as he brought to life the history and meaning of the sculptures and the man who created them. Afterward we had a delicious lunch at a nearby local cafe, and then a cool and beautiful walk in the Sherwoode Forest. Beautiful respite from a hot day n the city. Thank you Jay for sharing this with me!

Best tour ever

This tour was the highlight of our stay in Melbourne. Jay was exceptionally knowledgeable, extremely patient with our questions and pace of tour, and personalized everything to meet our needs. The restaurant he took us to for lunch was spot on. The art and beauty of the forest were sureal.

GOOOOOOOD

Excellent day. Jay could not have been more accommodating. I had a private tour and he met me close to my hotel. It was nice to get out of city and see some of the lovely parkland. The visit to the sanctuary was nice and informative followed by a nice lunch and a nice walk through a lovely wooded area. Jay was a nice companion and easy and nice to be with. If you want a nice one day easy adventure with a small, and perhaps private, guide... this is the one.

William Ricketts Sanctuary

An informative journey to an off the tourist trail location. Our guide Jay was enthusiastic and engaging throughout and the sanctuary as well as old growth forest walk afterwards both proved rewarding. Worth doing if you don’t have a lot of time and want to get outside of Melbourne.

A great tour

Thank you Jay for this very interesting tour. You speak about the sanctuary and things in general with passion and consideration. You are a thoughtful and friendly guide ! We really appreciated the tour. All the best to you ! Michèle

Great Tour!

Jay was very informative and and the tour very interesting. There were just 3 of us signed up for the day, so he gave us a private tour. I would highly recommend going on this tour. It's not strenuous and was actually spiritual in the way Jay presented it.

A great day out!

Jay was a wonderful tour leader who has an extensive knowledge of what he is showing, His driving was excellent and for interstate people it is good to have cultural experiences and enjoy the relaxing beauty of the Dandenongs whilst in Melbourne. Thanks Jay for a memorable day and for looking after us so well.

Amazing!

Thank you Jay for an amazing day! This was the highlight of our trip to Melbourne. Your knowledge, passion and insightfulness is inspiring to say the least. William Ricketts Sanctuary left us rather emotional (in a good way). It truly is one of the most amazing places we have been lucky enough to visit. We love love loved it!! Then we were provided with a delicious lunch before heading to the Beautiful Dandenong Botanical Gardens which were in full bloom and just beautiful! Then we headed for a walk in the beautiful forest! You gave us the best day! Thank you Jay for your wonderful hospitality! We will definitely be back to do the Yarra Valley Best wishes to you Connie & Adam from Qld

We joined this tour on 9 May...

<p>We joined this tour on 9 May. William Ricketts sculptures mixed with the natural environment very well and inspire us a lot. Thanks for the guide, Jays explanation. He is friendly and considerate. We have lunch in a restaurant where we can see parrots at eye level through windows - an unique experience and the food is nice. Then, walking in Dandenong forest and exploring fern, mountain ash, Lyrebird, parrots that is something new to us who live in city. Relax and fun!</p>

Quite expensive for what it is, a...

<p>Quite expensive for what it is, a 45-minute ride out of the city, entry into a national park with commentary and lunch.</p>

An outing of pure enjoyment

There wasn't one aspect of this tour with which I could find fault---except that even at 5 1/2 hours it still wasn't long enough. This statement comes from someone who has visited all 6 continents, is a foodie, and is easily bored. Jay is a wonderful, exceptionally well informed guide and an inspiring human being. Even a atheist and cynic like me welcomed his warmth and honest spirituality. He shared with our group of two, the pleasure of immersion into Ricketts sanctuary, the song-filled forest and a very tasty and relaxing lunch. This ridiculously low-priced personal tour was a delightful surprise---an outing of pure enjoyment.

The Highlight Of Our Holiday!

We had a wonderful day with Jay, which was the highlight of our Melbourne holiday. He guided us through the William Ricketts Sanctuary with knowledge and sensitivity, adding a whole new perspective to our understanding of the sculptures and their links with indigenous culture and spirituality. Jay was truly inspiring in the way he unfolded the stories and their background. Lunch was thoughtfully prepared in a lovely location with friendly restaurant staff. Our afternoon visit to the Rhododendron Garden was a spectacular walk through spring flowers - again guided skilfully and knowledgeably by Jay. This was a perfect ending to our tour. We highly recommend Jay and his Awaken Tours to anyone considering a trip to the Dandenong Ranges. Warm regards, Craig and Jade

A Must-Do Tour

The Sanctuary leg of this tour and Jay's knowledge & keenness were definite highlights. The sculptures are beautiful, telling the story of Ricketts' developing identification with aboriginal culture & his efforts to support winning their rights. His work & talent left me in awe. I could go on and on but the bottom line is you should just take this tour. If we come back to Melbourne I'd go again. Beyond the Sanctuary, lunch certainly wasn't typical for a day tour! Very delicious, great setting, some of the best food we've had anywhere in Melbourne. The forest walk was a quick, easy walk to a waterfall, a good way to walk off a bit of our lunch & enjoy some fresh air. And Jay is a great guide, knowledgable, polite, & eager to share his knowledge & love of the area.

Dandenong and William Ricketts...

<p>Dandenong and William Ricketts Sanctuary 1/2 day tour is a unique, beautiful, and moving experience. There are many perks to this tour: William Ricketts Sanctuary is like nothing I'd ever seen before, and the forests are amazing! Because the tour is limited to three people, you get to hear Jay's extensive knowledge of the aboriginal people, the sanctuary, and the wildlife. And another: the tour doesn't start super early and you are home to Melbourne with plenty of time to enjoy dinner, city life after a super day in nature. This was a wonderful tour in Melbourne. </p> <p>Suggestion: we went on a rainy day and I did have to buy new Uggs when I got back to the city. Bring some throw-away sneakers or rain boots just in case. Or buy new Uggs if it's muddy. :</p>

Visiting the William Ricketts Sanctuary with Jay

My wife and I, visiting Australia from Canada, took the William Ricketts Sanctuary tour with Jay in July 2017. It was a fantastic day, full of magical moments. Jay is not only a great guide but also an incredibly kind and generous person. The whole experience felt like discovering the treasure that is the William Ricketts Sanctuary with a close friend, what a treat ! The day's program is perfectly well paced, and the lunch was wonderful. At the end of day we told Jay that we enjoyed his company so much that we would like to take another tour with him, any tour, just for the pleasure of spending more time with him. We ended up going with Jay to the Dandenong Range a few days later, and it was again a very pleasant day. I highly recommend taking any tour that Jay offers, you will be spoiled and will never want to do large group tours. Meeting Jay was on of the highlights of our 5 weeks trip across Australia. Thank you Jay

Being a small group, you can tailor...

<p>Being a small group, you can tailor the trip to suit you. We spent an amazing morning at the William Rickett Sanctuary followed by a fabulous lunch by the fire. We walked through the Sherbrooke Forest which was so peaceful then Jay drove me to show off the gorgeous Autumn colours in the Dandenong Ranges which was what I really wanted to see. Jay was so informative about Melbourne, it's history and the Dandenongs. Hopefully I can take another trip when spring arrives if I am still in Melbourne.</p>

Excellent tour. Wonderfully...

<p>Excellent tour. Wonderfully knowledgeable guide. The lunch was amazing 5star. Not over taxing walking. Great half day tour. Highly recommended.</p>