Our aim this trip was to enjoy the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges — without the crowds. We love the Dandenongs. Over the years, we’ve visited many times, drawn back by their soaring gum trees, lush undergrowth, and ever-changing light. One of the best things about the Dandenongs is just how easy they are to get to from Melbourne — a short drive is all it takes to feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different world. But as much as we cherish them, we’ve also learned that their popularity can come at a cost: full carparks, busy trails, and the occasional coach-load of tourists that can break the immersive spell of the forest. This time, we were curious to find a quieter corner — a backdoor entrance, so to speak — somewhere we could reconnect with the magic of the Dandenongs, but with fewer footsteps on the path. The Dandenong Ranges are the ancestral home of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, and they remain a place of cultural and spiritual significance
Trip Summary
Trip Rating: 23/25
Battery Used: 20% (≈13.4 kWh)
Round Trip Distance: ~70 km
Recharges Required: None
The Drive – a country town at Melbourne’s doorstep
We left home with 100% charge in the MG ZS EV and headed east, spending the first 30 minutes cruising along the Eastern Freeway before veering off onto State Route 36. From there, the road cuts through the town of Boronia before arriving at The Basin — a charming country town that feels like a gateway to the forested hills of the Dandenongs.
From the main roundabout in The Basin, the real country drive begins. The route winds up the hills via Basin-Olinda Road, Sheffield Road, Doongalla Road, Simpson Road, and Edgar Track — gradually narrowing and bumping into wilder terrain. Along Doongalla Forest Road, we paused to let a group of six horse riders pass — a lovely reminder of the diversity of nature escapes on offer in the region.
A few short hairpin turns later, we pulled into Doongalla Picnic Ground. The car had used only 10% of its charge (~6.8 kWh) — a smooth, quiet, zero-anxiety 45-minute drive. The EV had done its job. Now the forest would take over.
The Hike – ascending the Channel 10 Track and forest art
The hike starts steep. Within minutes of leaving the car park, we were climbing steadily through cool forest. The trail winds up into the canopy of the Dandenongs, shaded by giant eucalypts and undercut with dense, lush ferns. The air felt still and damp. Birds were everywhere — white cockatoos screeching, magpies and kookaburras calling across the valley, a full soundscape of forest life. The track was also nearly deserted, with very few other hikers spotted along the way.
We followed the Channel 10 Track as it rose, then curved along the hill’s contour in a long gentle arc. The light flickered through leaves above, and the forest opened out in sections — green, calm, and quiet. Toward the top, we encountered an artistic surprise: The Reveal — a nature-inspired modern mosaic exhibition nestled into the boulders beside the trail. There were butterflies, feathers, seeds, and birds, all tiled in stone and glass. It added a sense of magic to the walk — especially for the kids, who leapt from one mosaic to the next, racing to see what would appear on the next rock.
Eventually, we reached the junction where the Channel 10 Track meets the Zig Zag Track, which continues upward to the summit of Mount Dandenong. A goal for another day — when little legs are ready for the extra climb
We turned back for an easy amble down through the trees, arriving back at the car feeling calm and restored.
The Return – a well-earned lunch in the Basin
Back in the Basin, we stopped at the 1 in 20 Café for what turned out to be one of the best post-hike meals we’ve had. The menu was stacked with indulgent choices — smashed brisket cheeseburgers, avo toasts, pulled pork eggs benedict, and zucchini halloumi fritters. We washed it all down with coffees, smoothies, and hot chocolates. Satisfied and slightly sleepy, we wandered over to the town playground — a big, shaded play area great for kids of all ages.
Right beside the playground, we spotted a set of EV chargers. We didn’t need a top-up — with 90% battery still remaining — but it’s good to know The Basin is an EV-friendly town, should a quick charge ever be needed before heading home.
Trip Rating
| Category | Description | Score (out of 5) |
| EV Friendliness | No recharge needed, very low usage (~13.4 kWh), EV chargers in town | 5 |
| Scenic & Adventure | Towering gums, art trail, forest wildlife, horse riders, no crowds | 4 |
| Family Accessibility | Manageable hike, engaging mosaics, excellent playground, food nearby | 5 |
| Amenities & Comfort | Excellent café, toilets, picnic area, EV chargers — everything you need | 5 |
| Exploration Potential | Extended tracks, summit trail, future loops to explore | 4 |
EV Diaries 