Burkes Lookout, Mount Dandenong

The views over Melbourne and the Bay from Burke’s Lookout in the Dandenong Ranges are gorgeous, it is a top viewpoint Mt Dandenong, but it does involve a short walk or even a long walk if you choose to take your time and spend a day in the Dandenongs exploring some beautiful walking tracks. The other nearby viewpoint to visit is Skyhigh, Mt Dandenong.

The area at Burkes Lookout is not set up for groups, no seats, picnic tables, or even a flat area to sit, visitors need to walk along Kyeema Track to reach the best viewpoint. To make your visit into a good hike in the Dandenongs, read about how to get here via the Fire Trail / Glasgow Track, the steepest and hardest climb in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.



New Year’s Eve at Burkes Lookout has become a very popular place to be, it gets crowded and is also not a particularly good spot to watch the fireworks as they are just tiny specs in the distance. Having a picnic out on the former Olinda Golf Course and watching the stars would also be a good spot to hang out with friends.

Burkes Lookout, Mount Dandenong

This area is often patrolled by police, particularly after hours, to reduce incidences of dangerous driving, illegal parking, and rowdy groups. Parking fines have been issued recently, please take care to read signs.

Walk Notes

  • Total Distance: Just under 1 km ( or take the long route via Glasgow Track / The Fire Trail )
  • Walking time: 20 minutes return
  • Easy grade walk.
  • Parking available on Osprey Road (off Ridge Road). The parking is very limited with not many spaces.
  • Public Transport: An easy way to get to the lookout is on the Bus service along Ridge Road, Mt Dandenong from Croydon or Ferntree Gully. Ask the driver to let you off at Osprey Road/Kyeema Memorial.
  • No toilets. Nearest public toilets: Olinda or Sky High, Mt Dandenong
  • Pram-Friendly though can be a bit bumpy. A suitable pram for rougher tracks is ideal.
  • Depending on the wheelchair type, it may be possible to use this section of the track.
  • No dogs, bikes or horses allowed.
  • No Picnic Tables, seats, or flat grassy areas. Plenty of picnic grounds can be found in other parts of the Dandenongs.
  • Get Directions to Burkes Lookout

Burkes Lookout, Mt Dandenong – Directions

From the car park on Osprey Road, head left and follow Kyeema Track along the ridge to the viewpoint. A short distance from the car park is the Kyeema Memorial site.

Kyeema Crash Site Memorial, Mount Dandenong
The Kyeema airline crash took place on 25 October 1938 when the Australian National Airways Douglas DC-2 Kyeema, flying from Adelaide to Melbourne, commenced the final approach to Essendon Airport through heavy fog and crashed into the western slopes of Mount Dandenong, tragically, killing all 18 onboard.
Kyeema Walking Track to Burkes Lookout, Mt Dandenong
Kyeema track, easy walking…

Kyeema Wlking Track to Bourkes Lookout
Burkes Lookout - Views over Melbourne, Mt Dandenong
It is easy to know when the viewpoint is reached as Melbourne is sprawled out in front of you… On clear days, Port Philip Bay can be seen and the You-Yangs in the distance.

More walks nearby

  1. Get to the lookout via the steep, rocky, and strenuous Fire Trail (also known as Glasgow Track), start at Doongalla Homestead.
  2. The Western Slopes walk is a great hike to get your leg muscles aching! Plenty of uphill and downhill walking!
  3. How about either the 16 km Mt Dandenong Circuit Walk which passes through Olinda
  4. Or the 20km hike from Mt Dandenong, through Doongalla Homestead, across the slopes, down the 1000 Steps to Upper Ferntree Gully!
  5. From Burke’s Lookout walkers can also follow the trail on down to the Villages of Mt Dandenong or Olinda…

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