Burkes Lookout

Burkes Lookout sits high in the Dandenong Ranges at Mount Dandenong, east of Melbourne. A scenic lookout perched on the range, it offers sweeping panoramic views — taking in the city skyline, the suburbs spread out below and, on the other side, the rolling Yarra Valley — making it a popular stop on a drive through the hills.

The appeal is that effortless payoff: a spectacular outlook reached by car, perfect for taking in the view, watching the sunset or simply enjoying the cool, leafy mountain setting. The Dandenong Ranges are a beloved escape from the city, and a lookout like this is a natural highlight of exploring the hills, their gardens and their forest drives.

With a 4.7 rating from more than 1,400 reviews, it's a much-loved spot. The lookout is free and open, but conditions can be cool and the views depend on the weather, so it's worth checking conditions before you head up — and taking a jacket, as it's noticeably cooler at altitude than down in the city, and timing your visit for clear weather or sunset to make the most of the panorama.