En route to the Blue Dandenong Ranges you'll pass a variety of garden suburbs during your ascent of the surrounding hills.  Your destination is Sherbrooke Forest, home to some of the world's tallest hardwood species.  Keep watch for such unique Australian birdlife as rosellas, kookaburras, bellbirds and lyrebirds.  Two of  the most impressive and colorful bird species are the Crimson Rosella and Dink Parrot.   Birdseed will be provided for you to hand-feed these playful and inquisitive birds.  

A quick stop will then be included at the Dandenong Observatory, 1,900 feet above sea level, for a chance to enjoy expansive views of the surrounding scenery.

On your return to Melbourne, you'll proceed to the Meat Market Craft Centre.  This remarkable building has been beautifully converted and restored from its original role as the Metropolitan Meat Market.  It houses a variety of craft shops offering a range of items fashioned from ceramics, glass, leather, wood, metal and textiles.  All the items have been crafted by Australians using local materials and many incorporate Australian themes.  You may choose to buy or perhaps visit the workshop to watch the resident craftspeople working.  There will be time to ask questions or to perhaps learn more about the techniques used, before your return to the ship.

Approximately 4 hours.