Pakenham

Centrally located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, on the fringe of central and south Gippsland, Pakenham offers easy access to some of Victoria's finest tourism attractions. Some 60 km from Melbourne's CBD, Pakenham is close to a diversity of nature based experiences and historical features such as Mountain Ash forests, bush and parklands to its north, while a comfortable drive south takes you to mangrove fringed seashores. The nearby Dandenong Ranges offer the famous Puffing Billy Railway, Bunyip State Park, Gumbuya Park, Warrook Cattle Farm and walking trails meandering through magnificent natural bush. Pakenham is home to a quality retail centre and is host to a diversity of tourism support services, including accommodation facilities, art and craft and retail outlets, restaurants, cafes and hotels. This is also alpaca territory. Just a few kilometres out of town you will find one of Australia's largest herds on the Mariah Hill Alpaca Ranch, which is centred on an 1842 station homestead that is open to the public. The complex includes a wallaby pen, nursery, cafe and barbecue-equipped picnic corner. Ten kilometres to the north of Pakenham, the Truleen Downs Alpaca Stud also offers guided tours.