Iconic Cafe In Dandenong Ranges To Be Revived
A cafe that was once bustling in the Dandenong Ranges will be brought back to life and offer a new experience for locals and entice new visitors to the area.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced that Alchemy Distillers Pty Ltd will transform the former Olinda Golf Course Clubhouse and Cafe into a vibrant new venue across the stunning views of the Yarra Valley.
The new operators are passionate locals with extensive experience in the hospitality world. They will transform the space into an indoor and outdoor dining venue where visitors can enjoy locally sourced food and drinks. It will also be a space for community to host events, functions and workshops.
While the building will undergo renovations before opening, a mobile coffee shop will be available for visitors, allowing them to continue enjoying their day.
This new food and beverage offering at the precinct follows extensive community consultation on the 2017 Olinda Precinct Plan which suggested restoring dining to the popular venue, which closed in 2012.
The Allan Labor Government has invested $11.07 million to deliver initiatives in the Olinda Precinct Plan, which includes a new sporting oval, nature-based playspace and netball and cricket facilities for the community to enjoy. Improvements to the site’s carparking and drainage are also in planning.
In the neighbouring Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the $6.4 million re-creation of Phillip Johnson’s award-winning Chelsea Australian Garden was opened in 2023, providing another major tourism drawcard for the region.
For more information about the Olinda Precinct visit, parks.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“This park is destined to become the heart of this local community – bringing people together to enjoy the great outdoors as well as great local food and wine in this new destination.”
As stated by Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino
“This is an exciting new dining experience by Alchemy Distillers Pty Ltd, which will attract visitors from far and wide to this iconic venue in the Dandenongs.”
As stated by Jannick Zester, Alchemy Distillers Pty Ltd
“We’re thrilled to be reimagining this significant space, creating a vibrant new café that celebrates local produce and the beauty of the Yarra Valley.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/250228-Iconic-Cafe-In-Dandenong-Ranges-To-Be-Revived.pdf