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10/08/2026
Tomorrow is Mountain Day ⛰️🌿 In Japan, Mountain Day is a national holiday dedicated to something beautifully simple: spending time among the mountains and appreciating everything they give us.
And we think that idea deserves to travel. Here in the Dandenong Ranges, the mountains are part of everyday life. Towering gums, fern-lined roads, misty mornings, little villages tucked into the hills, winding walks and plenty of beautiful places to stop for something delicious along the way.
So tomorrow, take a cue from Japan.
Escape the city.
Take the scenic road.
Go for a wander beneath the trees.
Explore Sassafras, Olinda and Mt Dandenong.
Stop for breakfast, lunch, coffee or cake.
And spend a little time appreciating just how lucky we are to have all of this on Melbourne’s doorstep.
Consider this your invitation to celebrate Mountain Day, Dandenong Ranges style. 🌲☕️🥐
See you in the mountains.
10/08/2026
There’s something rather delicious about a winters afternoon in the hills. 🌲🔥 This week feels made for lingering a little longer, with Afternoon Tea Week, Prosecco Day and Mountain Day all giving us a very good reason to indulge. From 1pm each afternoon, settle in by the open fires with a warm drink or a glass of Prosecco, alongside a selection of savoury and sweet delights | $35. Wrap up warm, head for the hills, and make an afternoon of it.
09/08/2026
There’s something rather lovely about a winters afternoon in the hills. 🌲🔥 This week feels made for lingering a little longer, with Afternoon Tea Week, Prosecco Day and Mountain Day all giving us a very good reason to indulge. Every afternoon, settle in by the fires with a Lindt hot chocolate or a glass of bubbles, alongside a selection of savoury and sweet delights. Wrap up warm, head for the trees, and make an afternoon of it.
16/05/2026
And finally… I couldn’t finish my little series about the “mums” in my life without mentioning the joy being a mum to my gorgeous boy, Charlie brings 🤍
Charlie is our four-year-old American Cocker Spaniel and the Dazz's and my first fur baby.
He brings so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives every single day. He’s affectionate, loyal, cheeky and endlessly entertaining. He loves chasing his ball, going for walks with mum, and visiting his Nan and the 'girls' who spoil him endlessly. He also adores Suzanne and Chris and always looks for them out on the front deck at Ripe! Anyone who’s ever loved a dog will understand when I say they’re never “just a dog”. They become part of your routines, your home, your happiest moments and your heart. And our little Charlie is very much all of that 🐾
15/05/2026
Continuing my little series celebrating the wonderful mums in my life, today I wanted to acknowledge someone very special… my mother-in-law, Annette.
Annette is a truly wonderful mum, and I feel very fortunate to also call her a wonderful mother-in-law. She is loving, supportive and incredibly selfless in the care she gives to her family. The kind of person who is always thinking of everyone else first, quietly showing her love through kindness, generosity and unwavering support. Family sits at the centre of everything she does, and the love she has for her children shines through in so many ways. I know not everyone is lucky enough to have a close relationship with their mother-in-law, so I never take for granted the warmth, encouragement and love Annette has always shown me. Amongst the incredible mothers in my life, she deserves celebrating too 🤍
14/05/2026
Leading on from my post yesterday about celebrating the mums in my life, today I thought I’d share a little about what it has meant to me to be a mum myself, which has honestly been the greatest joy of my life. I had my boys in my early twenties so, by today’s standards, I suppose I was a “young mum”. I feel incredibly grateful for all the years and memories we’ve shared together.
I am proud beyond words of the young men Dan and Jake have grown into. They are kind, loving, respectful and hardworking, and each of them has built wonderful lives of their own.
But goodness… those years went by quickly. Sometimes I wish I could magically step back in time just for a little while. To relive the noisy, messy, beautiful chaos of raising young boys. The school runs, the sports, the hugs, the laughter (and sometimes squabbles!) around the dinner table… all those ordinary moments that somehow become the most extraordinary memories. Now, together with their beautiful partners, they’re beginning families of their own. I feel incredibly grateful that I was given the opportunity to be Dan and Jake’s mum 🤍
13/05/2026
This past weekend, we had the privilege of hosting so many beautiful mums and their families across Ripe and Citrine. It got me thinking about the mums in my own life, and whilst deeply personal, I thought it might be nice to share a little about mine. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to still have my mum. From my eyes, she has always been equal parts gentle, funny and quietly fabulous. She’s an animal lover first and foremost, happiest pottering in the garden or taking her “girls” out for coffee and little strolls… the girls being her two beloved dogs.
As a child, I understand she was incredibly shy and was teased at school for her glasses and auburn hair. But somewhere along the way, she blossomed into this vibrant, fun and beautiful woman with a wonderfully sassy sense of humour and she seems far younger than her 80 years. She loves a beautiful meal out, a glass of wine, and nothing lights her up more than her family. She absolutely adores her grandchildren and is incredibly excited to become a great-nanny later this year. In my teenage years, I spent so much time simply “hanging out” with Mum. We became great friends, and we still are. One of my favourite memories will always be our girls’ trip to France and Italy earlier this year, spending three glorious weeks exploring together.
Mother’s Day may have passed for another year, but I think the people we love deserve celebrating often, not just once on the calendar 🤍
28/04/2026
Mother’s Day at Ripe, starts with all your breakfast favourites, served à la carte from 8am to 11am. From 11.30am to 3.30pm, settle in for lunch with two courses for $59, and $25 for kids. BOOK @ ripesassafras.com
24/04/2026
A small gesture of remembrance this morning. Open from 8am.
23/04/2026
This Anzac Day, we’re open and welcoming you in. Whether you’re joining us after a morning service or easing into the day at your own pace, we’d love to have you.
Lest we forget.
Address
376/378 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road
Sassafras, VIC
3787
To get to the coffee shop and restaurant located at Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Melbourne, you can take public transport by boarding a train to Croydon Station and then transferring to bus 688 towards Upper Ferntree Gully. Get off at the stop near the intersection of Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and Heathmont Road.
If driving, take Eastern Freeway/M3 towards Ringwood and exit at Canterbury Road (State Route 32). Turn right onto Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and continue until you reach the destination. There is limited parking available along the road in front of the establishment.
Please note that these directions are not specific to any particular establishment.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
8am - 3pm |
| Tuesday |
8am - 3pm |
| Wednesday |
8am - 3pm |
| Thursday |
8am - 3pm |
| Friday |
8am - 3pm |
| Saturday |
8am - 4pm |
| Sunday |
8am - 4pm |
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What people say
Ripe Sassafras is a charming eatery located on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road in Melbourne. This restaurant and coffee shop offers fresh and delicious meals made to order, making it the perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The menu features a variety of options, including vegan and gluten-free dishes, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
In addition to their regular menu, Ripe Sassafras also offers special deals and promotions on social media. For example, they recently offered a "cappy hour" deal where customers could enjoy a house-made raspberry or blueberry Friand with coffee for only $8 until 11 am. They also introduced their new Toast Toppers menu, which includes delicious options like roast pumpkin with dukkah and feta or grilled mushrooms with red onion jam and thyme salt.
Ripe Sassafras also has an excellent staff culture and provides flexible hours for its employees. They are currently looking for a Function & Restaurant Manager to join their team, offering an excellent salary and work-life balance.
Overall, Ripe Sassafras is an iconic venue in a stunning location that offers delicious food, great deals, and a supportive staff culture. It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area!
