Is Dandenong Really That Notorious? Exploring Melbourne

Dandenong has long been at the center of discussions about crime, community, and cultural diversity in Melbourne. Known for its vibrant multicultural population, bustling markets, and historic landmarks, Dandenong is also frequently labeled as one of Melbourne’s most high-crime areas. But is this reputation truly justified?
In this video, I dive deep into Dandenong’s history and its evolution over the years. From its early beginnings as a quiet market town to its transformation into a multicultural hub, Dandenong is a suburb full of contrasts. However, its challenges with crime and safety often dominate headlines and influence public perception.
We’ll also explore some of the notorious incidents in the area, often highlighted on platforms like KZbin and in local news, and discuss how they’ve shaped the suburb’s reputation. Despite these challenges, Dandenong remains a suburb with a unique energy and undeniable cultural richness.
Whether you’re a local Melburnian or simply curious about Dandenong, this video offers an in-depth look at what makes this suburb one of Melbourne’s most controversial. Is Dandenong truly deserving of its reputation, or is there more to the story? Watch to find out and let me know your thoughts in the comments!
📌 Subscribe for more explorations of Melbourne’s suburbs and untold stories: / @tj_official_melb
🔔 Hit the notification bell to stay updated on future videos exploring Melbourne’s suburbs!
#DandenongMelbourne #MelbourneSuburbs #DandenongHistory #DandenongCrime #TJ #ControversialSuburbs #DandenongMarket #MelbourneCulture

[@MTee01]

First comment

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

@@MTee01 yes sir

[@RawBeefSalmon]

@@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELBlol, it’s so majestic typing on KZbin, I am so addicted lol I’m going to write a paragraph now. There was once a boy named red, red was really red and one day he passed away. Goodbye

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Oops, I wasn’t supposed to premiere this now.. too late lol

[@WilDBeestMF]

Early video bro we ain't complaining.

[@ClownWithAnUpsideDownFrown]

Bro... no hate... but why walk around Dandenong when it's full on dead? Nothing even open at all or anything... if you're gonna fo that, do it at night or something... this video is boring as and jot even a proper representation... I'm not blaming you... I'm just saying... How do you choose your 'escort/tour guides' btw as an idea? Even other videos...

[@WilDBeestMF]

@@ClownWithAnUpsideDownFrown I assume he picks the dude who looks like he has been through it in this area haha. It all kind of goes the same way..

[@Aussieadventures-kt1nr]

dammm it wish i saw you i would of told you some stuff about Frankston North where i was born I'm in Dandenong now tho but loved this video hope to see you around one day hope you enjoyed Dandenong

[@SportsReplays]

You feel like you are in another country when you visit Dandenong.

[@dogvip7688]

it is.

[@whynot2030]

Great job, Bro. Thank you for the videos. Doing a great job

[@aperfectplace]

Hello TJ, I use to drive through Dandenong, to get to my sister’s house from the eastern suburbs.. My sister use to live in Rye… One thing I hate seeing is homeless people, it makes me so sad… 😭 Everyone should have a home to live in, and yes Dandenong is huge.. Thanks for your videos, love them..❤

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Unfortunately the homeless problem is growing

[@dimma78]

You're spot on about that mall TJ it hasn't changed a bit since the 90s, kinda cool really

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Still shocked with the forges

[@jerknorris2483]

I love people watching there plus during the week 10 dollar movies

[@cadeharris3695]

You need a true dandy local from the 80s/90s to be your tour guide. There are so many questions you asked john doe that was before his time. Pulse was originally Storm nightclub. And if you are talking about night life you need to get the stories of the NU hotel and golden triangle

[@timc3373]

100% if you were not there in the 80's and 90's you know nothing about Dandenong, and GTFO of these videos

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

ah

[@TheReelRebel]

Used to come to Dandenong quite a bit in the 90’s when it was bustling. Me and a mate would always go to the KFC there - $7.99 all you can eat. We would get loaded up on fried chicken like a boss lol. Great channel btw TJ - subbed.

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Damn, they should bring back all you can eat at kfc .. thanks for the compliment brother

[@bloodrot123]

I have been going to sahar takeaway for 10+ years, its a little pricy these days but still worth every bite. highly recommend you stop in there next time your in Dandenong.

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

WHAT A PLACE!!

[@thomasgbondo8871]

I’ve never lived in Dandenong. But I visit a lot of time. For the fact that u get anything in Dandenong (not drugs related for me). I feel like in the last couple of years. Dandenong has been revamped and has changed a lot. Yes, it still has remnants of its old self. But a lot have changed about that City.

[@Geezy88-e2x]

Nice video of dandy you should bring your mate mehmet on these vlogs too

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

He ditched us

[@freechagosislandjohnpilger]

Dandy is Victorias biggest immigrant processing centre, Business/Locals used to pay its way, Now the government pays all its bills.

[@jerryg812]

It's quiet everywhere. No one has any money anymore.

[@callumloughran2911]

Nice drones shots. Not a bad video Bro.

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Thanks man

[@Vladmir-f1y]

That area that hasnt changed is called "the hub", it used to sell pc games and has a food court.

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Thanks man

[@countrabricksbuildcraze8916]

Was that the old up stairs .food court from late 80 s was up top back when. Darial lee .had the OG oridganal. Choclet little shop. Just inside the door .

[@Aboul_Fazl_Rasouli]

LMAO The Traffic lights takes such a long time to go green when you wanna walk past 😂

[@harrybutler98]

Dandy used to be a good place to live back in the 70s and 80s , now its a deserted dump !

[@CoinEngineer00]

Bring back Mehmet 🇹🇷 He brings vibes to your channel. Turks And Viets 🤝

[@Sandersavenue]

Thanks bro means a lot ❤ I'll be in the next one

[@itzjaysee]

Thanks for the walkthrough video. Great video But 22:58 you’ll need to blur John Doe’s face.

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Thanks man, …damn

[@itzjaysee]

@ all g bro, keep up the videos man. Loving the content. The edits are sick. Also your intros with some background and history on the place are cool. Having a John Doe to share some info on the areas is a good addition. Looking forward to the next one 😁

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

@ John Doe saga is now finished

[@jackmuir5314]

There was a stabbing at that pokies on the night the councillors got sworn in/mayor elected last year. Made them cut the ceremony short 🤣 Saw you in Springy for the Lunar New Year fest today. Hope you were able to find something good to eat, the food stalls were a bit disappointing imo. WinterFest held later in the year has a greater variety of food.

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Bro you should’ve said hello

[@jackmuir5314]

@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB needed to get a feed. Maybe next time

[@robertcalvin2643]

Iwas in Dandenong a few years ago and some guy tried to pick my pocket then he asked my mate for 'any spare change? '

[@ClownWithAnUpsideDownFrown]

Are you not allowed to walk around when things are actually open or?

[@FallingFlying.]

Far out man, I first thought you were in Sunshine, I had to look twice to see it's saying Dandenong!!! WTF, Looks so alike.. I didn't expect that...

[@FallingFlying.]

I swear that I could could see the VISY that sits behind the cinema and too the left of that I could see The Marketplace... Man... I swear I'm not tripping mannn, This is blowing me away bro... WTF!!!

[@thesauce7289]

Dandenong used to truely be a real bad area. These days like most places in Aus it has improved, but still has some problems. If u don’t get involved in gangs or drugs it’s usually alright. Usually

[@prettylady438]

hi I'm a new sub here. how's it going mate? hope everything is good with ya anyways since this is you most newest vids to get your attention i just wanted to say i was like how you were before back in days 90's to 2000's i used to hang out in footscray st albans Richmond dandy and at the end of that lifestyle my last stop was the city thats where i really got dangerously hooked on drugs and was wondering why don't cha do the city part try to either research it or just ask me or we can have a meet up to show you how it was for me back then i haven't been back for 20 years i thinks around those times maybe it would be different now but anyways let me know if you're interested i could show you and tell you crazy stories about how bad ass was the gangs back then in the city specially the viet you guys were little crazy dudes back then i remember even going in one of the big fights in the city and all you can see and hear were screams and see all fingers and sometimes a whole arms just flying out back in the days they used to use merchets so it was crazy and that was only one of the big fights i been to i have so many crazy stories if those people from back then are still here i remember the triads the yakuza the viets the filo's (filipinos) and other Asian gangs the triads back then had one of the big members had twins they were trans viets and the actual boss triad were Chinese it was the big mafias of Asian if i remember it correctly hahaha back then they use to all hang out at Bourke and i think Russel the arcades in the corners there was really big back then, if i remember it correctly and in the crown to wash the money they were bringing in from the golden triangle triads i think it was Singapore and the hHongkongers those times were so different from how it is now but anyways it's all different now i think... anyways do your research during the 90's to 2000's Bourke St. and Russel st. used to have an amusement park they use to call it but it's an actual arcade and what brought me in was the city lights for a teenager I was fascinated to how different it was at night it comes alive to when it's during the day time back then i don't know how city life now is but anyways i better stop hahaha otherwise this will be too long if you have any questions let me know good luck man...

[@steved8610]

My sister inlaw grew up in Dandenong, I remember the stories she told me about all that went on there when she lived there. I go to Dandenong South daily for work purposes, jump off at Greens Road, smack a right onto Ordish Road. Rubbish truck central! Lol

[@ClownWithAnUpsideDownFrown]

Zofer needs to fix up his R... or did he have to run or something? 😂 That style is nice though. I liked the E

[@cj888-n5e]

You gotta bring your turk mate mehmet with you on these vlogs bro you guys vibe well especially when you let him drive the rexy lmfao

[@CHRISLAW-g8h]

Council spent money making Dandenong pretty, like putting lipstick on a pig

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Lmao brutal

[@jeremyblair8106]

John Do so intense. Lighten up John

[@MarkManson14]

Shoop was the best sleazy strip club 😂

[@michaelmizzi2827]

Try going to all these places at night bro preferably late at night (9/11PM) these areas are dead and boring throughout the day my brother it will raise your views

[@WindyCity-m2o]

It’s a ghost town !,everything is closed no wonder there is high crime (Supposedly)WHERE IS THE NIGHT LIFE OR THINGS TO DO FOR TEENS 🤦‍♀️

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

It is a ghost town hey??

[@WindyCity-m2o]

@@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB BAD TJ l have not stopped at Dandy before and definitely have no intention to in the future. Has so much potential what a shame .

[@andynguyen3640]

bro you know that the Vietnamese use to run Dandenong after the cambo clown back in the 90

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

I thought so

[@andynguyen3640]

@@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB back then the hang out was CN (cyber net) like akiria in spring vale and st alburn so much fight there but the vietnamese was like the middle man there any fight they will talk to us before shit break out.

[@jaycobcullis7800]

Bro Dandy's chill

[@fabiangulino6949]

Dandenong seems to be a good suburb.

[@stringerbell-zz5bq]

Dandy doesn't look too bad compared to the west

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Footscray is much more rougher .. gotta go Frankston again

[@Vladmir-f1y]

If by west, you mean Footscray, then, yeah.

[@visionarystyle_]

Wheres Mehmet bro

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

He died from playing too much Nintendo Switch

[@Sandersavenue]

I'll be in the next one Springvale/sunny

[@davidxie8457]

Dandenongs not bad at all, nothing compared to the western suburbs. No one’s gonna do anything in Dandenong walking down the street, no one’s mugging you for your camera relax

[@gregg1152]

Iranians aren’t Arabs. And if you’re going to interview old mate on the street, sort your microphone out so we can hear what he says. Couldn’t continue.

[@gothops2632]

He's a funny guy, John Doe! 😂

[@DJNFX-io9so]

Can I have the make and model of those fire carrera sunglasses pls

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

lol why??

[@DJNFX-io9so]

I want to buy them

[@sareenac9348]

If only you saw me down there at this time haha 😂 😜 then you’ll see an Aussie lol

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Lmao

[@paulcooper-n2v]

TJ on the prawl.

[@jasper6371]

head down to frankston

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

I will brother

[@jeremyblair8106]

Hilarious how a westie looks so uncomfortable in the south east

[@FallingFlying.]

O.M.G.G 26:23 I can see Cousin IT Brooo... WTF!!! Looks like Memts Bro 26:58 lol Keep him away from manual cars with a clutch bro, he'll kill the clutch bro...

[@Zav.-dp9rf]

Good old Dandy 😂

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Amazing

[@MarkManson14]

I used to be a security guard in the early 2000's dandy was off tap, I used to do escort for macca's and a sex shop.

[@countrabricksbuildcraze8916]

Sint s i was a little boy. An time s over the year s. Since orly 80 s. Would go their. I had few birthday s at the old mc donald s and then kfc was next door but now it s all car yards. The old oridganal train station. Had underground tunnle to walk to the. Cranbourne train like. Now with. The new starion you walk over the top to get to other plat fourm. Where the. Old mc donald s was. A screet across from it. Was the roller skating indoor. Rink thru the 80 s it was one of the. Bigest hang out spots it had a arcade inside it .manny. Insadents happened. Their. Fights stabing s drnking brawls. .where the trai station is an drive thru bottle shop was a. Wild pub. But it got knocked down around mid to late 80 s.. .the dandy market has grown but is like it was back in the days. My uncle s girl frend lived in the street next to it. Dandynong show was all was great arfter the melbourne show . Lemon s go cart s was a very populer place. An now has moved . Where the new over parss road is near back of train yard on main road. Was a big cow beef saling auction .arear in 80 s. Dandy. Drive in. Was one of the most populer spots in 70 s 80 s. And the trash n tresha market that was their. Since late 80 s But. Now has gone mid year of last year. Just up from it Tip Top .bread cumponey has been their since 70 s 80 s. To me dandynong seemed like it started to chandge in late 80 s and the little indian are of shop s. Chandged that hole arear.

[@RawBeefSalmon]

It really is bad 😢

[@Dlxxx159]

ngl... your guide doesnt know much

[@ClownWithAnUpsideDownFrown]

Dude mentioned barely any nationalities...

[@FallingFlying.]

C'mon Man, Dimmy's and forges bro... Dimmy's and Forges is still open in Bell St Coburg Bro, Right next to the Coburg train station bro.. On the other side of the station also on Bell St is K.F.C so now you know about the K.F.C then that's now the destination for your next video, Coburg Dimmy's and Forges, Coburg Train Station and Coburg K.F.C... The old police station is across BELL st opposite corner to K.F.C... Not far away is Sydney Road bro, Maybe you could research Coburg Motel Broooo, NOooo Maaaaannn, Stay away from the place bro, It's very dangerous man, cnts tryin to stab cnts bro, Pls, Stay away from Coburg Motel... Talking about chicken, Ollies Chicken should still be available in High St Melton broooo... U remember that from the 1980's brooo? Ollies Chicken Brooo, Mind now blown away.... I can still see the MarketPlace Broooo what have you done to me.... How are you doing that...

[@morganmensa5129]

What's with everyone wanting to be anon? Yeah I get their paranoia but plenty of people would go on camera if they legit. Can't relate to a nos voice and blank face ay.

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Last vid with John does .. too hard to edit

[@morganmensa5129]

@@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB Yeah would be a nightmare hey. Bloody good work again TJ

[@Mrglitch123]

Mooroolbark drunk cop blinded a 14yo Behind a shop

[@Reptilianoverlord-jc8mt]

Dandenong is the Albanian mafia central hahaha. Albanians and Dandy Turks and the Cambo clowns the good old days.

[@KenOath42]

Dandenong is off it's effin head these days!

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Nah man.. it’s chilled

[@Vladmir-f1y]

Lol how so?

[@WindyCity-m2o]

In what way ?

[@jerknorris2483]

Sarcasm like boring vid m8 you want action go past menzies

[@Vladmir-f1y]

@@jerknorris2483 Menzies has calmed down years ago. All the islander and Africans have moved out to cheaper areas.

[@jerknorris2483]

Dandenong is better than it was in early 2000s used to be a blip playground pre 2020 but now pso 24/7 I feel safe I walk to the movies at 9pm alone them hop train back home no threats just act right if you pass menzies

[@CarNNNN]

I havent watched this right through just yet bad internet. but did you bring up anything about Darren Milane? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Millane

[@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB]

Nah bro, sorry man, didn’t know

[@CarNNNN]

@@TJ_OFFICIAL_MELB some cool history, shut down the whole of dandenong for his Funeral.

[@apexgaming5890]

@@CarNNNN so true I still live in the same street as he did,I was only young then but his brother was very friendly always saying hi