[1] Kallista, along with the other towns of the Dandenong Ranges is celebrated for its picturesque natural setting, wealth of heritage and luxury houses and gardens, and country atmosphere all within commuting distance to inner Melbourne.

"It is a long, steady rise from Belgrave to Kallista, and 20 years ago the road was rough and stony.

As we rose to the crest, topped now by the Kallista school, the water-colourist sighed, drew his hands from his trouser pockets – he always strolled with his arms buried to the wrists – and looked at me reproachfully.

Five minutes later his back straightened, his eye brightened, he was a different man; we were facing that wonderful view which is framed by the soft green hills of Sassafras and Olinda.

"[3] Kallista's history has moved from likely use by Aboriginals prior to white settlement, to slow development by loggers and farmers, through settler selection to the current mix of state forest (Sherbrooke Forest, part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park), residential housing and agriculture.

Melburnians then began to use the area for weekenders and holiday homes as the original 10-acre (4.0 ha) farm blocks were subdivided.

The Great Depression saw an influx of people buying the weekend cottages from Melburnians who could not afford to keep them up.

The property was named "Sunnyside" and became a focal point for many artistic guests, including CJ Dennis and Jeannie Gunn, author of "We of the Never Never".

Mr Roberts acquired a number of buses (retired horse-drawn trams) which were brought to Sunnyside to provide accommodation for the visitors.

[7] CJ Dennis wrote "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" whilst staying at Sunnyside.

Grants Picnic Ground, on Monbulk Road near Kallista Village, is very popular with tourists, as large numbers of sulphur-crested cockatoos, crimson rosellas, galahs and Australian king parrots gather to be fed bird seed by on-lookers.