Spring blooms in the Dandenong Ranges

National Rhododendron Garden

There’s so much to see this Spring as the great gardens of the Dandenong Ranges burst into colour with a spectacular display of flowers and lush foliage.

There are seven great gardens in the Dandenong Ranges managed by Parks Victoria and each garden features a distinctive gardening focus set amongst the picturesque hills and views of the Dandenong Ranges.

“Visitors come from far and wide to see spectacular floral displays and the incredible setting of our gardens here in the Dandenong Ranges,” said Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Helen Woodlock.

The Dandenong Ranges Gardens are less than an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD and a favourite destination for Melburnians and visitors from all over the world.

“We know from research that time spent in parks is good for our physical, mental, social and spiritual health. This is at the heart of our Healthy Parks, Healthy People approach to managing Victoria’s parks to ensure that everyone can benefit from time spent in nature and especially in spectacular parks like our Dandenong Ranges Gardens.”

For more information about the link between nature and human health, go to www.hphpcentral.com or ‘like’ Healthy Parks Healthy People Central on Facebook.

For more information on the Dandenong Ranges Gardens call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au.

National Rhododendron Garden

An extensive display of spectacular rhododendrons are in bloom until November. Expect to see the last of the daffodils and cherry blossoms towards the end of September or grab a ride on the Garden Explorer available from Tuesday to Friday to see the whole garden (bookings for groups are recommended). Café Vireya is open for light lunches and morning teas and you can pick up a gift in the gift shop or buy a plant to take home from the nursery.

Free entry
Open daily 10.00am to 4:30pm. Café Vireya is open daily until early November.
The Georgian Rd, Olinda

George Tindale Gardens

The George Tindale Gardens are filled with colourful camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and a large hydrangea collection. The flowering bulbs in the rock garden are also delightful set against a backdrop of Mountain Ash trees.

Free entry
Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
33 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke

Pirianda Gardens

The Pirianda Gardens feature a beautiful woodland garden which is currently blooming with magnolias, dogwoods and dove-trees. It’s also a great location for birdwatching, photography, landscape painting and picnics on the large open lawns.

Free entry
Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
9 Hacketts Rd, Olinda

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

The Alfred Nicolas Memorial Garden is flowering with beautiful camellias, magnolias and an early show of rhododendrons. The walk to the beautiful ornamental lake and islands is a favourite with photographers and visitors for its tranquility and picturesque scenery and there is a waterfall at the lake and ponds.

Free entry
Open daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke

William Ricketts Sanctuary

William Ricketts Sanctuary is a unique outdoor art gallery and culturally significant forest style garden featuring more than 90 sculptures by artist and environmentalist William Ricketts and cradled in dense greenery. Many visitors describe the sanctuary as a profoundly peaceful and sometimes spiritual experience.

Free entry
Open daily 10:00am to 4:30pm
1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong

R.J. Hamer Arboretum

Enjoy walking through the park which will continue to fill up with bright vegetation over the next few months. Take time to observe the stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley and out towards the Warburton Ranges.

R.J. Hamer Arboretum provides a wonderful area for recreation or relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent views, a traditional Australian barbecue or a walk along one of the trails.

Free entry
Open daily
26 Chalet Rd, Olinda

Mount Dandenong Arboretum

Extending over 16 hectares, Mount Dandenong Arboretum has an emphasis on trees and features a plethora of conifers and deciduous trees which are considered nationally significant. It’s the perfect place for large picnics with family and friends in the meadows which overlook the Great Dividing Range.

Free entry
Open daily
52 Ridge Rd, Mount Dandenong