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Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden in Olinda, Victoria, Australia, is a horticultural masterpiece. As I enter this enchanting oasis, I’m greeted by a symphony of colors, fragrances, and the serenity of nature. The meticulously curated gardens showcase an exquisite collection of native and exotic plants, from towering mountain ash trees to delicate rhododendrons. Meandering through its winding paths, I uncover the hidden gems, picturesque lakes, and vibrant blooms that make this garden a hiker’s paradise and a photographer’s dream. Join me on a journey into the lush tapestry of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, where every step is a moment of botanical discovery.

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden holds a special place among my favorite walks, especially during spring when the vibrant blooms enchant the surroundings. Located just a 15-minute drive from my home, it’s a cherished spot. However, on weekends, particularly during spring, it becomes quite crowded, making parking a challenge. To avoid the crowds, I prefer visiting during weekdays when it’s more peaceful and serene. Spring, characterized by blooming flowers, spans from September to November.

I still enjoy walking here in autumn and summer. On extremely hot days, when temperatures reach 30 to 40 degrees, it’s a few degrees cooler.

Table of Contents

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Olinda

Nestled amid the lush Dandenong Ranges in Olinda, Victoria, the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is a horticultural haven that beckons nature enthusiasts, plant lovers, and serenity seekers alike. This enchanting garden showcases the rich tapestry of Australia’s native flora and an impressive collection of exotic plants from around the world. In this blog post, I invite you to explore the wonders of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, where every step unveils a new botanical marvel and where the serenity of nature prevails.

A Horticultural Gem:

As you step into the garden, you’re immediately greeted by the vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and the soothing melody of birdsong. The meticulous design of the garden allows you to embark on a journey through diverse landscapes, from towering eucalyptus trees to tranquil lakeside settings.

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

The Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda, located within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden on Wurundjeri Country, was finished and formally unveiled in June 2023.

The Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda forms an integral part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape within the ancestral territory of the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria acknowledges and deeply respects the enduring ties that the Traditional Owners maintain with these lands and waters, as well as their ongoing commitment to land stewardship.

In 2013, a significant milestone graced the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, courtesy of Phillip Johnson, Wes Fleming, and the Trailfinders team, who introduced the ‘Australian Garden’ exhibit. It etched its name in history as the first-ever Australian entry to claim victory, capturing the attention of none other than Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry. Judges were unanimous in bestowing it with the coveted ‘Best in Show’ title. Today, visitors can relish this extraordinary design, now recreated on a scale 20 times larger than the original.

Plan Your Visit

To ensure you have a wonderful experience, here are some recommendations:

Consider visiting mid-week or early in the morning for a quieter garden experience. During winter and summer, crowds tend to be smaller.
Have a backup plan for parking if the main carpark is full. Additional parking can be found at the Olinda Recreation Reserve (The Georgian Road), Olinda Precinct (Olinda-Monbulk Road), and the Olinda Pool and Community House (Olinda-Monbulk Road).

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to explore other stunning and serene gardens in the Dandenong Ranges. Be sure to check out the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, RJ Hamer Arboretum, and Mount Dandenong Arboretum.

Please note that access to the garden is currently available via a single steep path (grade 3), with a handrail for assistance. If you have concerns about this incline, we recommend waiting until a second, more gradual path (grade 2) is opened in late 2023.

Getting to the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

You can find the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden at 24 The Georgian Road, Olinda. It’s just 500 meters from the Olinda township along the Olinda‐Monbulk Road. Once you reach The Georgian Road, you’ll spot the garden’s two car parks on either side of the main pedestrian entrance. From there, it’s about 600 meters to the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda, accessible via a gently sloping, paved path

Please note that park conditions may change for various reasons. I recommend checking the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for the latest updates on conditions. Additionally, it’s important to familiarize yourself with essential bushfire safety information to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For information regarding fires, Fire Danger Ratings, and Total Fire Bans, please visit the website.

Cost: Admission is free.
Opening Hours: The garden is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Accessibility: The garden actively welcomes visitors with access needs and is suitable for those with challenges in learning, communication, understanding, and behavior. It also accommodates guests with moderate mobility challenges, providing fixtures and fittings for balance. The garden is wheelchair-friendly, catering to visitors who rely on wheelchairs in a seated position at all times.
Facilities: Visitors can enjoy the convenience of on-site cafes, a shop, a car park, family-friendly amenities, access to lush lawns and gardens, scenic lookouts, and public restrooms.

Nestled within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda stands as a permanent attraction, showcasing a monumental Waratah sculpture, a cascading waterfall, and a tranquil billabong. The landscape plays host to an extensive array of over 15,000 plants, spanning more than 400 distinct Australian species.

This garden, ingeniously placed on an abandoned section of the former Olinda Golf Course, is not only a visual spectacle but also an ecological blessing. It introduces additional rare and endangered plant species, providing a sanctuary for local wildlife. It serves as an ideal opportunity for both residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the splendor of Australian nature while gaining valuable insights into native plants and sustainable landscape design.

Stroll along its well-maintained paths, where you can explore diverse building materials, distinctive plant forms, and breathtaking vistas. Take a moment to relish the serenades of frogs and birds while utilizing informative signage to gain a deeper understanding of this grand undertaking. If time permits, consider packing a picnic and luxuriate on the expansive lawn beside the majestic Boab trees.

It’s crucial to remember that preserving the wild means refraining from feeding the wildlife. All living creatures, plant life, natural wonders, and cultural sites are protected and deserving of respect, remaining untouched.

The realization of this magnificent garden was made possible through the generous support of the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, as well as the unwavering generosity of The People and Parks Foundation and numerous individual donors who rallied behind this remarkable endeavor.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Exotic Delights:

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is also home to a captivating array of exotic plants. Wander through the Southern Hemisphere Garden, where you’ll encounter botanical treasures from South America, New Zealand, and South Africa. Discover the rare and unusual, from towering tree ferns to vibrant bromeliads.

Australian Natives in Full Bloom:

One of the garden’s standout features is its collection of Australian native plants. Stroll through the Gondwana Garden, where ancient flora from the supercontinent of Gondwana thrives. Marvel at the unique adaptations and stunning displays of native wildflowers, banksias, and wattles.

Picturesque Landscapes:

The garden’s well-maintained walking trails wind their way through picturesque landscapes, offering vantage points to soak in the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges. The vistas of the surrounding hills and forests are nothing short of breathtaking.

Hiking and Exploring:

Beyond the garden’s manicured paths, a network of hiking trails invites exploration of the surrounding Dandenong Ranges. The Rhododendron Trail, in particular, offers a scenic hike with glimpses of rhododendrons in full bloom.

Events and Workshops:

Throughout the year, the garden hosts a variety of events, workshops, and guided tours. These opportunities provide deeper insights into the world of horticulture and the rich botanical heritage of the region.

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden in Olinda, Victoria, is a place where nature and horticultural artistry come together to create a living masterpiece. Whether you’re a passionate plant enthusiast, a lover of serene landscapes, or simply someone seeking solace in the embrace of nature, this garden offers a harmonious blend of Australian natives and exotic delights. Plan your visit to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and immerse yourself in a world of botanical wonder where each step is a journey into the vibrant tapestry of life on Earth.

Places To See Around Mt Dandenong

George Tindale Memorial Gardens

Nestled beneath the canopies of magnificent Mountain Ash trees, this cool climate garden is sure to enchant visitors. A delightful, intimate oasis, it features an array of magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, fuchsias, and hydrangeas, which will be easily recognizable to any garden enthusiast.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/george-tindale-memorial-gardens

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, part of the historic Burnham Beeches estate, is famed for its extensive water features. Charming year-round, visitors can explore the garden’s numerous interconnected paths under the shade of Mountain Ash trees.

Head down to the picturesque lake for a picnic by the quaint boathouse, relax in the gazebo while admiring Mark Stoner’s intriguing sculpture, or simply enjoy walking your dog (on a lead) through the ever-changing landscape of blooms and foliage.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/alfred-nicholas-memorial-gardens

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/alfred-nicholas-memorial-garden

Pirianda Gardens

The 11-hectare woodland garden boasts many botanically significant exotic trees and shrubs that are rare in Australia, including 28 varieties of maples and 13 types of birches. Visitors can also admire collections of magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods, and numerous conifers.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/pirianda-gardens

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/pirianda-garden

RJ Hamer Arboretum

Here, you’ll discover over 150 species of native and exotic trees. The Arboretum is designed around a forest formation, with each species represented by an irregularly shaped patch of trees. Unlike most typical arboretums, the R.J. Hamer Arboretum features rows upon rows of diverse species, forming mini-forests that stretch across the rolling hills.

Large plantings of northern hemisphere forest species, including many from the USA and China, offer an impressive display of autumn colors. An avenue of Japanese Cedar provides a striking welcome as you enter the arboretum’s main car park.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/rj-hamer-arboretum

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/mt-dandenong-arboretum

Dandenong Ranges National Park

The forested slopes of the Dandenong Ranges offer serene forest walks, charming hilltop towns, and encounters with charismatic wildlife like lyrebirds and wallabies. Challenge yourself with the famous 1000 Steps, explore Olinda Falls, and take in the sweeping views over Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park

1000 Steps Walk (Trail)

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, including the 1000 Steps, begins at Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground. The trail ascends a steep hill alongside a creek through lush rainforest, eventually opening into a clearing with scenic views of Melbourne through the trees. To complete the loop, return to the car park via the Lyrebird Track.

This steep and picturesque path attracts fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike, but please note that dogs are not permitted on the 1000 Steps. Leave your pets at home for this walk.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park/things-to-do/1000-steps-walk

Mount Dandenong Arboretum

The Mount Dandenong Arboretum spans 16 hectares and features a collection of maturing deciduous trees and conifers from around the world. The term ‘Arboretum’ comes from Latin, meaning a place for trees, and can be thought of as a ‘tree museum’.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/yarra-valley-and-dandenong-ranges/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/national-parks-and-reserves/mount-dandenong-arboretum

Kalorama Park Picnic Ground

Kalorama Park Picnic Ground offers stunning views over Silvan Reservoir and the southeastern face of the Dandenong Ranges. It’s an ideal spot for picnics, barbecues, or simply unwinding while taking in the magnificent scenery.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/kalorama-park-picnic-ground

Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden and Nursery

Situated in Kalorama within the Dandenong Ranges, Karwarra spans two hectares and is dedicated to showcasing the variety of Australian plants in a beautifully landscaped environment.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/yarra-valley-and-dandenong-ranges/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/parks-and-gardens/karwarra-australian-native-botanic-garden-and-nursery

Cloudehill Garden

Cloudehill spans five acres of prime volcanic soil in the Dandenongs, situated at an altitude of 580 metres. The combination of rich soil, cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and increased rainfall makes this region one of the world’s premier areas for cool climate gardening.

For more information click on the link provided https://cloudehill.com.au/

Sherbrooke Falls walk and picnic area

Sherbrooke Picnic Ground and O’Donohue Picnic Ground are situated in Sherbrooke Forest, the largest part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. This area feels notably distant from civilization, offering a stark contrast to the highly frequented 1000 Steps nearby.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park/things-to-do/sherbrooke-falls-walk-and-picnic-area

Grants Picnic Ground

Grants Picnic Ground is located on the edge of the stunning Sherbrooke Forest. Enjoy a picnic accompanied by lyrebirds, Crimson Rosellas, and Rainbow Lorikeets. Accessible walking trails begin at the picnic ground, where you can wander beneath towering Mountain Ash trees in this small area of cool temperate rainforest.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/grants-picnic-ground

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Nestled in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary offers a serene and beautiful escape. This sanctuary features remarkable sculptures of people and animals, subtly integrated into the natural surroundings, inviting discovery.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary

Sky High Mount Dandenong

Located less than an hour from Melbourne’s CBD at the highest point of the Dandenong Ranges, SkyHigh stands as one of Victoria’s top tourist destinations. Amid cool ferny glades and lush, towering native forests, it offers breathtaking views of the Melbourne skyline, both day and night.

For more information click on the link provided https://www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/

Complete Packing List

Click here to reveal my packing list

Tours and Activities:

Places To Get Food

Accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit rhododendron gardens?

Throughout the year, the Gardens welcome visitors, but they’re exceptionally stunning from late September to mid-November, showcasing a magnificent array of blossoms ranging from pinks to yellows to purples. In April, the autumn foliage displays glorious colors, while later, the bare branches form sculptural patterns against the backdrop of native shrubs.

How much did the Chelsea garden Olinda cost?

The $6.4 million initiative has received funding from various sources, including a $3.83 million contribution from the Victorian Government, $2.245 million from the Federal Government, and $340,000 in philanthropic funds and donations raised by the People and Parks Foundation.

Can dogs go to Dandenong Botanic gardens?

Admission to the gardens is free, and they are open daily, except on Christmas Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with a strict last entry at 4:30 p.m.). Please note that dogs are not allowed in the gardens.

What is the history of Dandenong Ranges Botanic gardens?

The Australian Rhododendron Society initiated the development of the National Rhododendron Gardens when they were granted a lease of land adjacent to Olinda township by the State Government in 1960. A dedicated group of individuals cleared the land and began planting in the southern section of the garden.

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Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden: A Floral Paradise in Victoria, Australia