Set on a hilltop in Olinda, the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is a cool-climate garden known for its seasonal flowers, walking paths and views towards the Yarra Valley. Look for the Chelsea Australian Garden, with its billabong and waterfall, and the Wallamai Pines. Rhododendrons are a November highlight, while spring brings colourful blooms and autumn turns the foliage red, orange and gold. Entry is free, and the sloping paths make comfortable shoes useful. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns.
A garden shaped by the seasons
The garden was known as the National Rhododendron Garden before its name changed in 2017 following community consultation. It is a cool-climate garden on a hilltop in the Dandenong Ranges, with flower beds, native and exotic trees, lawns and paths through different sections.
Its collections include rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. The changing displays mean the garden has different colours and textures across the year. November is a suggested time for rhododendrons; spring is noted for flowering displays, while autumn brings vivid foliage among the European trees and colour from the hydrangeas. Bloom timing can vary, so a particular display is not guaranteed on a specific date.
The Chelsea Australian Garden
One of the garden’s named areas is the Chelsea Australian Garden, also called the Chelsea Garden. It is a native garden with a billabong, a waterfall and thousands of plants. An oversized waratah sculpture is another feature to look for. The garden was created by designers Phillip Johnson and Wes Fleming, who received Best in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013; the Australian garden is a permanent tribute to that design.
The Wallamai Pines are another noted stop. Informative plaques around the garden help identify plants as you walk, and the paths connect its different planted areas.
Walking, picnics and wildlife
Paths cross the grounds, with slopes along the way, so choose footwear suited to a longer walk. The lawns and picnic areas give you space to pause between sections. Native birds can be seen around the garden, and lyrebirds have been spotted foraging on the forest floor. Do not feed the birds; enjoy watching them from a distance.
A brief circuit will not cover everything. One account suggests that a detailed visit can take five to six hours, while another describes a walk of about an hour. Set aside time according to how much of the garden you want to explore, and whether you plan to stop for a picnic.
Planning your visit
The garden is at 24 The Georgian Road, Olinda, and admission is free. It is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 4:30pm. Restrooms are available, and the garden has wheelchair-accessible entry, parking and restrooms. The paths include slopes, so consider the terrain when planning your route.
Parking can fill up on busy days, making an early arrival useful. Weather in the hills can be unpredictable, particularly in autumn and winter; bring an extra warm layer and rain protection. A garden café is mentioned, but it has been found closed, so do not rely on it being open during your visit.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is entry to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden free?
Yes. Admission is free.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow from about an hour for a walk to several hours for a detailed visit. One account suggests five to six hours to explore in depth.
When is the best time to see rhododendrons?
November is suggested for the rhododendron display. Spring and autumn also bring seasonal flowers and foliage.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
The garden has wheelchair-accessible entry, parking and restrooms. Paths include slopes.
