Parks and gardens – Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are home to some of Melbourne’s greatest gardens. One of the most impressive floral creations, The National Rhododendron Gardens near Olinda is host to 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 250,000 daffodils, native birds, and has panoramic views of the Yarra Valley and distant ranges.
The woodlands of the RJ Hamer Arboretum offer a shady respite on hot summer days and a beautiful vista of the Warburton Ranges. In autumn, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens are ablaze with burnished hues, as the deciduous trees dotted around the ornamental lake and feature waterfalls turn with the seasons. William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of natural beauty and tranquillity with kiln-fired clay sculptures half hidden among the rock, ferns and mountain ash trees.
There are also a number of other beautiful gardens dotted throughout the region.
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Part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate the garden is known for its extensive water features including waterfalls and an ornamental lake complete with boathouse.
Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke
Open 10am–5pm daily every day except Christmas Day
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The George Tindale Memorial Garden, only a one hour drive from Melbourne's city centre, is a unique collection of exotic plants set beneath a canopy of large mountain ash.
Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke
Open 10am–5pm daily every day except Christmas Day
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The National Rhododendron Gardens are host to an unparalleled variety of brilliantly coloured blooms, mainly rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and daffodils.
The Georgian Road, Olinda
Open 10am–5pm daily
An admission fee applies
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The terraced gardens combine botanically important trees, shrubs and perennials with an over storey of large blackwoods and mountain ash towering over the natural fern gullies.
Hacketts Road, Olinda, off Olinda-Monbulk Road
Open 10am–4pm daily from June–September and 10am–5pm from October–May
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Visit the RJ Hamer Arboretum for a peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads through the 120 hectares of breathtaking scenery.
Chalet Road, Olinda
Open daily, with 24-hour pedestrian access
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The Mount Dandenong Arboretum extends over 16 hectares and contains a collection of maturing deciduous trees and conifers from around the world.
Ridge Road, Mt Dandenong
Open 10am–5pm daily
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Located in the Dandenongs in a ferny glade, the beautiful and tranquil natural setting is dotted with mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways.
Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Mount Dandenong
Open 10am–4.30pm daily
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An amazing eight acre landscaped Australian wildflower garden with magnificent views, prolific birdlife, gentle slopes, water features and winding pathways. Part of the Open Garden Scheme.
49 Hunter Road, Wandin
Ph 03 5964 4523
Open 9.30am–5pm Friday–Monday and other times by appointment
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Discover Australia's largest range of native plants beautifully displayed and then visit the Paperbark Cafe – open for breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon teas.
118 York Road, Mount Evelyn
Ph 03 9760 8100
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