Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

A landscaped garden with winding paths, a large pond and filled with mature native Australian plants.

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Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

In 2013, Phillip Johnson, Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders team's ‘Australian Garden’ display became the first ever Australian entry to win at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. The display was toured by the Queen and Prince Harry and was unanimously voted ‘Best in Show’ by the judges. Now visitors can experience this stunning design through a re-creation of the display at 20 times the size of the original.

Located within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is a permanent display, featuring an enormous Waratah sculpture, waterfall and billabong. Over 15,000 plants have been used in the design, with over 400 different Australian species. 

Built on an unused grassed area of the former Olinda Golf Course, this feature enhances the environment by introducing additional rare and endangered plant species and providing more native habitat for plants and animals. The garden also provides a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists to connect with Australian nature and learn about native plants and sustainable landscape design.

Wander around the sealed paths and discover an amazing variety of building materials, plant shapes and beautiful vistas. Sit and listen to the frogs and birds. Discover the interpretive signs and read more about this enormous project. If you have time bring a picnic and enjoy the spacious lawn next to the stunning Boab trees. 

Remember to keep wildlife wild by not feeding them. All plants, animals and other natural features and cultural sites are protected and must not be disturbed or removed. 

This garden was brought to life with funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, and philanthropic support from The People and Parks Foundation and the generosity of many wonderful individual donors.

 

Plan Your Visit

Since the Chelsea Australia Garden at Olinda opened in June 2023 it has been very popular with visitors from near and far. 

To help you plan your visit and to get the best experience at the garden, we recommend that you: 

  • Consider if you can visit mid-week or early in the morning when the garden may be quieter. During winter and summer we also expect fewer crowds.
  • Plan for alternative parking if the main carpark is full. Parking around Olinda 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 up here, don’t miss some of the other beautiful and tranquil gardens that the Dandenong Ranges have to offer. You may like to check out Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, RJ Hamer Arboretum and Mount Dandenong Arboretum.

Things To Do

 
Visitors getting on bus tour at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.

Tours at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

With live commentary from our experienced team, sit back and enjoy Victoria’s premier cool-climate Botanic Gardens while soaking up the views of historical landmarks, stunning flora and native fauna as you wind your way through the picturesque landscapes of this 100-acre park on a garden tour.
Mist@Olinda exterior

Mist@Olinda

Mist@Olinda is a stunning venue located within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, ideal for weddings, school debutant balls or formals, christenings or wakes. The venue is well equipped with AV for corporate and conference events. For bookings, call 0469 861 778.
Cafe Vireya interior

Garden Café Olinda

The cafe is open on Saturdays and Sundays 10 am to 4 pm, serving coffees, cakes, light lunches and ice creams. During the spring flowering season (September to November), the cafe is open 7 days a week, 10 am – 4 pm. For bookings, call 0469 861 778.
A garden path forks in two directions surrounded by autumn-coloured trees.

Pirianda Garden

With magnificent views and a backdrop of ever-changing colours, photographers and bird watchers are in for a treat at Pirianda Garden, while the lawns are perfect for spreading out with a picnic feast.
People walking through paths on a green mature European garden, surrounded by water features.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

Delightful all year round, choose your own adventure along the many linking paths beneath the canopy of Mountain Ash trees as you stroll through the garden.
Two people walking along a wide path surrounded by trees and undergrowth at RJ Hamer Arboretum

RJ Hamer Arboretum

Originally a pine plantation, the present-day 101-hectare Arboretum was established in the 1970s and provides a lovely place for relaxation, recreation and distant views of the Yarra Valley and the Great Dividing Range.

How to get there

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is located at 24 The Georgian Road, Olinda.  The garden is 500m from the Olinda township along the Olinda‐Monbulk Road. Turn into The Georgian Road with the garden’s two car parks located either side of the main pedestrian entrance. The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is approximately 600m from the botanic garden entrance, on a sloping, sealed path. 
 
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

When you're there

Download the Dandenong Ranges visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

Help us care for the garden: 

  • There are no rubbish bins provided in this garden; carry in carry out.
  • No dogs, cats or other pets are permitted at this site.
  • Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted.
  • Drones are not permitted without a pre-approved permit.

Need to know

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

Accessibility

The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda has been designed to be accessible for visitors with diverse needs and abilities, with DDA-compliant pathways included in the new garden. However entry paths and surrounding pathways and areas within the original Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden are not fully accessible, which should be taken into consideration when visiting.

The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is located approximately 600m from the botanic garden entrance, on a sloping sealed asphalt path.  There are two paths linking to the Chelsea Australian Garden, off the main asphalt path. These include the main (grade 2) path at the Top Pond, and the steeper (Grade 3) shortcut path at the Top Lawn.  Both feature an exposed aggregate concrete finish and handrails. A gathering place (with seating) has also been constructed on the Top Lawn (near the short cut path), on the way to the main path. Onsite maps and signage will direct you to the Chelsea Australian Garden.

 

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

 

Safety in nature

Please be aware that this garden is home to wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Wasps may also be in the area. 

Waterbodies are for display and not for swimming; children must be closely supervised. Paths may become slippery if wet and large trees feature in this area. The garden will be closed on days of extreme winds as tree limbs can fall without warning. 

This garden is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.

 

Weddings

Thinking of holding a wedding ceremony or taking wedding photography in the garden? Find out more about wedding permit applications and guidelines.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Guide

    🍁 Dandenong Ranges Gardens – Autumn Foliage Guide
    Between March and May the Dandenong Ranges Gardens — including the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, and R.J. Hamer Arboretum — come alive with stunning autumn colour.
     
    🌲 When to Visit
    Expect larger crowds during autumn, especially on weekends and during the Easter school holidays. For a quieter experience, consider visiting mid-week, early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
     
    🚗 Parking
    On-site parking is limited at each garden site. If car parks are full, we recommend exploring another nearby garden.
     
    🌳 Prefer a Peaceful Visit?
    Try one of these gardens for a quieter experience:
    • Pirianda Garden
    • George Tindale Memorial Garden
    • R.J. Hamer Arboretum
    • Mt Dandenong Arboretum
     
    🍂 Understanding Autumn Foliage
    Because it’s a natural process, the timing and intensity of autumn colours vary each year. Some trees start changing in late March, but the peak display usually occurs from mid-April to early May.
    The quality of autumn colour depends on weather conditions:
    • Good rainfall during summer leads to brighter foliage.
    • Dry conditions or warm weather can delay colour change and dull the display.
    • Cool nights and mild days bring out the best colours.
    • Strong winds or heavy rain can shorten the season by removing leaves too early.
     
    🧭 Accessibility
    The garden’s hilly terrain and layout may present challenges for some visitors. While garden paths are sealed and wide, they can be steep. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended. The two arboretums only feature unsealed paths.
     
    🚌 Garden Tour Bus (Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden):
    A great option for visitors with limited mobility, this paid, one-way audio tour covers the original Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (not the new Chelsea Australian Garden). Click here for more information.
     
    🚫 Visitor Guidelines
    To protect these special places for everyone, please note:
    • Dogs on lead only
    • No dogs permitted at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
    • No bins provided – please carry in, carry out all rubbish.
    • No drones permitted
    • No picking or removing vegetation – leave for others to enjoy!
     
    🚌 Coach Parking
    There is a dedicated coach/bus drop-off zone beside the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden entrance (24 The Georgian Rd, Olinda). Once passengers have exited, coaches should park at the nearby Olinda Pool & Community House Car Park (79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda), before returning to the same location for passenger collection.
     
    📖 Attached: Garden Guide
    Use the garden guide attached to explore stunning gardens of the Dandenong Ranges.
    No matter when you visit, the gardens always offer something beautiful to enjoy.

    Attachments: Explore stunning gardens in the Dandenong Ranges 2023 (4,237KB)

 
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