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Garden Tours

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Discover the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, a volcanic mountain range characterised by rolling hills, steep valleys and dense temperate rainforest.

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.

Garden Tours will be unavailable during the month of January and February 2026.

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Bookings

Tours do sell out fast, so we recommend that all bookings are made online to secure your spot. Tours can be purchased on the day, either with our team in the gift store or at one of our QR code stations in the park, if availability remains.

For any additional information please call the gift store on (03) 8427 2087 (10:00 am - 4:30 pm daily) and speak with the customer service team.

Public holidays

Please be aware that the Botanic Garden Bus Tours do not currently run on public holidays.

Weather watch

In the event that a tour is cancelled due to extreme weather conditions in the park, one of our customer service team members will be in contact with you to process your refund or transfer your booking to another day.

 

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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