Explore
Pirianda Gardens
Designed to embrace the steep slopes of the Dandenong Ranges, Pirianda Garden is a tranquil 11-hectare woodland retreat featuring a remarkable collection of rare and botanically significant trees and shrubs. Created largely by Harvey and Gillian Ansell, the garden reflects their personal passion for plants gathered during overseas travels.
Visitors can wander through terraced paths and grassy clearings, down into peaceful fern gullies shaded by towering Blackwoods and mountain ash. The finely crafted stone terrace walls and the Ansell’s 1962 modernist home can be admired along the way.
Pirianda is home to 28 species of maple, 13 birches, and extensive collections of magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods, and conifers. Three rare Chinese Handkerchief Trees (Davidia involucrata) bloom each November, their large white bracts fluttering like handkerchiefs in the breeze. Other rarities include Franklinia and Stewartia, close relatives of camellias, noted for their delicate, beautiful flowers.
With sweeping views, serene woodland walks, and lush lawns perfect for picnicking, Pirianda Garden offers a haven for photographers, plant lovers, and bird watchers alike.
Opening hours
Daylight hours, seven days a week except on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.
Things to do in the area
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Dog friendly parks
Wildlife
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Pirianda Gardens
Pirianda Garden is located at 5-9 Hacketts Road, Olinda.
Please access Hacketts Road via Olinda-Monbulk Road only. Ignore GPS directions that suggest Perrins Creek Road, as this route is extremely steep and suitable only for 4WD vehicles.
During busy periods, such as weekends in autumn and spring, parking can be limited. If the car park is full, consider visiting another nearby garden, or plan your trip for a weekday or early morning/late afternoon for a quieter experience.
There is no bus or coach parking on site.
When you're there
Download the Dandenong Ranges National Park - Sherbrooke Area map to see the location of Pirianda Gardens and other attractions nearby.
For itinerary ideas and visitation tips, download the Explore Stunning Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges brochure.
Help us care for the gardens:
- Carry in, carry out. No rubbish bins are provided, please take all waste with you.
- Dogs are permitted on leash only.
- Drones cannot be used without a pre-approved permit.
- Protect the plants. Do not pick or remove vegetation, leave it for others to enjoy.
Need to know
Pirianda Gardens
Accessibility
The garden’s steep terrain and historic layout may pose challenges for some visitors. Situated on a sloping site, pedestrian access is provided via long, steep paths. These paths are both sealed and unsealed and wind throughout the grounds. These pathways, along with several sets of stone steps, are not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
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
The garden is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Wasps may also be present.
Waterbodies are for display only and are not suitable for swimming; children must be closely supervised at all times. Paths can become slippery when wet, and large trees are prominent throughout the garden.
Pirianda Garden is in the Central fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating on the VicEmergency website, their smartphone app or call their Hotline on 1800 226 226.
This garden closes on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or during severe weather events for visitor safety.
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.
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Pirianda Gardens
Pirianda Garden Visitor Guide & Map
Please find attached the current Pirianda Garden Visitor Guide & park map:Attachments: Park-note-Pirianda-Garden (504KB)
How we keep it special
At the turn of the century, the original forest at Pirianda was selected for settlement, with the exception of tree ferns and Blackwood in the fern gully. In 1911, the property was purchased by Mr Thomas Cook, who planted several exotic trees. Later, the land was subdivided and leased for carrot and potato production.
In 1959, Harvey and Gillian Ansell bought the 23-acre property, later adding a further 5 acres. The Ansell family gradually removed bracken and blackberries to begin developing the garden, creating a balance between exotic plantings and beautiful native rainforest species.
During their annual overseas holidays, the Ansells always sought out new and unusual plants, which they imported and displayed at Pirianda.
The garden was donated to the State in 1977, with management by Parks Victoria commencing in 1995.