Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

People walk along a paved path surrounded by mature autumnal European trees.

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Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is Victoria's premier cool-climate garden. With breathtaking views over the Yarra Valley, the garden features important collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and more, in a setting of native and exotic trees. While it's difficult to predict timing of the floral blooms, seasonal changes ensure the garden is a year-round delight.

Meander down to Serenity Point where the sculpted landscape opens to stunning views over the Yarra Ranges and beyond. A network of paths criss-cross the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and highlight the ever-changing seasonal landscape.

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is home to a staggering 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias and 250,000 daffodils clothed in colour in spring and autumn. The garden houses Australia’s largest collection of Australian and overseas raised hybrids of rhododendrons that cannot be replaced, re-bred or re-imported.

Bring a picnic basket and set up on one of the lawns within the gardens for a scenic day out. Ride the 'Garden Explorer' - a fee-for-service people mover which provides a 25-minute guided tour of the garden.

Opening hours

Everyday: 10.00 am - 4.30 pm (last entry)
Gates lock at 5.00 pm

Gift Shop: 10.00 am - 4.30 pm
Ph: 03 8427 2087

Closed Christmas Day, and on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.

Things To Do

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

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

Located in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, this beautiful native garden is a re-creation of the award-winning ‘Australian Garden’ exhibit, the first ever Australian entry to win at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show.
Close up of red vireya flowers.

Australian Cloud Forest Collection

This small extension to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden has been built to showcase and conserve endangered flora from Queensland’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
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.
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.
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.
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 retired men go on a long walk through lush temperate rain-forest near Eagles nest picnic ground.

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Protecting the tall forests of the Dandenongs, this park is well known for its spectacular Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, and is ideal for relaxing picnics and tranquil forest walks.
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.
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.

Wildlife and Nature

 
Lyrebirds
Echidnas
Wombats
Crimson Rosella

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.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The gardens are located just more than 1 hour's drive east of Melbourne. During the busy autumn and spring periods and on weekends, parking on site is limited. There is additional parking available at the nearby Olinda Recreation Reserve, the former Olinda Golf Course and Olinda Pool. These are all a short walk from the garden's main entrance.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

When you're there

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

 

Help us care for the gardens:

  • 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.
  • Plants and flowers are protected for the benefit of the community. Leave the plants for others to enjoy.
  • Do not feed the wildlife. 

 

Related Sites

When to go

The cool rainforest atmosphere of Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens is the perfect escape on a warm summer’s day. Walk the nature trail or set up for a picnic in the shade of the Cherry Lawn. Wander through the collection of conifers and marvel at the brilliant blue and white hydrangeas in full flower.

Need to know

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Accessibility

Due to its location, shape and topography, accessibility at the garden can be challenging. The site has one entry/exit and extends approximately 1.5km to its furthest point. While the main paths are a wide with sealed surfaces, some sections are steep and many of the minor paths are gravel.

The return walk from Serenity Point has some long and steep uphill sections. Allow plenty of time to visit this garden or stay close to the areas nearest the gift shop. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended.

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.

  • Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

    Plan Your Visit: Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Spring 2025

    🌷 Plan Your Visit – Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Spring 2025
    Spring is the peak flowering season at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, offering 12 weeks of vibrant colour and beauty. With thousands of plants in bloom, there’s always something new to discover.
     
    🌼 When to Visit:
    Expect larger crowds during spring, especially on weekends. For a quieter experience, consider visiting mid-week or early in the morning.
     
    🚗 Parking:
    On-site parking is limited. Additional public parking is available at:
    • Olinda Recreation Reserve (300m)
    • Old Olinda Golf Course Reserve (500m)
    • Olinda Swimming Pool & Community House (850m)
    If car parks are full, we recommend exploring another nearby garden.
     
    🌳 Prefer a Peaceful Visit?:
    Try one of these nearby gardens for a quieter experience:
    • Pirianda Garden
    • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
    • George Tindale Memorial Garden
    • R.J. Hamer Arboretum
     
    🌸 Understanding Spring Flowering:
    • Flowering varies from year to year based on temperature, rainfall, and wind.
    • Being 500m above sea level, blooms appear later than in Melbourne’s suburbs.
    • Not all flowers bloom at once—there is no single “best” time to visit.
    • Daily flowering updates are not available.
    Note: The cherry blossom often disappoints—native birds feast on the few flowers produced. It’s an autumnal foliage species with better blooms found elsewhere in Melbourne.
     
    🧭 Accessibility:
    The garden’s hilly terrain and layout may present challenges for some visitors. While main paths are sealed and wide, they can be steep. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended.
     
    🚌 Garden Tour Bus:
    A great option for visitors with limited mobility, this paid, one-way audio tour covers the original garden (not the Chelsea Australian Garden). Click here for more information.
     
    🚫 Visitor Guidelines:
    To protect this special place for everyone, please note:
    • No pets (including dogs and cats)
    • No bikes, scooters, skateboards, or rollerblades
    • No bins provided – please carry in, carry out all rubbish.
     
     
    Visitor Information – Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden:
    📍 24 The Georgian Rd, Olinda
    🕙 Open 7 days, 10:00am – 4:30pm (last entry)
    🔒 Gates lock at 5:00pm
     
    📖 Attached: Spring Flowering Guide:
    Use the seasonal guide attached to explore what might be in bloom during your visit. No matter when you come, the garden offers a unique and colourful experience year-round.

    Attachments: DRBG Spring Flowering Guide 2025 (300KB)

How we keep it special

Management Plan

The Management Plan for the Dandenong Ranges Gardens directs all aspects of management of the gardens, including the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly, the National Rhododendron Garden), until the plan is reviewed. In developing the plan, Parks Victoria consulted widely with a range of interested community and stakeholder groups and individuals, and was assisted by the Dandenong Ranges Advisory Committee.

 

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda Project

In 2013, Phillip Johnson and Wes Fleming’s Trailfinders ‘Australian Garden’ exhibit became the first ever Australian entry to win at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. This ‘Australian Garden’ is now being re-created on over 7,000 square metres of previously unused space at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, for locals and visitors to enjoy. See the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda project for more details.

 

Olinda Precinct Project

New facilities are being developed at the nearby Olinda Precinct to provide more opportunities for people to get active in nature through community sport, and provide a place for people to meet, play, picnic and connect to the natural surroundings. Refurbishment works will transform the old golf course site into 34-hectares of recreational community parklands.

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