Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

People walking through paths on a green mature European garden, surrounded by water features.

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Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is the original garden of the historic Burnham Beeches estate, renowned for its extensive water features. 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.

Make your way down to the picturesque lake for a picnic by the quaint boathouse, take a seat in the gazebo and admire the intriguing sculpture by Mark Stoner, or simply enjoy walking your dog (on lead) through the changing landscape of blooms and foliage.

Opening hours

Daylight hours, seven days except on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.

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

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Garden) is host to brilliantly coloured blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around.
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.
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.
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.

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

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

The garden is located at 1a Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke. The visitor car park is across the road, opposite the main entrance.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

When you're there

Download the Dandenong Ranges National Park - Sherbrooke Area map to see the location of Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and other attractions nearby.

 

Help us care for the gardens:

  •  There are no rubbish bins provided in this garden; carry in carry out.
  • Dogs are welcome in the garden, but must be on a leash at all times.
  • Plants and flowers are protected for the benefit of the community. Leave the plants for others to enjoy.

Related Sites

When to go

Summer is the time to see hydrangeas, fuchsias, native ferns, rhododendrons and native terrestrial orchids.

Need to know

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Accessibility

Set on a sloping site, pedestrian access to the lake is via a long steep path through the garden. There are designated accessible toilets near the park office.

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

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

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

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.

  • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden (Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens)

    Lake Islands Temporary Closure

    The islands (within the lake) at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden are temporarily closed to visitor access, for rehabilitation and renovation works, due to increased foot traffic and compaction impacting the turf.  The islands will re-open to visitor access later in Spring.  During this seasonal closure, the same views and vistas can be enjoyed by walking around the lake on the formed gravel paths.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Information

    Between March and May is the peak foliage display for the Dandenong Ranges Gardens (including Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden & R.J. Hamer Arboretum). Over this 12-week period, the gardens bursts with a variety of autumn foliage colour. 
     
    Being products of nature, the annual foliage display does not occur exactly at the same time each year, and from season to season.  There is no “magical switch” that turns on all the autumn leaves all at once!  While some trees might start changing as early as late March, generally the peak of vibrant colour is usually in the middle of the autumn season.  The best time to see autumn foliage in Victoria is typically from mid-April to early May, with colours often peaking in late April and early May.
     
    The vibrancy of autumn foliage is significantly influenced by the weather during the preceding summer and early autumn.  One of the key factors is consistent rainfall throughout the summer.  Drought can stress the trees, causing them to shed their leaves early, as well as resulting in duller colours. Other factors to consider include the tree species; with different tree species changing colour at different times, with the exact peak-time varying depending on each location and tree type.  Milder temperatures, cold nights and higher rainfall also contribute to more stunning displays. Likewise, too-much wind or heavy rain during the foliage display knocks the leaves off the trees prematurely!
     
    Unfortunately, in the lead up to autumn 2025, we have experienced above average warmer day and nighttime temperatures and much-less rainfall than normally experienced.  We anticipate this autumn foliage season will most likely be delayed, less vibrant and of shorter duration.  So far this year, we have not experienced any typical autumn weather conditions to support a successful 2025 foliage display.
     
    During autumn, we expect larger crowds, especially on weekends. Consider if you can visit mid-week or early in the morning when the gardens may be quieter.  Parking is limited at most gardens, so if the car parks are full, we recommend you visit another site.
     
    Whenever you choose to visit, there will always be something new to see and discover. Seasonal changes ensure the garden is a year-round delight!

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

  • Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

    Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden Visitor Guide & Map

    Please find attached the current Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden Visitor Guide and park map:

    Attachments: ANMG ParkNote (353KB)

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