Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

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

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Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Opening hours

Everyday: 10am-4.30pm (last entry)
Gates lock at 5pm
Gift Shop: 10am-4.30pm
Ph: 03 8427 2087
Closed Christmas Day, and on days of Total Fire Ban or severe weather events.

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. 

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.
A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket and woman wearing a cream knitted jumper walk past a tree with splendid autumn leaves.

Tours at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Discover the beauty of Victoria’s premier cool-climate botanic garden from the comfort of the open-air bus. Enjoy live commentary and stunning views as you wind your way through the picturesque landscapes of this 100-acre garden.
Cafe Vireya interior

Café Vireya

Café Vireya is open on Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 am to 4 pm, serving coffees, cakes, light lunches and ice creams. During the spring flowering season (September to November), Café Vireya is open 7 days a week, 10:30 am – 4 pm.
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.
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. 

 

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 in a high fire danger area and will be closed on days of Total Fire Ban.

 

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

    Mathias Road Closure

    A section of Mathias Road (Hamer Arboretum) will be closed to walkers between the 18th and 22nd of December inclusive. The Closure is to allow for the safe replacement of a large creek culvert that has collapsed, the location of the works and track closure point is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eunhiUT7gTjFnz2s8 
    Walkers will not be able to enter, walk through or around he work site during this time, please seek an alternative route. The majority of the road will remain open during this time.

  • Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

    Garden Closure - Christmas Day 2023

    The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday 25 December 2023.

    There will be no public access to the garden on this day.

    For alternative garden access, visit the nearby Olinda Playspace, Pirianda Garden, R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden or George Tindale Memorial Garden.

    The botanic garden will re-open at 10am on Tuesday 26 December 2023.

    Spring 2023 - Visitor Information and Flowering Guide

    Spring is the peak flowering season for the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Over the 12-week spring period, the garden bursts with a variety of colour.
     
    Predicting flower blooms can be difficult, as they may not bloom at exactly the same time from year to year. The previous 12-months’ weather patterns, along with current weather conditions (heat, cold, rain & wind) affects the timing and duration of any bloom. Use the attached information (below) as a flowering guide but know there is always something new to see and discover on your next garden visit.
     
    During the spring flowering season, we expect larger crowds, especially on weekends. Consider if you can visit mid-week or early in the morning when the garden may be quieter.
     
    There is limited parking available on site. Additional parking is available next door at the Olinda Recreation Reserve, the former Olinda Golf Course, and close by at the Olinda Swimming Pool & Community House
     
    If the car parks are full, consider visiting a different site.
     
    If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the nearby Pirianda Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden or R.J. Hamer Arboretum.
     
    The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is open 7-days, 10am-4:30pm (last entry). Gates lock at 5pm.  Dogs, cats, and other pets are NOT permitted on site. Please leave bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades at home. ‘Carry in, carry out’ all your rubbish, as bins are not provided.

    Due to the garden’s location, shape, and topography; accessibility can be challenging. While the main pedestrian paths are a wide, sealed surface, some sections are quite steep and not fully accessible for visitors with diverse needs and abilities. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended.
     
    The Garden Tour bus may be a better alternative for people with limited mobility. It provides a paid one-way/one-stop audio tour of the original garden (not the new Chelsea Australian Garden)
     
    Seasonal changes ensure the garden is a year-round delight!

    Attachments: Spring 2023 DRBG Flowering Guide (719KB)

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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