The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda 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.
In 2013, Phillip Johnson, Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders team's ‘Australian Garden’ display became the first ever Australian entry to win at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. The display was toured by the Queen and Prince Harry and was unanimously voted ‘Best in Show’ by the judges. Now visitors can experience this stunning design through a re-creation of the display at 20 times the size of the original.
Located within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is a permanent display, featuring an enormous Waratah sculpture, waterfall and billabong. Over 15,000 plants have been used in the design, with over 400 different Australian species.
Built on an unused grassed area of the former Olinda Golf Course, this feature enhances the environment by introducing additional rare and endangered plant species and providing more native habitat for plants and animals. The garden also provides a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists to connect with Australian nature and learn about native plants and sustainable landscape design.
Wander around the sealed paths and discover an amazing variety of building materials, plant shapes and beautiful vistas. Sit and listen to the frogs and birds. Discover the interpretive signs and read more about this enormous project. If you have time bring a picnic and enjoy the spacious lawn next to the stunning Boab trees.
Remember to keep wildlife wild by not feeding them. All plants, animals and other natural features and cultural sites are protected and must not be disturbed or removed.
This garden was brought to life with funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, and philanthropic support from The People and Parks Foundation and the generosity of many wonderful individual donors.
Plan Your Visit
We know the community is as excited about the opening of the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda as we are. We are expecting large crowds over the coming months.
To help you plan your visit and to get the best experience at the garden, we recommend that you:
- Consider if you can visit mid-week or early in the morning when the garden may be quieter. During winter and summer we also expect fewer crowds.
- Plan for alternative parking if the main carpark is full. Parking around Olinda can be found at the Olinda Recreation Reserve (The Georgian Road), Olinda Precinct (Olinda-Monbulk Road) and the Olinda Pool and Community House (Olinda-Monbulk Road).
While you’re up here, don’t miss some of the other beautiful and tranquil gardens that the Dandenong Ranges have to offer. You may like to check out Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, RJ Hamer Arboretum and Mount Dandenong Arboretum.
Access to garden is currently via a single path that is steep (grade 3). A handrail is available to assist visitors, however if you are concerned about navigating this incline we suggest waiting until a second, more gradual path (grade 2) is opened in late 2023.
Things To Do
Tours at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Mist@Olinda
Café Vireya
Pirianda Garden
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
RJ Hamer Arboretum
How to get there
Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda
When you're there
Download the Dandenong Ranges visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Help us care for the garden:
- 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.
Need to know
Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda
Accessibility
The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda has been designed to be accessible for visitors with diverse needs and abilities, with DDA-compliant pathways included in the new garden. However entry paths and surrounding pathways and areas within the original Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden are not fully accessible, which should be taken into consideration when visiting.
Access to the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is currently via a single path that is steep (grade 3). A handrail is available to assist visitors, however if you are concerned about navigating this incline we suggest waiting until a second, more gradual path (grade 2) is opened in late 2023.
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.
-
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
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 HouseIf 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)