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
Since the Chelsea Australia Garden at Olinda opened in June 2023 it has been very popular with visitors from near and far.
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.
Things To Do
Tours at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Mist@Olinda
Garden Café Olinda
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.
The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is located approximately 600m from the botanic garden entrance, on a sloping sealed asphalt path. There are two paths linking to the Chelsea Australian Garden, off the main asphalt path. These include the main (grade 2) path at the Top Pond, and the steeper (Grade 3) shortcut path at the Top Lawn. Both feature an exposed aggregate concrete finish and handrails. A gathering place (with seating) has also been constructed on the Top Lawn (near the short cut path), on the way to the main path. Onsite maps and signage will direct you to the Chelsea Australian Garden.
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.
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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)