Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

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Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

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

 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.

How to get there

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is located at 24 The Georgian Road, Olinda.  The garden is 500m from the Olinda township along the Olinda‐Monbulk Road. Turn into The Georgian Road with the garden’s two car parks located either side of the main pedestrian entrance. The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is approximately 600m from the botanic garden entrance, on a sloping, sealed path. 
 

Need to know

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

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)

 
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