Pirianda Gardens

A garden path forks in two directions surrounded by autumn-coloured trees.

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Pirianda Gardens

Designed to embrace the steep slopes of the Dandenong Ranges, Pirianda Garden is a tranquil 11-hectare woodland retreat featuring a remarkable collection of rare and botanically significant trees and shrubs. Created largely by Harvey and Gillian Ansell, the garden reflects their personal passion for plants gathered during overseas travels.

Visitors can wander through terraced paths and grassy clearings, down into peaceful fern gullies shaded by towering Blackwoods and mountain ash. The finely crafted stone terrace walls and the Ansell’s 1962 modernist home can be admired along the way.

Pirianda is home to 28 species of maple, 13 birches, and extensive collections of magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods, and conifers. Three rare Chinese Handkerchief Trees (Davidia involucrata) bloom each November, their large white bracts fluttering like handkerchiefs in the breeze. Other rarities include Franklinia and Stewartia, close relatives of camellias, noted for their delicate, beautiful flowers.

With sweeping views, serene woodland walks, and lush lawns perfect for picnicking, Pirianda Garden offers a haven for photographers, plant lovers, and bird watchers alike.

Opening hours

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

Things to do in the area

 
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.
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.
Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water.

Dog friendly parks

Find where dogs are allowed in parks across Victoria so you can enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend.

Wildlife

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:


Crimson Rosella
Lyrebirds

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

Pirianda Gardens

Pirianda Garden is located at 5-9 Hacketts Road, Olinda.

Please access Hacketts Road via Olinda-Monbulk Road only. Ignore GPS directions that suggest Perrins Creek Road, as this route is extremely steep and suitable only for 4WD vehicles.

During busy periods, such as weekends in autumn and spring, parking can be limited. If the car park is full, consider visiting another nearby garden, or plan your trip for a weekday or early morning/late afternoon for a quieter experience.

There is no bus or coach parking on site.

Pirianda Garden

When you're there

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

For itinerary ideas and visitation tips, download the Explore Stunning Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges brochure.

Help us care for the gardens:

  • Carry in, carry out. No rubbish bins are provided, please take all waste with you.
  • Dogs are permitted on leash only.
  • Drones cannot be used without a pre-approved permit.
  • Protect the plants. Do not pick or remove vegetation, leave it for others to enjoy.

Related Sites

When to go

Escape the summer heat beneath Pirianda’s cool, shaded canopies where you’ll see Mock Orange, Eucryphia, Clethra, Hydrangeas, and NSW Christmas Bush at their finest.

Need to know

Pirianda Gardens

Accessibility

The garden’s steep terrain and historic layout may pose challenges for some visitors. Situated on a sloping site, pedestrian access is provided via long, steep paths. These paths are both sealed and unsealed and wind throughout the grounds. These pathways, along with several sets of stone steps, are not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

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

The garden is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Wasps may also be present.

Waterbodies are for display only and are not suitable for swimming; children must be closely supervised at all times. Paths can become slippery when wet, and large trees are prominent throughout the garden.

Pirianda Garden is in the Central fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating on the VicEmergency website, their smartphone app or call their Hotline on 1800 226 226.

This garden closes on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or during severe weather events for visitor safety. 

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

    Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Guide

    🍁 Dandenong Ranges Gardens – Autumn Foliage Guide
    Between March and May the Dandenong Ranges Gardens β€” including the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden, and R.J. Hamer Arboretum β€” come alive with stunning autumn colour.
     
    🌲 When to Visit
    Expect larger crowds during autumn, especially on weekends and during the Easter school holidays. For a quieter experience, consider visiting mid-week, early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
     
    πŸš— Parking
    On-site parking is limited at each garden site. If car parks are full, we recommend exploring another nearby garden.
     
    🌳 Prefer a Peaceful Visit?
    Try one of these gardens for a quieter experience:
    • Pirianda Garden
    • George Tindale Memorial Garden
    • R.J. Hamer Arboretum
    • Mt Dandenong Arboretum
     
    πŸ‚ Understanding Autumn Foliage
    Because it’s a natural process, the timing and intensity of autumn colours vary each year. Some trees start changing in late March, but the peak display usually occurs from mid-April to early May.
    The quality of autumn colour depends on weather conditions:
    • Good rainfall during summer leads to brighter foliage.
    • Dry conditions or warm weather can delay colour change and dull the display.
    • Cool nights and mild days bring out the best colours.
    • Strong winds or heavy rain can shorten the season by removing leaves too early.
     
    🧭 Accessibility
    The garden’s hilly terrain and layout may present challenges for some visitors. While garden paths are sealed and wide, they can be steep. Unassisted wheelchair access is not recommended. The two arboretums only feature unsealed paths.
     
    🚌 Garden Tour Bus (Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden):
    A great option for visitors with limited mobility, this paid, one-way audio tour covers the original Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (not the new Chelsea Australian Garden). Click here for more information.
     
    🚫 Visitor Guidelines
    To protect these special places for everyone, please note:
    • Dogs on lead only
    • No dogs permitted at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
    • No bins provided – please carry in, carry out all rubbish.
    • No drones permitted
    • No picking or removing vegetation – leave for others to enjoy!
     
    🚌 Coach Parking
    There is a dedicated coach/bus drop-off zone beside the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden entrance (24 The Georgian Rd, Olinda). Once passengers have exited, coaches should park at the nearby Olinda Pool & Community House Car Park (79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda), before returning to the same location for passenger collection.
     
    πŸ“– Attached: Garden Guide
    Use the garden guide attached to explore stunning gardens of the Dandenong Ranges.
    No matter when you visit, the gardens always offer something beautiful to enjoy.

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

How we keep it special

At the turn of the century, the original forest at Pirianda was selected for settlement, with the exception of tree ferns and Blackwood in the fern gully. In 1911, the property was purchased by Mr Thomas Cook, who planted several exotic trees. Later, the land was subdivided and leased for carrot and potato production.

In 1959, Harvey and Gillian Ansell bought the 23-acre property, later adding a further 5 acres. The Ansell family gradually removed bracken and blackberries to begin developing the garden, creating a balance between exotic plantings and beautiful native rainforest species.

During their annual overseas holidays, the Ansells always sought out new and unusual plants, which they imported and displayed at Pirianda.

The garden was donated to the State in 1977, with management by Parks Victoria commencing in 1995.

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