RJ Hamer Arboretum

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RJ Hamer Arboretum

R.J Hamer Arboretum 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.

R.J Hamer Arboretum provides a wonderful area for recreation or relaxation. The Latin word arboretum means a place for trees. Originally a pine plantation, the present-day 101-hectare Arboretum was established in the 1970s and provides distant views of the Yarra Valley and the Great Dividing Range.

Here, you will find over 150 species of native and exotic trees. The Arboretum was designed around a forest formation where each species is represented by an irregular shaped patch of trees. Unlike most typical arboretums, R. J Hamer includes rows upon rows of varying species, representing mini-forests that stretch over the rolling hills.

Large plantings of northern hemisphere forest species can be found here, including many from the USA and China. These provide an impressive display of autumn colour. An impressive avenue of Japanese Cedar greets you on entry to the arboretum's main car park.

R. J Hamer Arboretum is a beautiful area for both relaxation and recreation providing many quiet opportunities for reflection whilst soaking in the magnificent view. The arboretum acts as a local corridor for native wildlife, with lyrebirds, echidnas and owls often seen or heard.

Bring a picnic or BBQ lunch and enjoy a breath of fresh air in one of the designated picnic areas. Electric barbecues, picnic tables and toilet facilities are located close to the Woolrich/Chalet Road car park.

Talk a walk along one of the many walking tracks and admire the unique visual story. Sit and take in the tranquil beauty and breathtaking views. Walk your dog on-lead and take in the views together on the many walking tracks. Be sure to stay within the arboretum's borders as dogs are not permitted in the surrounding national park.

Things to do in the area

 
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.
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 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.
An aerial image of Silvan Reservoir

Silvan Reservoir Park

Set in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Silvan Reservoir Park is an easy drive from Melbourne and ideal for a great day out.

RJ Hamer Arboretum

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

Wombats
Lyrebirds
Echidnas
Wallabies
Crimson Rosella
Powerful owls

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

RJ Hamer Arboretum

R.J Hamer Arboretum is located at 10 Chalet Rd, Olinda.

When to go

The majestic gums and oaks and the ornamental willows and birches are at their best in the summer.

Need to know

RJ Hamer Arboretum

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

    Board Track Closure for Fuel Reduction Burn

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in Olinda- Board Track planned burn areas and tracks within the area being closed from the time burns are approved for ignition until areas are declared safe. Ignition of the burns are scheduled from Monday 12th May 2025 and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au
     

    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)

    Storm Damage affected track and trails

    Approximately 15km of tracks and trails in the Dandenong Ranges National Park have been damaged by a heavy rainfall storm event in July 2024. Visitors are requested to remain alert to changing track/trail conditions and to observe any track/trail closures. This advice will stand until further updates are made as repairs take place, this may take several years due to lengthy delays involved with insurance claim processing.

  • Valley Picnic Ground (RJ Hamer Arboretum, Dandenong Ranges National Park)

    Valley Picnic Ground now open to vehicle access

    Valley Picnic Ground access road will reopen to visitors cars on Saturday the 10th of May 2025, this will allow you to drive all the way into the picnic facilities at the carpark.
    The Picnic area has had a bit of a makeover with two new tables on concrete slabs and a re-positioned wood fired BBQ, please bring your own firewood.

  • RJ Hamer Arboretum

    R.J. Hamer Arboretum Visitor Guide & Map

    Please find attached the current R.J. Hamer Arboretum Visitor Guide & park map:

    Attachments: Park-note-RJ-Hamer-Arboretum (222KB)

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