Olinda Precinct Project Stage Two

Project status

Timeline image of the Olinda Stage 2 project. As at Feb 2025, Designs are being developed for precinct facilities, pathways and parking, and expect to be finalised in early 2025. Tender process from mid 2025. Construction expected to start in late 2025.

  • Following the development of landscape designs, an engineer has completed drainage analysis, soil strength testing, located the underground services and analysed the flow of traffic in the carpark. This information is being used to further develop the designs. These designs and details are required for permit applications, which are also in progress.
  • The drainage analysis has indicated that we will need a new connection to manage storm water and drainage issues. This will require a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) to ensure that any Aboriginal cultural heritage is managed carefully and appropriately if discovered during works. Parks Victoria has engaged a cultural heritage consultant to lead the development of the CHMP.
  • The traffic flow analysis has been used to inform discussions with the Department of Transport and Planning, to determine any additional requirements to ensure that the entry and exit to the park is safe and accessible for cars.
  • Following an Expression of Interest process, Alchemy Distillers Pty Ltd will open a new café at the former Olinda Golf Clubhouse and Cafe. Read more about it here.  
  • Reach the March 2025 Community Update here.

The project timeline is subject to environmental, cultural heritage and statutory assessments and approvals, as well as on-ground and construction industry conditions.

Last updated: March 2025


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The project

This project is being delivered on Wurundjeri Country. 

The Olinda Golf Course Reserve is located in the Dandenong Ranges, between the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden and R. J. Hamer Arboretum, 50 kilometres east of Melbourne.

The Olinda Precinct Plan was developed in consultation with the community with the aim of transforming the site into a 34-hectare open-space site for recreation.

We’re now delivering on the Olinda Precinct Plan to provide more opportunities for the community to connect with nature and make the most of this fantastic location.

Stage two will deliver further improvements to the site and visitor experience:

Carpark and access improvements 
We will improve car parking areas and drainage at the precinct, and build a new toilet block near the playspace, so that families can easily access these facilities while enjoying the area. Access pathways connecting the site to the Olinda township have been improved to make the site more accessible.

Supporting a new food and beverage offering to open on site
In the development of the Olinda Precinct Plan, the community told us they would like to have a food and beverage offering at the Olinda Precinct. Following an Expression of Interest process, Alchemy Distillers Pty Ltd will open a new café at the former Olinda Golf Clubhouse and Café. Read more about this here. 

Environmental, cultural heritage and statutory assessments and approvals will inform exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.

 

Pictured above: A section of the former Olinda Golf Course.

    

Project benefits

Visitors

Better carparking, footpaths and facilities will enable more people to enjoy the stunning surrounding parklands, connect with nature, and enjoy time in the park with friends and family. 

Environment

Upgrades being delivered at the Olinda Precinct will look to formalise pathways and recreation spaces to protect and preserve existing native vegetation, while providing visitors with the opportunity to explore and appreciate the stunning surrounding parklands of the Dandenong Ranges.

Community 

Three phases of consultation were undertaken during the development of the Olinda Precinct Plan, where community had the opportunity to share their ideas for the precinct. We’re now delivering on some of those initiatives as part of the Olinda Precinct Stage 2 project.


Project funding

The Victorian Government has invested $3.4 million to deliver the stage two works at the Olinda Precinct. 

 

Environment and cultural heritage management

A cultural heritage management plan is being developed for this project to ensure that any Aboriginal cultural heritage is managed carefully and appropriately if discovered during works.

The area has been assessed by an arborist, and tree protection zones have been identified. This information is being used to inform the designs, to ensure that trees, vegetation and the environmental values of the precinct are protected during and after works.  


Who are we working with?

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action 
Yarra Ranges Council 

 

Access changes

There are currently no access changes to the Olinda Precinct in relation to this project. We’ll update this page and on-site signage to inform visitors of any access changes that may come into effect. 

Before visiting any park you should check the Olinda Precinct park page for any changes of conditions. 

 

Putting safety first

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.

Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.

When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.

 

Staying updated

For updates on this project and other news from the area, subscribe here.

 

Related information 

 

FAQs

What works are being completed as part of the Olinda Precinct Stage 2 upgrades? 

We will improve car parking areas and drainage at the precinct, and build a new toilet block near the playspace, so that families can easily access these facilities while enjoying the area. Access pathways connecting the site to the Olinda township have been improved to make the site more accessible. 

Following an Expression of Interest process, Alchemy Distillers Pty Ltd will transform the former Olinda Golf Course Clubhouse and Cafe into a vibrant new Cafe for our community. 

Why are you making these upgrades? 

In 2016 we engaged the community in the development of the Olinda Precinct Plan. As part of this process, we heard the community’s ideas and suggestions on how we can uplift this space to transform the former Olinda Golf Course into a 34-hectare open-space site for recreation.

In response to this feedback, we’re now delivering on some initiatives in the Olinda Precinct Plan to provide people with more opportunities to get active in nature and enjoy this fantastic location.

What other works have been completed as part of the Olinda Precinct Plan implementation?

  • Olinda Precinct Stage 1: Stage one works have provided more opportunities for visitors to get active in nature, with the completion of the Olinda Green, a nature-based playscape, and new and upgraded netball and cricket facilities. Find out more about these works.
  • Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda 
    Phillip Johnson’s re-creation of the Chelsea Flower Show award-winning ‘Australian Garden’ exhibit is complete and now open at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. The new garden is 20 times the size of the original Chelsea Flower Show build, converting a section of the former Olinda Golf Course into a stunning botanic garden, supporting biodiversity and habitat creation for native plants and wildlife. Find out more. 

How can I stay up-to-date with project progress? 

You can subscribe for updates on the Olinda Precinct project. 

Who can I contact for more information?  

If you have questions or want to learn more about a project, you can call the Parks Victoria team on 13 1963 or email us at engage@parks.vic.gov.au.   

 

 

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