Botanic gardens

Botanic gardens

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    Botanic gardens

    Wander rows of flower beds and sculptures at manicured gardens in some of Melbourne's oldest parks. In the gardens of the Dandenongs every season brings a new experience. Discover the history, beautiful flowering plants and spectacular mountain scenery that make these gardens special.

    Gardens of Victoria

    A man with an afro wearing a leather jacket and woman wearing a cream knitted jumper walk past a tree with splendid autumn leaves.

    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.
    An aerial view of Werribee Mansion and its surrounding gardens.

    Formal Gardens

    Like many notable early settlers the Chirnsides were members of the Acclimatisation Society, an organisation which introduced several European flora and fauna species to the Australian landscape. As a result the ten hectares of manicured landscape contain a variety of exotic species combined with Australian natives.
    A couple sit on a bench in the rose garden at Werribee Park.

    State Rose Garden

    The Werribee rose garden is separated from the mansion's formal gardens by a Heritage Border featuring unusual and historic roses from around the world. In bloom from October to May, the roses are at their most magnificent from November to April.
    The view from the RJ Hamer Arboretum in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    RJ Hamer Arboretum

    Take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads of the Arboretum and take in the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley out to the Warburton Ranges and beyond.
    A sculpture looks over a walking path in the William Ricketts Sanctuary.

    William Ricketts Sanctuary

    Situated in a ferny glade in the Dandenongs, William Ricketts Sanctuary is a place of beauty and tranquillity, due both to the natural setting and the mystical sculptures half hidden among ferns along the pathways. It is a place for quiet reflection and for contemplation of the essence of the vision of William Ricketts. Many travel across the world to visit this place time and time again.
    A couple in their sixties walk their two flat coated retriever dogs through the Alfred Nicholas Gardens among the changing autumn colours .

    Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

    The gardens will delight all year round. In Spring, it is blooming with rhododendrons, azaleas, camelias, kalmias and flowering cherries on the lake. Summer is the time to see hydrangeas, fuchsias, native ferns, rhododendrons and native terrestrial orchids. In Autumn the foliage of maples, beech and the famous golden ginkgos on the lake is stunning. In Winter you will see camelias and the early rhododendrons.
    A path in Pirianda Garden in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    Pirianda Garden

    Designed to take advantage of the steep slopes, the terraced garden of Pirianda is distinctive for its combination of botanically important trees, shrubs and perennials with an over storey of large blackwoods and mountain ash towering over the natural fern gullies.

    Social activities outdoors

     
    Two men cook share the cooking of a barbecue.

    BBQ

    Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
    Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

    Picnics

    Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
    A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

    Family activities

    Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
    Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water.

    Dog walking

    Round up your dog, grab the lead and visit dog-friendly parks near Melbourne and across Victoria.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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