Explore
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
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.
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.
George Tindale Memorial Garden
Extensive collections of magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, fuchsias and hydrangeas will delight visitors to George Tindale Memorial Gardens.
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.
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.
Victoria State Rose Garden
Victoria State Rose Garden is a must-see on your Werribee Park visit. Separated from the mansion's formal gardens by a Heritage Border featuring unusual and historic roses from around the world, the roses are at their most magnificent from November to April.
Werribee Park 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.
Social activities outdoors
BBQ
Fire up the barbecue at your next social gathering with family and friends while you're surrounded by nature.
Picnics
Head outdoors for lunch in the warmer months and enjoy a picnic in some of nature's most relaxing and inspiring settings.
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.
Dog walking
Round up your dog, grab the lead and visit dog-friendly parks near Melbourne and across Victoria.