Must See Gardens of the Dandenong Ranges National Park

Welcome to the Dandenong Ranges, with dappled sunlight, stunning mountain ash trees and a climate that ensures something is blossoming no matter the season. Just shy of an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the Dandenong Ranges National Park is the perfect place for a mid-week visit, a destination to make that ‘visiting relative’ green with envy. For those planning their visit in the coming weeks, don't forget to drop into the Tesselaar's KaBloom Festival and Cloudehill Gardens Festival of Flowers! A real highlight in the Dandenongs at this time of the year!

Check out these Must See Gardens of the Dandenong Ranges National Park or scroll down to view the regions upcoming events.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens

Soak in the rich coloured blossoms, the sound of kookaburras and beautiful fragrances of wildflowers at the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Formerly known as The National Rhododendron Gardens, these gardens are a Dandenong Ranges landmark, and only a stone’s throw away from Olinda. Take a walk along the perfectly curated paths and discover the native plant and wildlife that visitors on TripAdvisor are raving about. These gardens are stunning during Autumn from late March through to May, and for Spring-bloom during August and September - Don't forget your camera as the colours for both seasons are absolutely spectacular!

Details

Days: Everyday

Hours: 10am - 5pm

Cost: Free

Alfred Nicholas Gardens

Stretch your legs with a walk around the Alfred Nicholas Gardens - A gem in the Dandenong Ranges national park. The park has it all: jaw-droppingly beautiful waterfalls, wildlife and of course stunning gardens packed with iconic plants and flowers of the Dandenongs. Oh, and watch your step as echidnas have been known to scuddle across the walking paths!

Details

Days: Everyday

Hours: 10am - 5pm

Cost: Free

George Tindale Gardens

Walking distance from Alfred Nicholas Gardens, stroll over to George Tindale Memorial Gardens and discover the early settler, European-inspired garden. The garden features an enviable collection of rare and exotic plants and flowers - and no matter what time of year, there always seem to be a flower blossoming! Escape the heat of the city and immerse yourself in the cool mountain air, relax as nature unfolds and just watch time halt to pause as you visit these truly wonderful gardens.

Details

Days: Everyday

Hours: 10am - 5pm

Cost: Free

Cloudehill Gardens

Described as one of the must-see gardens of the Dandenong Ranges, Cloudehill Gardens and Diggers Club Nursery is one not to miss on your must see garden adventure. Get lost in the themed garden rooms, discover the iconic art pieces of well-acclaimed artists and quietly walk through the adjoining private garden to view the native lyrebirds. Wrap it up overlooking the gardens with a warm cuppa at Seasons Restaurant. Oh, and the claret ash and Japanese maples are stunning during autumn! Click here to view upcoming events at Cloudehill Gardens. 

Details

Days: Everyday

Hours: 9am - 5pm

Cost: $10 (Children - Free Entry)

Sky High Mount Dandenong

Don’t drive past Sky High Mount Dandenong thinking it’s just stunning views. You’ll find sweeping lawns, a children’s maze, a healthy population of native birdlife and beautiful majestic flowers in the English Garden. Experience the garden as dappled light pierces through the Australian Blackwoods and top it off overlooking the city of Melbourne with a scone and a pot of tea at the Sky High cafe.

Details

Days: Everyday

Hours: 9am - 10pm

Cost: Free

Pirianda Gardens

Off the beaten track and overlooked by many visitors, Pirianda Gardens is a truly unique experience. Observe the vista views across Cardinia Reservoir as you make your way down the zigzagging walkway to discover the lower garden - a tranquil garden that really does have it all. You’ll be found gazing at the vibrant colour infusion of blooming flowers and moss, definitely one of those ‘ahhh’ moments.

Details

Days: Everyday (except Christmas Day)

Hours: 9am - 10pm

Cost: Free

Upcoming Dandenong Ranges National Park events

Cloudehill Gardens Festival of Flowers

Surround yourself with beautiful blooms and garden knowledge at Cloudehill’s Festival of Flowers. The spectacular hot and cool summer flowering borders will take centre stage at the festival.

Join in on the free garden tours, meet the Plantsmen from the Diggers Nursery, discover the Antique Perennials, Yamina Collectors Nursery, Nishiki Nursery and learn how to make your own stunning flower arrangements at demonstrations by talented stylist and florist Lindi Wong.

Dates: 17th & 18th March 
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Price: $10 | U16 Free

Garden tours running each day at 10:30 am | 12:30 pm | 2:30 pm 

Tesselaar KaBloom Festival

KaBloom! Festival of Flowers will be an explosion of colour in nature, with over one million flowers in bloom across five acres of garden.

Themed weeks and weekends fill the schedule kicking off with delicious Chocomania (March 30 to April 2), Rock the Fields (April 7 and 8) and Colour Weekend (April 14 and 15), along with action-packed Family Fun Days during the school holidays (April 3 to 6 and April 9 to 13).

Tesselaar’s annual Garden and Plants Expo will be held on the last weekend of the Festival as part of Colour Weekend. Live entertainment daily, delicious international and local food and children’s activities galore all contribute to this brand new carnival of colour.

Dates: 30th March to 2nd April
Time: 10 am - 5 pm
Price: Adults $25 | Concession $22 | Children U16 Free