Parks & Gardens
CLOUDEHILL GARDENS & NURSERY – 03 9751 1009
A must see garden made at the top of The Dandenongs where a maze of stone walls and jewel like garden rooms are set within woodlands of magnificent and historic, cool climate trees. Some 20 garden compartments are threaded through glorious 80 year old European beech, magnolias, maples and a collection of fabulous Himalayan tree rhododendrons, all beautifully grown and a testament to the lush, moist soils of the Dandenongs. The garden is highlighted by glorious herbaceous borders which focus on two of the finest Japanese weeping maples to be seen anywhere in the world.Only 1km from The Loft in the Mill. Open 10.00am – 5.00pm daily admission $7.50
ALFRED NICHOLAS MEMORIAL GARDENS – 13 1963
The many linking paths through this garden take you beneath a canopy of the awesome mountain ash trees of the Dandenong Ranges. The garden was part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate, home of Alfred Nicholas, developer of the Aspro formula. It is known for its extensive water features including waterfalls and an ornamental lake complete with boathouse.Popular for walks, picnics and bird watching.Open 10.00am – 4.00pm daily admission free
PIRIANDA GARDENS – 13 1963
Pirianda Garden is filled with a host of exotic trees, and birdlife. Designed to take advantage of the steep slopes, the 11 hectare terraced gardens of Pirianda are distinctive for their combination of botanically important trees, shrubs and perennials with an overstorey of large blackwoods and mountain ash towering over the natural fern gullies.The garden is particularly beautiful in autumn when the trees change colour to the many hues of orange, red and yellow. Popular for picnics and exploring the steep terraced gardens filled with beautiful flowering plants.Open 10.00am – 4.30pm daily admission free
GEORGE TINDALE GARDENS – 13 1963
The George Tindale Garden, only a one hour drive from Melbourne’s city centre, is a unique collection of exotic plants set beneath a canopy of large mountain ash. It has become a popular destination for Melbournians and tourists alike.Popular for picnics.Open 10.00am – 4.30pm daily admission free
TESSELARS TULIP FARM & FESTIVAL – 03 9737 7722
Delight in the magic of Spring at the Tesselar Tulip Festival , with more than a million spring flowers blooming in the fields. There is live entertainment, themed weekends, food and wine and a significant event in Melbournes calendar.Mid Sept through to Mid Oct Anually
NATIONAL RHODODENDRON GARDENS – 13 1963
The National Rhododendron Gardens are host to an unparalleled variety of brilliantly coloured blooms, mainly rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries and daffodils. Of international reputation, these magnificent gardens attract thousands of visitors during all seasons.Open 10.00am – 5.00pm daily
WILLIAM RICKETTS SANCTUARY – 13 1963
The Sanctuary reflects a spirit of place expressed through one man’s dream. Deeply felt connections to earthly mother and the spirit of the land are explored in 92 ceramic sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surrounding. A must see for all.Open 10.00 am – 4.30pm Admission free
GRANTS PICNIC GROUNDS – 03 9755 2888
Just pop into Grants On Sherbrooke and purchase a bag of bird-seed, then saunter down one of the many walking tracks and immerse yourself in the experience of a lifetime. Feeding the Australian Native Birds….they are so beautiful.
R J HAMER ARBORETUM – 13 1963
Visitors to the RJ Hamer Arboretum can take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads providing access to the 126 hectares of breathtaking scenery and tranquil beauty that the Arboretum has to offer. ‘Arboretum’ is a Latin word meaning a place for trees and an Arboretum can simply be called a ‘tree museum’.
WARRATINA LAVENDER FARM – 03 5964 4650
Warratina Lavender Farm is situated one hour from Melbourne at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, in the beautiful Yarra Valley. A family business run by Annemarie and Peter Manders, Warratina takes pride in producing home-grown lavender products.Warratina boasts acres of lavender where visitors are invited to stroll along the different rows of species, breathe the fresh country air, and enjoy the display gardens and views of distant hills across the Yarra Ranges. Refreshments and a selection of products are available from the gift store in the Lavender Cottage Tea Rooms. Families and groups are welcome to enjoy the picnic areas and disabled facilities are provided with available coach parking near all facilities.