Great Gardens of the Dandenongs
The Dandenong Ranges are blessed with a 'rain forest' like climate. Sheltered from the heat of Victoria's summer months and regularly blanketed in mist and rain, the Dandenong's make for an ideal environment for the creation of spectacular gardens.
What to see
• Lead product - National Rhododendron Gardens (fee for entry)
• Other Gardens - Alfred Nicholas Gardens, George Tindale Gardens, Pirianda Gardens, RJ Hamer and Mt. Dandenong Arboreta.
• Approximately 30 000 visitors per year – National Rhododendron Gardens
• Peak season in spring though worthwhile experiences on offer all year
round. (Seasonal changes offer different visitor experiences).
Key Attractions
- Hill top gardens framed by tall Mountain Ash Trees
- Magnificent views
- National Rhododendron Gardens display thousands of flowering plants
including rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, daffodils.
- Gift Shop at National Rhododenron Gardens
- Alfred Nicholas Gardens boast water features, boathouse, stunning autumn colours.
- Pirianda Gardens magnolias, camellias and stunning autumn colours
Activities
Walking, lookout opportunites, photographic opportunities, picnicking, garden lovers, gift shopping, guided walks and Garden Explorer (vehicle tours) at NRG in spring, special events including exhibitions and art installations.
Reference :
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Olinda
- One of the highest of the Dandenong Range’s villages, Olinda is a small town that is noted for its scenic beauty. The town’s gardens and scenery reflect its pronounced seasons, with spring blooms, autumnal colours, crisp summer days and occasional light snowfalls. Spend a relaxing afternoon browsing through the many art, antique and handicraft galleries and sampling a famous Devonshire tea. How to get there Olinda is just over 1 hour from Melbourne. Travel on the Burwood Highway and then turn off onto the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road. Alternative route: Along Monash Freeway, onto Ferntree Gully Road, then along the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road.