National Rhododendron Gardens

By Kylie McLaughlin (Posted 18 August 2014)

The National Rhododendron Gardens is a popular destination located in the Dandenong Ranges. This serene setting houses a variety of colourful blooms; including azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and daffodils.  With an international reputation, this group of magnificent gardens attract up to 50,000 – 60,000 visitors every year.

The gardens are known to house some of the rarest and most popular Australian flora and fauna. You will come across a number of garden and fern gullies at this park, apart from its variety of seasonal blooms.

Visitors to the garden can explore the habitat of rare lyrebird species, with a number of visitors heading to this park in winter in order to watch this rare bird. You will also find several other bird species; including king parrots, ducks, peacocks and crimson rosellas.

Whether it is spring or autumn, the gardens always stay vibrant and colourful with its wide variety of blooming gardens; with the gardens also renowned for the flora Mount Ash, the world’s tallest flowering plant.

Set at the foothills of the blue Australian Alps, these gardens offer the best scenic views of the surrounding landscape and its adjacent verdant forest.

Those interested in visiting can take a self-guided tour across the 103 acres of scenic botanic gardens. In addition, a number of tour operators offer mini-bus tours to these gardens during spring. You can take a 20 minute narrated tour across the charming gardens and explore what the place has to offer.

Seasonal changes ensure the gardens are a delight all year around, so there is no best time to visit. However, as you would expect, spring brings with it a seasonal bloom and warmer weather, so is a good time to visit as the days are warm and the evenings cool.

As the gardens house a number of picnic grounds, you can come here for a picnic as well. Also, enjoy watching the native bird life and the stunning views of the Alps from various the lookouts within the garden’s vicinity.

Outlined below is a map of the extensive garden areas.