Autumn Gardens to visit in Melbourne

Olinda, Dandenong Ranges

autumn gardens in melbourne — Dandenong Ranges Botanical Gardens

There's no denying it - autumn is 100% my favourite time of year in Melbourne. Those crisp morning walks, that golden light hitting everything just right, and of course, the incredible colour show nature puts on in the Dandenong Ranges.

Olinda is an autumnal paradise just an hour outside of Melbourne. You'll wander trails dappled in warm sunlight and bright foliage and find hidden nooks.

Seriously, pack a picnic blanket and a camera, because its such a beautiful day trip destination. Olinda's gardens are the ultimate autumn escape from the city!

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

One of the most popular cool climate gardens in Melbourne, the Botanic Garden has multiple walking tracks, a cafe, plant sales and an endless array of flowers and trees, it is one you could spend a full day at. Its beautiful in all seasons but particularly in Autumn.

Entry is free, and its its open 10-4.30 everyday, has toilets & cafe.

Alfred Nicholas Gardens

A garden I have explored so many times! This garden is original garden from the historic Burnham Beeches Estate. With seemingly endless looping pathways weaving through vibrant floral, or Autumnal displays ( depending when you visit) , towering trees, and that impossibly pretty lake, you could easily lose an entire day here. And you should! This is the kind of garden that demands you take it slow.

Pack some snacks and a blanket, because you'll want to stop and linger at all the picture-perfect spots.

Entry is free, and its its open 10-5.00 everyday, has toilets.

Pirianda Gardens, A Hidden Olinda Gem

Don't let the hilly terrain deter you - the Pirianda Gardens are an absolute must-visit slice of botanical paradise in Olinda. But fair warning, you'll want to bring your climbing legs for this one!

Built along a rather steep slope, these gardens will have you working up a sweat. The payoff, however, is an incredibly serene landscape of interconnected pathways snaking underneath shade trees and exotic foliage. Follow the gardens all the way down, and you'll be rewarded with a wonderland of ancient fern gullies that feel plucked straight out of a fairy tale.

While the Pirianda Gardens may not see crowds like some of Olinda's other botanical gems, that's part of the charm. You'll likely have pockets of these exquisite grounds practically all to yourself.

Entry is free, and its its open 10-5.00 everyday, has toilets.

RJ Hamer Arboretum

This really is the ultimate picnic spot in the Yarra Valley. RJ Hamer Arboretum has views that go on forever, huge grassed picnic areas, beautiful tall trees, forest and plenty of walking and bike riding trails. You could come back here again and again and discover a part you haven’t seen yet.

As soon as you arrive your greeted with an expansive view through the trees, large lush grass areas and tall trees all in a row, which go a deep red in Autumn!

There are electric BBQ’s & toilets here.

George Tindale Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke

If your on a garden day visit in the Danenong Ranges, then add George Tindale Gardens to your list which is around the corner from the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens and Alfred Nicholas Gardens. Another beauty with easy access, many walking paths and grassed picnic area. Lots of beautiful trees, flowers and foilage and fun little paths for the kids.

Free to enter, open every day 10- 5pm . Has toilets