We were travelling from Melbourne Airport to Lakes Entrance via Mt Dandenong and were ambivalent about whether to go here or not. VERY glad we did. It was lovely - just wish we had allocated a little more time. Really needs a minimum of 1.5 hours to enjoy it. Lovely small ponds with bridges (like Monet's Giverny). Beautiful, peaceful gardens. Hardly any people - it was 4pm summer. And it's free!! Very beautiful (but it is a short walk DOWN which means you have to walk UP to get out).
We walk through the Alfred Nicholas Gardens several times a week. The gardens are overall well maintained and are well worth visiting, especially in spring when the camellias and rhododendrons are in flower.
I have visited many gardens in the dandenong ranges in the past few weeks and this was the first of them as i happened to stumble across it..and it has to be my absolute favourite! The colours of the leaves and the flowers were beautiful. The paths were well made and although it is on a steep hill, it is manageable for most. Once you reach the bottom, you will find the lake. It is an absolutely stunning area..and definately the highlight for me. The reflection of the trees on the lake to the waterfall feature to the boathouse on the other side..it is just beautiful. I could have sat here for hours reading a book or having a picnic. Definately a must visit if you have some time in the dandenong ranges!
A good walk of about an hour through what once was a grand home garden. Interesting history of the old home and it's tenants. Maintenance being done at the time we visited so eager to return and see the results..of the lake and waterfall.
Wonderful place to walk and enjoy lovely planting and calm atmosphere. Always something to enjoy at any time of year
Went there on a sunny day, such a shame that they emptied the lake for maintenance!! But apart from that the forest is magnificent, some bushes smell beautifull, the old trees are very impressive. I wouldn't go there if I wanted to see hundreds of different species of flowers but it's still a good garden, very peaceful, easy to walk through. Go back there in autumn when the water is back :)
Parks Victoria are doing an excellent job keeping this very old garden up to standard. We were unfortunately a little early for the rhododendrons & the flowering cherries were past their best, but it was still a beautiful spot to visit.
We were in the area, and thought we would drop by the gardens as they were recommended to us. We came here at the end of winter, and truthfully, were a little bit disappointed. I can imagine how this garden must look beautiful in spring or autumn, but everything looked a bit dead at the end of winter. There were a couple of daffodils and other bulbs in flower, but otherwise I can't recall anything else flowering. The bridges and the grassy patches by the lake were really nice but otherwise we left feeling a bit disappointed. There were a lot of hilly bits to climb, just in case there are people with you who will struggle with hills and steps. Parking is opposite the park - I'm pretty sure we got the last car park when we came.
My husband and I loved walking around these beautiful gardens. Lots of interesting and different plants. Loved the lake and saw a Mother duck with 10 little ducklings - so gorgeous!
Great place to visit in all seasons as the garden changes. You could be visiting a different garden each time. It is a great place for a picnic or to just wander along the many pathways. Highly recommend a visit Wear good walking shoes.