National Rhododendron Gardens

Enter the fragrant world of this much-praised parkland in Victoria’s Mount Dandenong Ranges to see the tallest flowering trees on Earth and other blooms.

Explore the 103 acres (about 40 hectares) of the National Rhododendron Gardens near Victoria’s bustling capital. Surround yourself with the colorful carpet of cherries, azaleas, rhododendrons, daffodils and camellias in the scenic park. These are flanked by the towering mountain ash trees, also known as stringy gums, Australia’s tallest eucalyptus.

Even if you are not into horticulture, the gardens provide a peaceful sanctuary and great place for a nature walk due to its remarkable trees. The park’s Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) are native to Tasmania and Victoria only. The trees flower between January and May, so plan your visit accordingly if you get the chance.

Spring and summer are the most colorful in general, but it doesn’t matter during which season you visit, there is something to see year-round. Australia’s unique flora and fauna has adapted to a wide range of climate conditions and range from hardy desert plants to delicate roses and other flowers.

See if you can spot king parrots and crimson rosellas among the foliage. In winter, also listen and look for the shy lyrebirds that roam the forest.

If you are visiting during the weekend, visit the gardens’ café for a drink or lunch. Those visiting on a week day can join the 25-minute guided tour on the Garden Explorer, a small tour bus that allows you to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your seat. The tour is free for children up to 11 years of age. Check the official website of the gardens to see if the Garden Explorer runs at the time of your planned visit.

The National Rhododendron Gardens are open daily, weather permitting, and free of charge. This sprawling garden attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year and on-site parking spots tend to fill up quickly on weekends. When this happens, head to the Olinda Recreation Reserve car park or the former Olinda Golf Course site on the Olinda-Monbulk Road instead. Both are just a short walk from the gardens’ entrance.

Before leaving the Olinda area, follow the art trail of the nearby William Ricketts Sanctuary with its wonderful clay sculptures in a ferny glade.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near National Rhododendron Gardens

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Delve into the mystical realm of William Ricketts Sanctuary, one of Australia’s most artistic and spiritual forest walks where you will see art and nature in creative harmony.

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong

Watch the sun set over Melbourne’s skyline and Port Phillip Bay from this mountain-top location in one of Victoria’s most-visited native forests.

Grants Picnic Area

Bring a picnic to share at Sherbrooke Forest and purchase a handful of seed to feed to the native birds that live within the tranquil eucalypt forests.

Sherbrooke Forest

Walk amid ancient mountain ash forests and rest at shady picnic spots in this national park, where you might glimpse a lyrebird as it dashes through the undergrowth.

Richmond

If your belly is rumbling, don’t go past Richmond. This corner of Melbourne can keep the fussiest of foodies satisfied.

Hotels near National Rhododendron Gardens

Ramada Encore Dandenong

50-52 McCrae Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dandenong, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Drum Theatre, Dandenong Plaza, and Dandenong Market. Dandenong Hospital and Dandenong Basketball Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km). Dandenong Station is 11 minutes by foot.

Melbourne Dandenong Central Apartment

157-163 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dandenong, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Drum Theatre, Dandenong Market, and Dandenong Plaza. Dandenong Hospital and Dandenong Basketball Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km). Dandenong Station is 6 minutes by foot.

Dandenong Motel

147 Princes Highway

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dandenong, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Dandenong Market, Drum Theatre, and Dandenong Hospital. Dandenong Plaza and Dandenong Basketball Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km). Yarraman Station is 22 minutes by foot and Dandenong Station is 23 minutes.

Atura Dandenong

5-17 Doveton Avenue(Cnr Doveton Ave & Princes Highway), (Cnr Doveton Ave & Princes Highway)

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Eumemmerring, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Drum Theatre, Dandenong Plaza, and Dandenong Market. Fountain Gate Shopping Centre and Dandenong Basketball Stadium are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Quality Hotel Manor

669 Maroondah Highway

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Mitcham, this hotel is 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Eastland and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. Knox Private Hospital and The Public Brewery are also within 6 mi (10 km). Heatherdale Station is only a 5-minute walk and Mitcham Station is 22 minutes.

Comfort Hotel Dandenong

124 - 126 Princes Highway

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dandenong, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Dandenong Market, Dandenong Hospital, and Drum Theatre. Dandenong Plaza and Dandenong Basketball Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km). Yarraman Station is 24 minutes by foot and Dandenong Station is 21 minutes.

Punthill Knox

337 Stud Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wantirna South, this aparthotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Westfield Knox and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Knox Private Hospital. Dandenong Ranges National Park and Deakin University are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Rowville International Hotel

1233 Stud Rd

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Rowville, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Police Paddocks Reserve, Dandenong Basketball Stadium, and Caribbean Markets. Dandenong Hospital and Dandenong Plaza are also within 6 mi (10 km).

The Loft In The Mill Boutique Accommodation

1602 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road(corner of Tourist Rd & Harold St), (corner of Tourist Rd & Harold St)

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Olinda, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Dandenong Ranges National Park and National Rhododendron Gardens. Alfred Nicolas Gardens and Monbulk Winery are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Clarendon Cottages

11 Clarkmont Road

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Melbourne bed & breakfast is located in the mountains, within 1 mi (2 km) of Dandenong Ranges National Park and Alfred Nicolas Gardens. Grants Picnic Area and National Rhododendron Gardens are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Quest Dandenong

2-6 James StCnr Princes Highway & James Street, Cnr Princes Highway & James Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dandenong, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Dandenong Market and Dandenong Hospital. Drum Theatre and Dandenong Plaza are also within 1 mi (2 km). Dandenong Station is 19 minutes by foot and Yarraman Station is 26 minutes.

Arnica Views

10 Observatory Road

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Mount Dandenong, this luxury cottage is steps from Dandenong Ranges and Dandenongs. SkyHigh Mount Dandenong and Singleton Reserve are also within 15 minutes.

Candlelight Cottages

7-9 Monash Avenue

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Olinda, this romantic cottage is steps from Dandenong Ranges, Dandenongs, and Fiddlers Green Bushland Reserve. Olinda G168 Bushland Reserve and Dandenong Ranges National Park are also within 10 minutes.

The Prince Mark Motor Inn

4 Power Road

Rated 3.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Doveton, this spa motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Drum Theatre, Dandenong Plaza, and Dandenong Market. Dandenong Hospital is 2.5 mi (4.1 km) away.

Lifestyle Apartments at Ferntree

1 Station Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ferntree Gully, this luxury apartment building is within 1 mi (2 km) of Dandenong Ranges, Ferntree Gully Quarry Park, and Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dandenongs and Koolunga Native Reserve are also within 2 mi (3 km). Ferntree Gully Station is 11 minutes by foot and Upper Ferntree Gully Station is 21 minutes.

Holly Lodge

7 Erith Lane

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Kalorama, this romantic bed & breakfast is steps from Dandenong Ranges and Dandenongs. Dandenong Ranges National Park and SkyHigh Mount Dandenong are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Ringwood Lake Inn

327 Maroondah Highway

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ringwood, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Eastland, Uambi Reserve Trust for Nature, and Wombolano Park. Mullum Mullum Park and Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve are also within 3 mi (5 km). Ringwood Station is 15 minutes by foot and Ringwood East Station is 20 minutes.

Moulton Park Cottages

2a Cooloongatta Road

Rated 5.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Sassafras, this romantic vacation home is steps from Dandenong Ranges and Dandenongs. Dandenong Ranges National Park and Sassafras G163 Bushland Reserve are also within 10 minutes.

Lochiel Luxury Accommodation

1590 Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Olinda, this aparthotel is steps from Dandenong Ranges, Dandenongs, and Dandenong Ranges National Park. Olinda G167 Bushland Reserve and Fiddlers Green Bushland Reserve are also within 10 minutes.

Adeline Fern Garden

1462 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the mountains, this romantic bed & breakfast is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens and within 3 mi (5 km) of Dandenong Ranges National Park and SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. National Rhododendron Gardens and Olinda Falls are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Nightcap at Ferntree Gully Hotel Motel

1130 Burwood Highway

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ferntree Gully, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Dandenong Ranges, Ferntree Gully Quarry Park, and Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dandenongs and 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk are also within 2 mi (3 km). Upper Ferntree Gully Station is 13 minutes by foot and Ferntree Gully Station is 15 minutes.

Knox International Hotel & Apartments

137 MOUNTAIN HWY,137

Rated 3.4 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Melbourne hotel is located in Wantirna, within 3 mi (5 km) of Knox Private Hospital, Westfield Knox, and State Basketball Centre. Lakewood Nature Reserve is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away.

Ringwood Motel

442 Maroondah Highway

Rated 3.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Croydon, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Tarwin Drive Reserve, The Public Brewery, and Wombolano Park. Palmer Avenue Reserve and Eastland are also within 3 mi (5 km). Ringwood East Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Hotel Cavalier

343 Stud Road

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Wantirna South, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Westfield Knox, Lakewood Nature Reserve, and William Morris Reserve. Stringybark Reserve and State Basketball Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).