Spanning 11 hectares of lush woodland, Pirianda Garden is a true haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This botanical gem is renowned for its collection of rarely seen specimen plants, each one a unique and captivating addition to the garden’s tapestry.
A bit of history
The garden then:
At the dawn of the 20th century, the original forest that now encompasses Pirianda was earmarked for settlement, with only the majestic tree ferns and towering Blackwoods in the fern gully spared. In 1911, Mr. Thomas Crook bought the property and planted some exotic (non-native) trees, including hybrid rhododendrons and seven Copper Beech trees below where the current house stands.
Later, the land was divided into smaller sections and used to grow carrots and potatoes. In 1959, Harvey and Gillian Ansell bought Pirianda, which was 23 acres at that time. A few years later, they added another 5 acres. It was Thomas James Rouse, a passionate gardener, who laid the foundations for what would become one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most celebrated gardens. With a keen eye for rare and unusual plant species, Rouse curated a remarkable collection, including the hauntingly beautiful Chinese Handkerchief Tree.
Over the decades, Pirianda Gardens has undergone various transformations, each caretaker leaving their mark while preserving the essence of Rouse’s original vision. In the 1960s, the gardens were acquired by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), ensuring their conservation and continued preservation for future generations.
Among the garden’s prized possessions is the hauntingly beautiful Chinese Handkerchief Tree, a rare species that commands attention with its early November blooms. As the season arrives, these remarkable trees put on a mesmerizing display, with large, pure white bracts up to 12cm in length unfurling and swaying gracefully in the gentle breeze.
Here, visitors can also marvel at the delicate and exquisite blooms of the Franklinia and Stewartia species, distant cousins to the better-known camellias. These botanical treasures showcase the diversity and intricate beauty of nature’s creations, inviting you to appreciate the finer details that often go unnoticed.
Explore more nearby
Dandenong Ranges National Park
The park features over 200 walking trails ranging from the famous 1000 Steps (Kokoda Track Memorial Walk) to tranquil forest walks like Sherbrooke Falls, with routes suitable for all abilities including wheelchair-accessible paths.
Popular picnic grounds at Grants, Sherbrooke, Ferntree Gully, and O’Donohue offer excellent facilities, while the steep terrain and tall canopy around Silvan make for exciting mountain biking destinations.
The park is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating, and dogs are not permitted to protect the significant wildlife populations.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (previously known as National Rhododendron Gardens)
Imagine 42 hectares of hillside garden where 15,000 rhododendrons explode into bloom each spring, their vibrant pinks, reds, purples and whites creating waves of color beneath the towering Mountain Ash canopy. Established in 1960 by passionate rhododendron enthusiasts, this garden has evolved into one of Victoria’s most spectacular horticultural displays.
The 2023 addition of the Chelsea Australian Garden adds another dimension, showcasing native and endangered Australian plants in an award-winning design that triumphed at London’s prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Best of all? Entry is free, though donations help maintain this living masterpiece.
William Ricketts Sanctuary
This magical sanctuary remains closed following devastating storm damage in June 2021 when massive Mountain Ash trees crashed through the site, destroying sculptures, pathways, and buildings. Parks Victoria has not announced a reopening timeline for 2025, though restoration work continues.
When it eventually reopens, visitors will once again experience one of Victoria’s most unique artistic treasures. Potter and sculptor William Ricketts spent six decades creating 92 extraordinary kiln-fired clay sculptures that emerge organically from the ferny mountainside. There are faces of Aboriginal elders, children playing, animals watching and reflects Ricketts’ profound philosophy about humanity’s connection to nature. He lived with Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte people in Central Australia during the 1950s and those experiences helped transform his understanding of land, spirituality, and our role as custodians rather than owners of the earth. The sculptures aren’t displayed in a gallery but integrated into the natural environment exactly as Ricketts intended, creating an immersive meditation on culture and nature. We remember seeing it in 2013 so its been a while; so we too wait to revisit once it opens to public again.
Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Picture an ornamental lake reflecting the surrounding Mountain Ash forest, its surface broken only by a charming boathouse that’s become one of the Dandenongs’ most iconic images; that for everyone is the heart of Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
Read about this stunning garden at https://localvic.com/2021/10/28/alfred-nicholas-memorial-garden/
Location & Distance Guide
Directions: 5-9 Hacketts Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
Opening Hours: 10 am till 5 pm daily, except Christmas or days of high wind/fire danger.
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