10 Most Stunning Yarra Valley Gardens & Nearby Spots To Explore

If you’re a garden enthusiast visiting Melbourne and nearby areas, the Yarra Valley Gardens are a must-see. This picturesque region, known for its cool climate, is home to a variety of beautiful gardens, from peaceful botanical parks to lush orchards. Below is a list of the best gardens and other outdoor spaces worth visiting in the Yarra Valley:

Gorgeous gardens & orchards in Yarra Valley

Here are a few must-visit stops in and around the valley for a delightful day out:

Alowyn Gardens Yarra Valley

• Location: 1210 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
• What to expect: Seven-acre display garden with nine distinct garden areas.
• Best for: Floral lovers and those seeking a peaceful stroll.
• On-site: Serves food and soft drinks.
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10 am – 5 pm.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 38-minute drive for 52.9 km.

This garden is designed as a series of themed “garden rooms,” each offering a unique floral experience.

Kinglake Raspberries

• Location: 92 Tooheys Rd, Pheasant Creek VIC 3757, Australia
• What to expect: A 25-hectare family-friendly raspberry farm located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.  
• Best for: Hands-on outing. It allows you to pick and enjoy raspberries in season.
• On-site: Serves food and soft drinks.
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9 am – 4 pm
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 31-minute drive for 36.6 km. 

The farm welcomes visitors on weekdays to buy house-made raspberry jams, sauces, and raspberry ice cream. 

Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda

• Location: 24 The Georgian Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia
• What to expect: A garden showcasing over 15,000 Australian native plants.
• Best for: Adventure and relaxation.
• On-site: Picnic area.
• Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 4:30 pm
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 1 hour 12 minutes for 85.8 km.

This permanent garden is a vast re-creation of the “Australian Garden” display that won Best in Show at London’s Chelsea Flower Show 2013. It features a waterfall and a giant Waratah sculpture.     

Must-visit gardens in the Dandenong Ranges

Just south of the Yarra Valley lie the lush Dandenong Ranges, long famed for their cool-climate gardens. Here are the gardens to explore in the region:

Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens

• Location: 89 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia
• What to expect: Peony gardens, a bluebell woodland, to extensive bulb meadows.
• Best for: Family-friendly outing on a relaxed day.  
• On-site: Seasons Restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. 
• Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 1 hour 13 minutes for 89 km.

The garden sits at the summit of the Dandenongs and features 25 intimate garden compartments, divided by stone walls and hedges, across 5 acres.

Explore more: 10 Best Places for Lunch in Yarra Valley & Nearby Regions

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

• Location: The Georgian Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia
• What to expect: Blooming flowers in spring and dazzling reds and golds in autumn.
• Best for: Hiking and photography.  
• On-site: Shop and cafe. 
• Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 4:30 pm.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 1 hour 13 minutes for 84.2 km. 

Known as Victoria’s premier cool-climate garden, this garden’s landscape combines manicured flower beds and towering native trees. 

RJ Hamer Arboretum

• Location: 10 Chalet Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia.
• What to expect: A patchwork of foliage blanketing the hillsides.
• Best for: Hiking and birdwatching.
• On-site: Picnic areas and electric barbecues. 
• Opening hours: Daily for 24 hours.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 1 hour 13 minutes for 89.4 km. 

This 101-hectare arboretum is a living museum of trees with over 150 species of native and exotic trees planted in clusters that resemble different forest types. 

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

• Location: 1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789, Australia
• What to expect: Picturesque water features and an iconic boathouse on the lake.
• Best for: Picnicking and dog walking.
• On-site: Picnic area.
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 am – 5 pm.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 1 hour 15 minutes for 92.0 km. 

Located in Sherbrooke, this garden is part of the historic Burnham Beeches estate, which unfolds down the hillside under a canopy of huge Mountain Ash trees.  

Other nearby gardens and outdoor spaces to visit

Apart from the above attractions, there are some lesser-known spots worth exploring for a different outdoor experience. They include:

Andersons Garden (camping area)

• Location: Clonbinane VIC 3658, Australia
• What to expect: A free bush campground located in the Mt Disappointment State Forest.
• Best for: Camping.
• On-site: Toilets and camping ground.
• Opening hours: Daily, 24/7.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 34 minutes for 40.6 km. 

If you’re looking to spend the night under the stars, Anderson’s Garden is the spot for you. The camping area offers basic yet adequate facilities. 

Explore more: 5 Attractive Spots For Glamping In Yarra Valley & Nearby   

Whittlesea Community Gardens

• Location: Whittlesea Secondary College, 55 Laurel St, Whittlesea VIC 3757, Australia
• What to expect: Lovely communal areas with ornamental beds and a “reflective” quiet area.
• Best for: Community gardening and learning.
• On-site: Picnic table and a “quiet” area.
• Opening hours: Thursday, 9 am – 12 noon.
• Distance from Flowerdale Estate: 35 minutes for 43.1 km. 

This is a community-driven garden space where locals gather to grow organic veggies, fruits, and flowers and share gardening know-how.  

Where to stay when you’re on your way to the Yarra Valley

For a relaxing stopover on your garden adventure, consider Flowerdale Estate, a peaceful country retreat set between the town of Kilmore (near Broadford) and the Yarra Valley. Just over an hour from Melbourne, this estate is ideal for those seeking Broadford accommodation or a quiet Yarra Valley couples getaway.

The estate offers boutique accommodation, scenic grounds, an indoor heated pool, and Gracie’s Restaurant, which serves local farm-to-table meals. Whether you are winding down by the fireplace or enjoying the countryside views, Flowerdale Estate is the perfect base.

Get in touch with us to book your ideal accommodation before the visit.