The stunning Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is now open for nature lovers to enjoy.
Nestled among the towering gums of the much-loved Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden on Wurundjeri Country, visitors can wander the winding paths, listen to the frogs in the billabong, and explore over 400 different species of native Australian plants.
The garden is Landscape Designer Phillip Johnson’s re-creation of the award-winning ‘Australian Garden’, which was created by Phillip Johnson, Horticulturalist Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders Team, and was the first Australian entry to win Gold and Best in Show at the London Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show in 2013.
The new garden is over 20 times the size of the original, and has been built from the ground up, transforming a section of the former Olinda Golf Course into a beautiful botanic garden, supporting biodiversity and habitat creation for native plants and wildlife.
Pictured above: Visitors can wander winding paths into remarkable vistas, and explore over 400 different species of native Australian plants.
Over 15,000 native plants have been planted across several different microclimates, which are sure to provide garden enthusiasts with hours of exploration. Tucked away in spectacular vistas are a number of rare and endangered species, such as the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis), which is listed as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).
The garden showcases sustainable and water-wise design, including an integrated bushfire protection system, solar power and the clever use of recycled and reclaimed materials, such as seating which was lovingly crafted from the Dandenong Ranges Storm Recovery Program.
Pictured above: The garden features a cascading waterfall, rocky gorge and billabong, providing a new home for the local frogs.
Parks Victoria is so proud to have created this spectacular new garden in partnership with the People and Parks Foundation and Phillip Johnson Landscapes. It has been made possible thanks to $3.8 million in funding from the Victorian Government, $2.2 million from the Federal Government and $340,000 in funds raised by the People and Parks Foundation.
We know many are excited to visit this beautiful new place, and we are expecting it to be busy over the coming months. Before you jump in the car, be sure to plan your visit to get the best experience. Head to the for opening times, how to get there and key visitor information.
Pictured above: Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the grassed area, and admire the massive Waratah Sculpture, which is a larger re-creation from the original ‘Australian Garden’ exhibit.
