The Yarra Valley’s green scene: Six gardens in Melbourne’s east that transport you to another world

An hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are home to impressive scenery and renowned food and wine. However, many visitors may not realise that hidden among the rolling hills and endless vines lies a collection of gardens that transport you to another world.

From historic estates, blooming wisteria tunnels and lush rainforests, to quirky, artist-designed spaces and endless lotus ponds, these gardens invite you to slow down, be present and truly experience the wonders of the Australian landscape.

Alowyn Gardens

Just outside Yarra Glen, Alowyn Gardens are spread across seven artfully curated acres. Relax in the zen Japanese garden, be transported to Europe with the French-styled gardens and lavender field, experience the burst of colour provided by the perennial border or, if you’re lucky, wander through the stunning wisteria tunnel when it’s in bloom (usually around early October).

Owners Prue and John transformed it from a dilapidated trotting track over 40 years ago, using more than 1,000 plant species to create the displays. It is obvious how much thought, care and knowledge has gone into every detail.

Alowyn Gardens also features an extensive nursery, a well-stocked garden shop and a café with indoor and outdoor seating.

Where: 1210 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen.

When: 10am – 5pm daily (hours may vary on public holidays).

Cost: $15 for adults, children under 12 free.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden features a carpet of rhododendrons, which lead down to a picturesque lake. Visitors in spring are treated to a vibrant display of flowers surrounded by towering gums and mountain ash. This is Australia’s largest collection of Australian and overseas raised hybrids of rhododendrons, which cannot be replaced, re-bred or re-imported - like a rhododendron museum!

There are also camellias, azaleas, daffodils, proteas and cherry blossom groves.

A life-sized copy of the first ever Australian entry to win at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show allows visitors to experience more than 400 unique Australian plant species at the Chelsea Australian Garden.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawns, perhaps spot an echidna or lyrebird, or opt for a visit to the on-site cafe.

Where: The Georgian Road, Olinda.

When: 10am – 5pm daily (hours may vary on public holidays).

Cost: Free.

Blue Lotus Water Garden

Explore more than 14 acres of tropical gardens at the Blue Lotus Water Garden. See Australia's largest collection of lotus and waterlily species, including the giant Amazon lily, with its pads that can span up to two metres.

Meander through the lush landscapes with seasonal highlights such as the Lotus Flower Season and the Autumn Flower Season. The garden also hosts the Bloomin' Begonias event, featuring more than 200 hanging baskets of begonias.

There is also plenty for kids with a fairy-themed garden and playground area, tree house, dragon trail and giant frog garden. The gardens also host a variety of kid-friendly events.

Bring a picnic or enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site café. There is also a small gift shop and nursery.

Where: 2628 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction.

When: 10:30am – 4pm Monday – Friday; 10:30am – 5:00pm weekends. The Blue Lotus Water Garden is a seasonal attraction. It opens on December 26 and closes in late April.

Cost: $22 for adults ($19.50 on weekdays), children under 15 free.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens cover 13 acres, the highlight being a tranquil lake reflecting the surrounding towering mountain ash trees and the well-known boathouse.

Originally part of the historic Burnham Beeches property, which is set to be transformed into a hotel, the gardens are particularly striking in autumn as the colours change. There are picnic tables and gazebos throughout the grounds. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife.

Where: 1A Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke.

Open: 10am – 5pm daily (hours may vary on public holidays).

Cost: Free.

Coombe Yarra Valley

Coombe Cottage was the home of iconic opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, who died in 1931. Only recently reopened to the public, the site offers a cellar door, gallery, restaurant and provedore as well as guided tours of the house and gardens.

Hidden behind a cypress hedge that spans 600 metres are gardens designed by William Guilfoyle (the same landscape architect of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens). The gardens feature a blend of European and native plantings, a vegetable garden, rose arbour, frog pond, croquet lawn and sprawling oak tree (believed to be over 180 years old).

Once a family home, celebrity hotspot and sometimes party venue, taking a tour of the gardens is a great way to immerse yourself in Melba’s world and learn about the history of the gardens and the shenanigans that took place there.

Afterwards, enjoy some Peach Melba, the famous dessert named after the singer, or visit the cellar door to sample locally inspired fare.

Where: 673-675 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream.

Open: 10am – 5pm Wednesday and Thursday; 10am – 3pm Friday and Saturday; 10am – 5pm Sunday.

Cost: Garden tours must be booked as part of an experience, paired with afternoon tea or lunch. The starting price is $35 per person (including a Devonshire Tea).

Cloudehill

Cloudehill is constantly evolving over the course of a year. The cool climate gardens combine formal structure and informal planting within garden rooms, with 25 rooms to explore.

From structured gardens to sprawling flower meadows, there is an element of whimsy sprinkled throughout the entire site.

Stumble upon hidden nooks, statues and sculptures; literary references, fountains and even a British post box. Bursting with colour and texture at every turn, it seems even the gardens themselves cannot contain their excitement.

The site has recently been upgraded, extending the grounds significantly, so even if you’ve been before, there is plenty to see. There is also a café with views across the gardens, a gift and seed shop, well-stocked nursery and even a separate Bonsai garden and nursery.

Where: 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda.

Open: 10am – 5pm daily (hours may differ on public holidays).

Cost: $15 for adults (Diggers Club members and children under 16 free).