Deep within the Dandenong Ranges is the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
The Alfred Nicholas Gardens are a magnificent Melbourne botanic garden located in Sherbrooke. However, it typically takes an hour to travel here from Melbourne.
After parking at the Sherbrooke Road car park, spend at least an hour wandering around the garden paths. Also, you may like to enjoy a picnic within the idyllic scenery.
Additionally, visit the Pavillion to enjoy views over the garden and around the ranges. Furthermore, stroll around the lake while crossing the wooden bridges; Be sure to spend some time at the lake and enjoy the tranquillity of the environment.
Moreover, be mindful as there are some steps and dirt tracks throughout the garden. However, there are plenty of sealed paths, making it safe and accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
Things to do at Alfred Nicholas Gardens
-Walk around the lake
-Enjoy a picnic on the grass
-Visit the boathouse
-View the display of flowers
-Read the information signage of the history
-Discover the sculptures
-Check out the views at the gazebo
-Watch the waterfalls
-Observe the Burnham Beeches estate
Read more: The Top 5 Dandenong Ranges Walks
The best times to visit
Nonetheless, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens can be enjoyed throughout the year, making any time of year a great time to visit. In fact, different seasons throughout the year will bring new displays of flowers.
What to expect and when to expect it
Summer- Hydrangeas, fuschias, native ferns, rhododendrons and native terrestrial orchids.
Autumn- Enjoy the autumn shades from beech, maple and golden ginkgo trees.
Winter- Camellias and rhododendrons.
Spring- Rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and cherry blossom trees.
Plants to discover
The most sought-after flowers within the garden to view are rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
The rhododendron is a species of azaleas, which is 1 of the 1024 varieties in the genus. However, this plant originated in Western Europe and Southwest Asia. Additionally, the rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal.
Camellias are a small but striking flowering tree that blooms in the winter. They are native to Southern and Eastern Asia. In fact, green tea is sometimes produced from non-oxidised leaves of camellias.
Camellia flowers can vary widely in colour. In fact, they bloom in shades of red, yellow, pink, white and cream.
Furthermore, camellias can live up to 100 or 200 years. On the contrary, the oldest camellia still alive was planted in 1347.
The History of Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Alfred Nicholas purchased the land in 1929 and continued to acquire land around the property. In the end, the land was a total of 13 acres.
Alfred and his brother George Nicholas developed Aspro clear painkiller formula.
At last, the home was built from 1931 to 1933 and adopted the beloved 1930’s Art Deco architectural design.
Meanwhile, he travelled around Victoria and overseas to find trees to plant in the garden. In fact, he hired a professional gardener to help design the landscape.
Unfortunately, Alfred passed away in 1937 from coronary vascular disease in his Burnham Beeches home. After his death, the estate got donated to the Shire of Sherbrooke in 1965. Later, the Forest Commission of Victoria received the transferring of the estate in 1973.
How to get there
If you are driving from Melbourne, take Burwood Highway until you reach the beginning of the Dandenong Ranges. Follow the road left along Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, then take a right on Sherbrooke Road. The best location for parking is at 3 Sherbrooke Road. You will find plenty of parking spaces, but try to avoid visiting during peak times such as school holidays and weekends.
Address: 1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
Opening Hours
Open everyday 10:00AM-5:00PM. Closed on Christmas Day.
There is no entry fee.
Wrapping Up
The Dandenong Ranges is home to plenty of magnificent tourist attractions. Of course, the Alfred Nicholas Gardens is part of that list.
In conclusion, this day trip is perfect for all ages, as it has that magical touch and is easily accessible. Importantly, use the information found within the post to plan your trip there.
Are you planning a trip to the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens? What do you hope to see?
Read More: 10 Best Places to Visit in Victoria in 2021
