Explore
Pirianda Gardens
Opening hours
- Daylight hours, seven days except days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.
Designed to take advantage of the steep slopes, the terraced woodland garden of Pirianda contains a unique collection of plants, including many botanically important trees, unusual shrubs and perennials.
With magnificent views and a backdrop of ever-changing colours, photographers and bird watchers are in for a treat, while the lawns are perfect for spreading out with a picnic feast.
Meander through the tranquil garden at your leisure, making your way from the grassy areas, through the terraces, and down to peaceful fern gullies beneath towering blackwoods and mountain ash.
The 11-hectare woodland garden contains many botanically significant exotic specimen trees and shrubs that are rare in Australia., including 28 different types of maples and 13 birch varieties. Collections of magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, dogwoods and many conifers can be seen.
Three specimens of the unusual and haunting Chinese Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrate) are located here, flowering annually in early November. The large bracts are up to 12cm long, pure white and conspicuous when waving in the wind. Other unusual plants include members of the aceae plant family, Franklinia spp and Stewartia spp which are both attractive and rarely seen specimen plants, with delicate and beautiful flowers, and are related to the better-known camellias.
Things to do in the area
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Wildlife
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Pirianda Gardens
Pirianda Garden is located at 5-9 Hacketts Road, Olinda.
We recommend visitors access Hacketts Road via the Olinda-Monbulk Road only. Ignore GPS directions that take you via Perrins Creek Road, as this access is extremely steep and only suitable for 4WD vehicles.
When you're there
Download the Dandenong Ranges National Park - Sherbrooke Area map to see the location of Pirianda Gardens and other attractions nearby.
Help us care for the gardens:
- There are no rubbish bins provided in this garden; carry in carry out.
- Dogs are welcome in the garden, but must be on a leash at all times.
- Plants and flowers are protected for the benefit of the community. Leave the plants for others to enjoy.
Need to know
Pirianda Gardens
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
This garden is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.
Weddings
Thinking of holding a wedding ceremony or taking wedding photography in Pirianda Garden? The gazebo near the top of the garden is available for hire.
Find out more about wedding permit applications and guidelines.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Dandenong Ranges Gardens - Autumn Foliage Information
Between March and May is the peak foliage display for the Dandenong Ranges Gardens (including Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden, Pirianda Garden, George Tindale Memorial Garden & R.J. Hamer Arboretum). Over this 12-week period, the gardens bursts with a variety of autumn foliage colour.Being products of nature, the annual foliage display does not occur exactly at the same time each year, and from season to season. There is no “magical switch” that turns on all the autumn leaves all at once! While some trees might start changing as early as late March, generally the peak of vibrant colour is usually in the middle of the autumn season. The best time to see autumn foliage in Victoria is typically from mid-April to early May, with colours often peaking in late April and early May.The vibrancy of autumn foliage is significantly influenced by the weather during the preceding summer and early autumn. One of the key factors is consistent rainfall throughout the summer. Drought can stress the trees, causing them to shed their leaves early, as well as resulting in duller colours. Other factors to consider include the tree species; with different tree species changing colour at different times, with the exact peak-time varying depending on each location and tree type. Milder temperatures, cold nights and higher rainfall also contribute to more stunning displays. Likewise, too-much wind or heavy rain during the foliage display knocks the leaves off the trees prematurely!Unfortunately, in the lead up to autumn 2025, we have experienced above average warmer day and nighttime temperatures and much-less rainfall than normally experienced. We anticipate this autumn foliage season will most likely be delayed, less vibrant and of shorter duration. So far this year, we have not experienced any typical autumn weather conditions to support a successful 2025 foliage display.During autumn, we expect larger crowds, especially on weekends. Consider if you can visit mid-week or early in the morning when the gardens may be quieter. Parking is limited at most gardens, so if the car parks are full, we recommend you visit another site.Whenever you choose to visit, there will always be something new to see and discover. Seasonal changes ensure the garden is a year-round delight!Attachments: Explore stunning gardens in the Dandenong Ranges 2023 (4,237KB)
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Pirianda Gardens
Pirianda Garden Visitor Guide & Map
Please find attached the current Pirianda Garden Visitor Guide & park map:Attachments: Park-note-Pirianda-Garden (504KB)
How we keep it special
At the turn of the century the original forest at Pirianda was selected for settlement, with the exception of tree ferns and Blackwood in the fern gully. In 1911 the property was purchased by Mr Thomas Cook who planted several exotic trees. Later the land was sub-divided and leased for carrot and potato production.
Harvey and Gillian Ansell bought the 23-acre property in 1959. A further 5 acres was added some years later. The Ansell family gradually removed bracken and blackberries so that work could begin on the garden, a balance between exotic plantings and beautiful native rainforest species.
On annual overseas holidays, the Ansells always sought out new and unusual plants which they imported and displayed at Pirianda.
The garden was donated to the State Government of Victoria in 1977, with Parks Victoria commencing management in 1995.