Cloudehill Gardens are a magnificent escape tucked away at the top of the majestic Dandenong Ranges and is a must-visit for both locals and visitors touring the region.
The gardens are an all-seasons source of inspiration for nature lovers, with bulb meadows that flourish during spring, perennial borders that come alive during summer and the distinct foliage that emerges when autumn sets in.
Cloudehill Gardens Nursery, Best Time to Visit, Melbourne VIC
Art lovers will also enjoy the array of art features that dot the garden’s landscape. These include art pieces by Rudi Jass, Graeme Foote, Ted Secombe and Antone Bruinsma amongst others. The different art pieces are made from different materials such as sandstone, wood, copper and stainless steel.
The gardens are able to be enjoyed all year round, with a variety of plants thriving in the different seasons:
- Winter (June, July & August) – Cyclamens, Grape Hyacinths, Magnolias and Rhododendrons.
- Spring (September, October, November) – Bluebells, Daffodils, Rhododendrons, Japanese Tree Peonies.
- Summer (December, January, February) – Chinese Dogwoods, Japanese Silver Bell, Christmas Trees, herbaceous borders.
- Autumn (March, April, May) – Ornamental Grasses, Enkianthus Perulatus, Beech Trees.
During your visit, make sure to sample some of Australia’s finest cuisines at The Seasons Restaurant. This is an inviting opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the gardens as one enjoys a delicious meal in the restaurant. There is additional seating space at the terrace area for a glorious outdoor dining experience. The restaurant is ideal for breakfast, lunch and cocktail functions as well as social events for family and friends.
The scenic gardens are available for grand weddings as the verdant lawns and manicured hedges provide a perfectly elegant backdrop. Additionally, the restaurant is available for reception services with the option of alfresco dining.
Diggers Club Garden Shop is open to plant lovers looking to purchase something for their garden, including the garden’s signature seeds as well as cottage flowers. These are complemented by an array of flowering shrubs and edible plants.
Cloudehill Gardens are located on 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road in Olinda. The gardens are easy to access using both private and public transport. Buses 688 and 694 service the route to the gardens, as do the Lilydale line and Belgrave line from Croydon and Belgrave Stations respectively.
Is there any coach day tours from Melbourne to the Dandenongs that include Cloudehill Gardens?
Hi Heather,
Unfortunately, I am not aware of any tours that include Cloudehill Gardens. If you are unable to drive, you can take public transport to get there. Catch a train on the Belgrave Line and get off at Upper Ferntree Gully or Belgrave station and then hop on a bus (#688 from Upper Ferntree Gully or 694 from Belgrave train station).
Best regards,
Jess