The Chelsea Australian Garden

In 2013, Phillip Johnson, Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders team's ‘Australian Garden’ display became the first ever Australian entry to win at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. The display was toured by the Queen and Prince Harry and was unanimously voted ‘Best in Show’ by the judges. Now visitors can experience this stunning design through a re-creation of the display at 20 times the size of the original.

Located within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is a permanent display, featuring an enormous Waratah sculpture, waterfall and billabong. Over 15,000 plants have been used in the design, with over 400 different Australian species. 

Built on an unused grassed area of the former Olinda Golf Course, this feature enhances the environment by introducing additional rare and endangered plant species and providing more native habitat for plants and animals. The garden also provides a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists to connect with Australian nature and learn about native plants and sustainable landscape design.

Wander around the sealed paths and discover an amazing variety of building materials, plant shapes and beautiful vistas. Sit and listen to the frogs and birds. Discover the interpretive signs and read more about this enormous project. If you have time bring a picnic and enjoy the spacious lawn next to the stunning Boab trees. 

Remember to keep wildlife wild by not feeding them. All plants, animals and other natural features and cultural sites are protected and must not be disturbed or removed. 

This garden was brought to life with funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, and philanthropic support from The People and Parks Foundation and the generosity of many wonderful individual donors.

Accessibility

The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda has been designed to be accessible for visitors with diverse needs and abilities, with DDA-compliant pathways included in the new garden. However entry paths and surrounding pathways and areas within the original Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden are not fully accessible, which should be taken into consideration when visiting.

Access to the Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is currently via a single path that is steep (grade 3). A handrail is available to assist visitors, however if you are concerned about navigating this incline we suggest waiting until a second, more gradual path (grade 2) is opened in late 2023.