Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is the original garden of the historic Burnham Beeches estate, renowned for its extensive water features. Delightful all year round, choose your own adventure along the many linking paths beneath the canopy of Mountain Ash trees as you stroll through the garden. Make your way down to the picturesque lake for a picnic by the quaint boathouse, take a seat in the gazebo and admire the intriguing sculpture by Mark Stoner, or simply enjoy walking your dog (on lead) through the changing landscape of blooms and foliage.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
156 within 5 kms
Attractions
99 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
178 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
55
Average
15
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Hannah F
Narre Warren, Australia62 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Enjoy a free walk through Mother Nature that I would say is a must see if in the area. It is a good 20mins walk to reach the lake at the bottom of the hill where the picturesque boat shed is if you have moderate health and fitness.
There are two ways to reach there - the gravel winding road which has a moderate incline the second way to go up or down is via some stairs on a small walkway on the right hand side which has a hand rail for most part.
There are some great photo spots and interesting things to look at along the way. As well as open spaces for the kids to run off some energy or rolly-polly down the hill. Once there there are some little gardens and water features and if lucky enough can go over the little bridge onto the island- weather dependent as it can be slippery when wet and the grass can be protected in the winter months. The spring or autumn months are fantastic time to enjoy the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, take a picnic to enjoy by the lake. Just be mindful of no waste collection down there so be prepared to respectfully carry your rubbish and take it home with you.
Coming back up takes much longer because the incline is surprisingly long. And you can’t help but notice the beautiful Art Deco cruise ship inspired Burnham Beaches building which was a children’s hospital at one point during the war, I believe, on the way back up. And if you didn’t explore the little gardens and ponds when you first walked in on the left hand side (or right hand side on the way back) then it certainly takes a bit more time coming back. I recommend the stairs to go down and follow the winding path back up.
Ensure you have comfortable shoes and though you could take a pram - I wouldn’t unless it’s an all terrain even then I still wouldn’t do it. Best for able body people who are happy to walk (or shoulder rides for tired toddlers coming back) and enjoy the serenity. Also might want to go to the toilet at the top before you make your way down the bottom.
All up you’d probably spend a good 2-3hours
There are two ways to reach there - the gravel winding road which has a moderate incline the second way to go up or down is via some stairs on a small walkway on the right hand side which has a hand rail for most part.
There are some great photo spots and interesting things to look at along the way. As well as open spaces for the kids to run off some energy or rolly-polly down the hill. Once there there are some little gardens and water features and if lucky enough can go over the little bridge onto the island- weather dependent as it can be slippery when wet and the grass can be protected in the winter months. The spring or autumn months are fantastic time to enjoy the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, take a picnic to enjoy by the lake. Just be mindful of no waste collection down there so be prepared to respectfully carry your rubbish and take it home with you.
Coming back up takes much longer because the incline is surprisingly long. And you can’t help but notice the beautiful Art Deco cruise ship inspired Burnham Beaches building which was a children’s hospital at one point during the war, I believe, on the way back up. And if you didn’t explore the little gardens and ponds when you first walked in on the left hand side (or right hand side on the way back) then it certainly takes a bit more time coming back. I recommend the stairs to go down and follow the winding path back up.
Ensure you have comfortable shoes and though you could take a pram - I wouldn’t unless it’s an all terrain even then I still wouldn’t do it. Best for able body people who are happy to walk (or shoulder rides for tired toddlers coming back) and enjoy the serenity. Also might want to go to the toilet at the top before you make your way down the bottom.
All up you’d probably spend a good 2-3hours
Written 7 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa
Melbourne, Australia202 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A great spot in the dandenong ranges for a hike and beautiful walk.
The first thing to note is there’s not much parking available so arrive early for a spot. Also it has become very commercial for the “Instagram” photos so can get over populated in the main walking paths which takes away from the charm however if you go off some of the major trails you’ll find some peaceful spots for waking and relaxing.
The first thing to note is there’s not much parking available so arrive early for a spot. Also it has become very commercial for the “Instagram” photos so can get over populated in the main walking paths which takes away from the charm however if you go off some of the major trails you’ll find some peaceful spots for waking and relaxing.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,563 contributions
Apr 2022
My wife and I visited this place during our recent holiday in the Dandenong Ranges, staying for two nights in a holiday cottage in Olinda.
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is one of the jewels of the Dandenong Ranges. The large garden was part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate. The gardens cover 13 hectares of plantings including Australian native plants. The many linking paths through this garden take you beneath a canopy of very large Mountain Ash Trees.
We walked through shady trees down to the picturesque lake and the quaint boathouse. We also walked across all areas of the Gardens. There is a part towards the rear, that look like forests and it seemed like we were doing bushwalking. The autumn weather was very pleasant.
Alfred Nicholas (1881-1937) along with his brother George (1884-1960) made the first Australian aspirin and named it Aspro.
In the gardens is Burnham Beeches, a holiday mansion built for Nicholas.
Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is one of the jewels of the Dandenong Ranges. The large garden was part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate. The gardens cover 13 hectares of plantings including Australian native plants. The many linking paths through this garden take you beneath a canopy of very large Mountain Ash Trees.
We walked through shady trees down to the picturesque lake and the quaint boathouse. We also walked across all areas of the Gardens. There is a part towards the rear, that look like forests and it seemed like we were doing bushwalking. The autumn weather was very pleasant.
Alfred Nicholas (1881-1937) along with his brother George (1884-1960) made the first Australian aspirin and named it Aspro.
In the gardens is Burnham Beeches, a holiday mansion built for Nicholas.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CLO2509
Melbourne, Australia188 contributions
Apr 2021
Visited the garden late morning in April (autumn) with wife and kid. Lucky enough to find the parking opposite the entrance. Nice garden for a relaxing walk and enjoy the fresh air although the path down to the lake (pond) can be challenging for the elderly. The smell from the portable toilet near the entrance is unbearable. Really amazed to see those who visited the toilet and yet managed to survive the toxic gas.
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grahmmm
Geelong, Australia62 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
We have been to the Alfred Nichols gardens many times and just a couple of weeks ago again. It can be a bit steep, you can use the stairs or take the (vehicle) track down to the lake. The lake down the bottom is beautiful, there are a couple of islands in it connected with little bridges, the lake has ducks and large fish in it. There are seats around the lake but we had a picnic on one of the islands. I think its near the boathouse. There are toilets closer to the entrance and also down near the lake. On your way back up there is lovely rotunda which has been recently renovated. Alfred Nichols Gardens is right next door to Burnham Beeches (vacant) and a the top close to the fench we found the pool (small water pools) which we hadn't seen before. There are large grassy areas great for picnics but unless you are willing to carry everything around you should probably picnic closer to the entrance. There was no entrance fee when we went but there is a donation box to assist with the upkeep of the gardens. The hydrangas were in full bloom when we went, they were magnificent. The parking area is across the road opposite the entrance.
Written 23 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret T
Brisbane, Australia112 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
We were travelling from Melbourne Airport to Lakes Entrance via Mt Dandenong and were ambivalent about whether to go here or not. VERY glad we did. It was lovely - just wish we had allocated a little more time. Really needs a minimum of 1.5 hours to enjoy it. Lovely small ponds with bridges (like Monet's Giverny). Beautiful, peaceful gardens. Hardly any people - it was 4pm summer. And it's free!! Very beautiful (but it is a short walk DOWN which means you have to walk UP to get out).
Written 29 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhoebeNJ
Australia6,184 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
Beautiful day for a quick drive and explore our surroundings...within our permitted 25km radius to travel. Plenty of parking, not crowded and easy walk.
Definitely recommend!
Definitely recommend!
Written 8 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. We're so glad you enjoyed a beautiful day at the park.
We hope to have you back again soon!
Thanks again,
Parks Victoria
Written 20 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
coffeeobsession123
8 contributions
July 2018 • Family
Beautiful! We'll worth the walk to the bottom lake.
The flora and fauna are clearly well looked after. I hope the Mansion breaths new life one day
The flora and fauna are clearly well looked after. I hope the Mansion breaths new life one day
Written 12 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Florence B
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia328 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
We ended up going here by mistake as we were heading for Sherbrooke forest but drove slightly too far, pulled into the carpark for the Alfred Nicholas gardens, walked across the road and decided to go in. Free entry, donations accepted.
This was a wonderful day out, the gardens and bush around here are very peaceful. Down by the lake is a great place to sit for a while or have a picnic.
There are lots of hidden paths, trees, bush and wildlife. It takes at least 1-2 hours to walk all the way around and you'll want to sit for a bit to catch your breath on the way back up.
We walked all the way to the very bottom, but be warned it's a very long, steep walk all the way back to the top.
Highly recommended. There's no food or drink available on site (there are drinking taps), bring a picnic and bottle of water. Afterwards we drove to Kallista and stopped at a cafe for a snack.
This was a wonderful day out, the gardens and bush around here are very peaceful. Down by the lake is a great place to sit for a while or have a picnic.
There are lots of hidden paths, trees, bush and wildlife. It takes at least 1-2 hours to walk all the way around and you'll want to sit for a bit to catch your breath on the way back up.
We walked all the way to the very bottom, but be warned it's a very long, steep walk all the way back to the top.
Highly recommended. There's no food or drink available on site (there are drinking taps), bring a picnic and bottle of water. Afterwards we drove to Kallista and stopped at a cafe for a snack.
Written 10 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simone P
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia102 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
Probably one of the best gardens I went to around the Dandenong Ranges. There is a very large lake which looks just like a fairytale with the bridges, ducks swimming around. Just magical. The only downside was the bridges were under construction and couldnt crossed. There is a small boathouse at the end of the lake. Mix of fern trees, the lake and surrounds just made it so picturesque. The walk there is very steep and doing a steep walk just after the 1000 steps was a bit of a stuggle. Free to get in and close to walking trails and other gardens
Written 5 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi everyone, I'm going to the Dandenong Ranges next Saturday and I'm interested how long it will take me to walk from the entrance to the boathouse and back. I'm also interested in how long it should take me to walk the 1,000 steps going up only.
Written 19 May 2023
Hello, this is dependent on your level of fitness and how many times you stop to take in the beautiful gardens. I would say a good 20mins to reach the lake at the bottom of the hill where the picturesque boat shed is if you have moderate health and fitness. There are two ways to reach there - the gravel winding road which has a moderate incline the second way to go up or down is via some stairs on a small walkway and hand rail for most part. Coming back up takes much longer because the incline is surprisingly long. I recommend the stairs to go down and follow the winding path back up. Ensure you have comfortable shoes and though you could take a pram - I wouldn’t unless it’s an all terrain
Written 7 November 2024
Hi, it says that there's open hours for this place. Are you still allowed after the time?
Written 4 May 2019
Hi there, just wondering if the paths are suitable for a pram?
Written 4 April 2019
Agree with the others. Most are suitable, even some with steps you could make it down fairly easily. However, if you don't like steep in spots then you might not enjoy. As others have also indicated, all paths are bitumen so grip is not a problem.
Hope you get there, it's a lovely thing to do.
Written 5 April 2019
kerilosphilips
Wantirna, Australia
Are you allowed to have a picnic next to the water?
Written 6 January 2017
In answer to your question it's best to look up info on the Parks Victoria website
m.parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/alfred-nicholas-memorial-gardens-gardens-of-the-dandenongs
We just went for a walk after our first disappointing meal at the Piggery, with no picnic in mind. Hope the above info will help.
Written 11 January 2017
Hi everyone,
Just wondering if its worth visiting the garden is winter to get good photos?
The Autumn photos look amazing but wasn't sure about winter.
Written 13 August 2016
Shirley, in my opinion this garden and all its surrounding are worth visiting any time of the year. In winter, if you are lucky, good chance to have snow there...
Enjoy
Written 13 August 2016
Hi...Just wondering is there a cafe onsite ??
Written 23 June 2016
As others have said, there isn't a cafe on site but don't limit yourself to the Piggery. There are other great places to eat in Sassafras and Olinda that offer everything from breakfast to dinner.
Written 3 July 2016
Emma L
Melbourne, Australia
Hi all,
I would like to know if there is another way to get down to the lake? Or is the only way by going down the stairs and pathways from the main entrance at the top?
I saw a girl having her wedding photos taken down there and surely there has to be another way? I'm getting married in autumn and would love to get some photos down at the lake, however I think it would be too difficult going down in a wedding dress.
Any response is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks :)
Written 19 October 2015
Hi
The paths are quite narrow and windy, probably too narrow for a car to get all\most of the way down to the lake. I would think the only real way to get down without walking would be something like a golf cart (or one of the vehicles the park rangers use to get up and down).
Written 20 October 2015
Thank you everyone for your response.. I will call and check before I go
Written 29 May 2015
Thank you RoseRRed.
I hope there are some nice spots to take pictures.
Written 29 May 2015
Hi ..
I Just want to know how long of a walk is it to the lake?
I'm 33 weeks pregnant and want to visit the garden to take some pictures. Will it be too long of a walk.?. Thank you in advance
Niro
Written 28 May 2015
I agree with the other people who have answered this question. It is not far to the lake - 20 mins down perhaps. But you will then have to walk back up - 30 minutes? It is a lovely garden but I think you may be able to find one that is flatter and easier to walk when pregnant. Perhaps Melbourne Botanic Gardens??
Written 31 May 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing