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Victoria
Lanidale ‘The Cherry Well’, Wandin North
Where to see cherry blossoms in Melbourne and regional Victoria this spring
Cherry blossoms only flower for a few short weeks in Victoria, so here's a guide to the parks and gardens that have the finest displays of these beautiful blooms near Melbourne.
Cherry blossom season is upon us, which means it’s the most beautiful time of year to plan a road trip to see Victoria in all her blooming glory.
The beauty of flowering fruit trees is not limited to cherry trees either, with apple, pear and plum blossoms also heralding the start of spring. But the cherry blossom stands out because of its significance in Japan, where many celebrations and festivals take place during the short blooming season. It is one of the reasons you might want to plan a trip to Japan in April or May.
It's also not necessary to go that far to get your fix of spring blooms. Here are some of the best places in Victoria to see blossoms this season.
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Melbourne and regional Victoria
CherryHill Orchard, Coldstream
As a testament to how much Victorians love seeing cherry blossoms, CherryHill Orchard has expanded its annual Cherry Blossom Festival program. Running from 14 September to 6 October 2024, there's a new evening event, Blossom by Light, and the Kids Hub, with activities and workships to keep young ones occupied, as well as the chance to roam through rows upon rows of perfectly manicured cherry trees,
You can enjoy grazing platters, gourmet bites, sweet treats and even a glass of local vino while nestled amongst your own private row of cherry blossoms. Furry friends welcome and there's the chance ot have your photo professionally taken against the picturesque backdrop.
Spend a weekend, stay at a resort, and discover the best free things to do in the Yarra Valley.
Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Valley
Alowyn Gardens are worth visiting at any time of year, but in spring there are stunning displays of flowers and blossoms. Along with row of flowering fruit trees (pictured above), Alowyn Gardens boasts an extraordinary Wisteria Arbour, with the wisteria in full flower for about four weeks in October.
The gardens are divided into nine different areas, and include the eleborate Parterre Garden, and relaxing Zen Garden. There's also a nursery and cafe.
Although ornamental cherry trees do not produce fruit, bees are still important for pollination. Images: Matt Harvey
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda
Along with taking a ride on Puffing Billy, this is one of the best things to do in Dandenong Ranges. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely day out at Dandenong Ranges Botanical Garden.
Formerly the National Rhododendron Gardens, the 40ha garden is home to a colourful display of 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias and 250,000 daffodils, as well as a stunning display of cherry and other spring blossoms.
From Serenity Point, the sculpted landscape opens up to sweeping views of the Yarra Ranges and beyond. Stop in at Café Vireya for coffee and cake or hop on the Garden Explorer for a 20-minute shuttle tour of the gorgeous grounds during peak flowering season.
Lanidale ‘The Cherry Well’, Wandin North
The Yarra Valley might be known for its wineries, but the region is also brimming with orchards, flower farms and fruit groves. Among them is Lanidale Cherry Orchard, affectionately known as The Cherry Well.
Situated on the edge of the Yarra Valley wine district, and at the foothill of the Dandenong ranges, the handsome orchard is at its most beautiful during the September flowering season.
The Yarra Valley puts on some dazzling displays of blossoms in spring.
Forest Glade Gardens, Mount Macedon
This magnificently landscaped garden is among the highlights of the Macedon Ranges and Daylesford. It comprises nearly six hectares of breathtaking private gardens on the southern slopes of Mount Macedon. Inside, there are four distinct themes, an English garden, woodland area, fern gully and, of course, a Japanese garden adorned with delightful pastel-hued blooms.
It is open to the public year-round and is particularly charming when dressed in its finest, brightly coloured spring blossoms.
Visit as part of a road trip to the Macedon Ranges, Daylesford, and the Goldfields region. There are lots of walks, hikes and trails near RACV Resorts, such as Goldfields Resort in Creswick.
Banksia Park, Bulleen
Bulleen locals will be well acquainted with the flowering beauty that is Banksia Park. In February 1980, the Japanese Government donated 100 flowering cherry trees to Victoria to mark the visit of the then Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira. Originally planted at Jells Parks in Dandenong Valley, the trees were relocated to Banksia Park in 2015 and are maintained and cared for a voluntary group known as the Cherry Friends, along with Parks Victoria.
Spanning 23 hectares of native bush and manicured parklands, Banksia Park has long been popular among playground hunters, trail walkers and cyclists alike. There are mulitiple picnic shelters and wood fire pits, but when the cherry blossoms come out, there is nothing finer than setting up your picnic under the cherry tree grove and capturing the beautiful scenery on your phone.
