Welcome to the Dandenong Ranges, where dappled sunlight, stunning mountain ash trees, and a climate ensure that something is blossoming no matter the season. Just shy of an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges are the perfect place for a mid-week visit and it is a destination to make that ‘visiting relative’ green with envy.

Did you know that there are lots of great places in the Dandenong Ranges to take your furry best friend that won't break the bank? All of these gorgeous gardens are free to enter and are dog-friendly, so grab the lead and start planning!

Which free gardens can you take your dog in the Dandenong Ranges?

1. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke

Stretch your legs with a walk around the Alfred Memorial Nicholas Gardens - a gem in the Dandenong Ranges. The park has it all: a beautiful waterfall, wildlife and of course stunning gardens packed with iconic plants and flowers of the Dandenongs. The iconic ornamental lake and boathouse is one of the most recognisable places to snap a photo. Oh, and watch your step as echidnas have been known to scuddle across the walking paths!

Details
Days: Open seven days except on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events
Hours: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Dog-friendly (on-lead)

2. George Tindale Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke

Walking distance from Alfred Nicholas Gardens, stroll over to George Tindale Memorial Gardens and discover the early settler, European-inspired garden. The garden features an enviable collection of rare and exotic plants and flowers - and no matter what time of year, there always seems to be a flower blossoming! Escape the heat of the city and immerse yourself in the cool mountain air, relax as nature unfolds and just watch time halt to pause as you visit these truly wonderful gardens.

Details
Days: Open seven days except on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events
Hours: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Dog-friendly (on-lead)

3. Pirianda Garden, Olinda

Off the beaten track and overlooked by many visitors, Pirianda Garden is a truly unique experience. Observe the vista views across Cardinia Reservoir as you make your way down the zigzagging walkway to discover the lower garden - a tranquil garden that really does have it all. You’ll be found gazing at the vibrant colour infusion of blooming flowers and moss, definitely one of those ‘ahhh’ moments.

Details
Days: Open seven days except on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events
Hours: Daylight hours
Cost: Free
Dog-friendly (on-lead)

4. RJ Hamer Arboretum, Olinda

Arboretum is a Latin word meaning a place for trees. At the RJ Hamer Arboretum, you will find over 150 species of native and exotic trees in plantations designed to represent forests, creating a patchwork effect over the hills. Take a quiet, peaceful stroll along the many walking tracks and roads of the Arboretum and take in the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery across the Yarra Valley out to the Warburton Ranges and beyond.

Details
Days: Open Everyday
Hours: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Dog-friendly (on-lead)

5. Mount Dandenong Arboretum, Mount Dandenong

The Mount Dandenong Arboretum extends over 16 hectares and contains a collection of maturing deciduous trees and conifers from around the world. Enjoy a relaxing sensory experience of walking under mature tree canopies, scrunching on aromatic pine needles and looking upward through branches to the sky.

Details
Days: Open Everyday
Hours: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Dog-friendly (on-lead)