Three Spectacular Places to See Wisteria in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

It’s wisteria season and you won’t need to travel to Japan to find it in full, beautiful bloom. Here are three places to see wisteria in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

Just as magnificent as cherry blossom season, the wisteria blooms to life, filling trellises with long plumes of delicate lavender and white flowers. Not only is it photo-worthy; it’s pretty magical, but be quick, this beautiful season lasts only a few weeks.

Montsalvat Arts Centre, Eltham

Experience the beauty of the blooms (pictured above and below) in the gardens of Montsalvat and along the poolside seating area. Personal photography with the wisteria is permitted during their regular opening hours of Thursday - Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.

As Australia’s oldest continuously active artists’ community, Montsalvat is an architecturally stunning hub where art in all its forms is made and taught. Spring is especially beautiful here. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into history and as you experience not just beautiful gardens and buildings, but an ever-evolving roster of art exhibitions, festivals, concerts and more.

Make a booking at the onsite restaurant Boulevard@Montsalvat is open 4 days a week from 9.30 am – 3.30 pm (ex-public holidays and special events) where you can enjoy a bite, take in the surroundings and grab some pretty incredible photos.

Coombe Yarra Valley, Coldstream

To fully enjoy the wisteria (Above and below) at Coombe Yarra Valley, book a garden tour to explore the seven-acre gardens and Coombe Cottage.

Established in 1909, Coombe is the home of iconic opera singer Dame Nellie Melba.

Designed by William Guilfoyle, the architect of the Victorian Royal Botanic Gardens, the gardens feature a range of rare plants and old-world trees believed to be nearly 200 years old. The gardens are not just beautiful, but regularly provide a romantic backdrop for weddings, private events and lots of photography, especially when the wisteria is in full bloom.

While you’re there, take a tour through Dame Nellie’s beautiful historic home and make a booking to enjoy lunch or an exquisite high tea experience in the restaurant overlooking the garden and landscaped grounds.

Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Glen

Truth be told, Alowyn Gardens are spectacular in every season, but if it’s the wisteria you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. The freestanding Wisteria Arbour structure (above) was specially designed back in 1999 especially for this garden to show off these gorgeous flowers and today it does it oh-so-well.

The arbour beautifully links many of the other gardens together and it’s no surprise that under this floral arch, many couples have said ‘I do’.

The award-winning gardens span seven acres and include nine different styles to explore.

While you’re visiting, take the time to visit the Wisteria Café, sit in the courtyard under the wisteria pergola and explore the fully stocked nursery.