Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Dandenong Ranges is one of Victoria’s most charming short hikes. This loop starts and ends at the stunning Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden. The trail offers a feast for the senses and a much-needed escape from daily life. You will find a perfect mix of calm forest paths, colourful leaves, and elegant garden design.
Start your walk by parking at Alfred Nicholas Gardens on Sherbrooke Road. There’s usually plenty of parking, even on weekends. The earlier you arrive, the more peaceful it feels. Once you enter the gardens, it’s like stepping into another world. Tall Mountain Ash trees rise above you, while winding paths invite you deeper into the landscape.
The gardens were once part of Alfred Nicholas’s Burnham Beeches Estate, and today they are lovingly maintained as public parklands. A highlight here is the ornate Boathouse, quietly sitting by the lower lake. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Dandenongs for good reason. On a calm day, the reflections in the water are truly magical. It’s a place that slows your breathing and helps you forget about your troubles.
From the Boathouse, head back uphill and exit the gardens onto Sherbrooke Road. Be careful as you walk a short distance along the roadside. Lloyd’s Track will then guide you through Sherbrooke Forest. This part of the hike is quieter and less manicured than the gardens. You will see towering gums, soft fern undergrowth, and you might even spot a lyrebird.
Continue along the trail until you reach George Tindale Memorial Gardens, another hidden gem that often gets overlooked. Entry is free, and it’s well worth stepping inside. The gardens here have a more curated, botanical feel, with winding paths surrounded by rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and maples, all thriving in the mountain air. If you visit in autumn, the leaves put on a colourful show, while spring brings vibrant flowers in every direction. Even in winter, the garden has a gentle, misty charm.
After enjoying your time in George Tindale Memorial Gardens, return to the track and start looping back to Alfred Nicholas Gardens. The return leg of the walk is mostly downhill or flat. You will find plenty of shady forest to keep you cool even on warmer days.
Plan for about two hours to complete the loop. While the trail is only around 6km, you’ll want to stop and soak it all in. It’s not a race; it’s a journey through some of the Dandenongs’ finest natural and cultivated beauty.
This walk reminds us how lucky we are in Victoria to have such beautiful natural spots just a short drive from Melbourne. If you haven’t yet explored Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and the surrounding area, do yourself a favour. It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the world around you.