I’m not sure why the Pirianda Gardens are the least visited gardens in the Dandenong Ranges, there’s so much colour here in autumn and spring it literally feels like you’re in the secret garden.

The 11 hectare gardens sit on a steep hillside with paths that interlink and meander through exotic tree plantings, along stone walls and down into a beautiful fern gully. It was so peaceful here when I went that I actually saw two deer grazing at the top of the hill before I obviously got too excited and scared them away soon after spotting them. This place is perfect for a picnic or peaceful walk amongst the flowering plants.

How to get there:

Park your car in the gravel car park off Hacketts Road. If you're coming from there will be signs to say "steep 4WD access only" so it's probably best to come from Olinda-Monbulk Road. Be mindful because google maps will send you up the 4WD way without you even knowing.