National Rhododendron Gardens in Melbourne, AU are combination of individual spaces filled with gardens of all kinds but each is particularly known for the beautiful rhododendrons. You'll also find camellias, azaleas and daffodils but it's mostly the magnificent rhododendrons that attract so many people to the gardens. They have a total of over 3,000 camellias, 12,000 azaleas, 250,000 daffodils and 15,000 rhododendrons. The Australian Rhododendron Society was formed in 1960 by the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society on a 20 ha site. The National Rhododendron Gardens was formed in 1995 and managed by Parks Victoria, which was then called Melbourne Parks and Waterways. Of particular interest to many visitors is the Lyrebird, a shy bird that spends time in the garden and can be heard in the winter time in the early part of the morning. Between the Lyrebird, Crimson Rosellas and King Parrots, they provide quite an interesting sight.
National Rhododendron Gardens is located in the Dandenong Ranges on top of a hill and offer breath-taking scenery. A Mountain Ash, the tallest flowering plant in the world, frames the garden and makes the perfect site with the Australian Alps being their background. The National Rhododendrons Gardens offers more than just flowers as they make the perfect place for photographers, an ideal picnic spot and also feature the annual Spring Floral Festival, an event that takes place from August through November. The Gardens is also available for weddings and makes the perfect venue with the gazebos, gatehouse and grassy picnic areas. Also available to the public is the giftshop and Café Vireya. For those interesting in purchasing some of these gorgeous rhododendrons, these are also for sale to the public in the nursery.
