Victoria

Where to see cherry blossoms in Melbourne and regional Victoria this spring

Woman walking through a row of cherry blossoms in spring

RACV

Posted September 01, 2023

Cherry blossoms only flower for a few short weeks in Victoria, so here's a guide to the parks and gardens that have the finest displays of these beautiful blooms near Melbourne.  

Cherry blossom season is upon us, which means it’s the most beautiful time of year to plan a road trip to see Victoria in all her blooming glory. The dreamy display of gorgeous pink and white petals happens every spring, with cherry blossoms only flowering for a few short weeks in September.

The stunning flower show has long been synonymous with Japanese culture, where celebrating the first spring blossoms, known as Sakura, is a centuries-old tradition. The pretty pastel florals have become one of the county’s most iconic symbols, embodying the ancient Buddhist wabi-sabi philosophy of appreciating beauty that is fleeting or impermanent.

Their importance in Japanese culture has seen the beginning of the cherry blossom season become one of the most magnificent times to visit the island nation, with enchanting flower viewing festivals and parties – or hanami – held across the country. 

If you can’t get to Japan, there are many beautiful botanical gardens near Melbourne and across regional Victoria to get your fix of spring blooms. These are some of the best places in Victoria to see the cherry blossoms this season. 

5 places to see cherry blossoms in Melbourne and regional Victoria

CherryHill Orchard, Yarra Valley

Cherry blossom season is here for a good time, not a long time, and one of the best places to experience it in Victoria is CherryHill Orchard in the Yarra Valley.

Here, you can roam rows upon rows of perfectly manicured cherry trees, dotted with delicate white petals, and even have your photo professionally taken. Take your hanami to the next level with a posh picnic, where you’ll get to enjoy grazing platters, gourmet bites, sweet treats and even a glass of local vino while nestled amongst your own private row of cherry blossoms. The Cherry Blossom Festival at CherryHill Orchard runs for two weeks, starting 16 September. Furry friends welcome.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda 

Pack a picnic basket and settle in for a whimsical day out at Dandenong Ranges Botanical Garden.

Formerly the National Rhododendron Gardens, the 40-hectare garden is home to a colourful display of 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias and 250,000 daffodils, as well as a stunning display of cherry and other spring blossoms.

From Serenity Point, the sculpted landscape opens up to sweeping views of the Yarra Ranges and beyond.  Stop in at Café Vireya for coffee and cake or hop on the Garden Explorer for a 20-minute shuttle tour of the gorgeous grounds during peak flowering season.

Lanidale ‘The Cherry Well’, Wandin North

The Yarra Valley might be known for its wineries, but the region is also brimming with orchards, flower farms and fruit groves. Among them is Lanidale Cherry Orchard, affectionately known as The Cherry Well.

Situated on the edge of the Yarra Valley wine district, and at the foothill of the Dandenong ranges, the handsome orchard is at its most beautiful during the September flowering season. 

 

Close up of cherry blossoms in bloom

Cherry blossoms are the pick of the bunch this spring. Photo: Getty.

Forest Glade Gardens, Mount Macedon

This magnificently landscaped garden traverses nearly six hectares of breathtaking private gardens on the southern slopes of Mount Macedon. Inside, there are four distinct themes, an English garden, woodland area, fern gully and, of course, a Japanese garden adorned with delightful pastel-hued blooms.

It is open to the public year-round and is particularly charming when dressed in its finest, brightly coloured spring blossoms.

Banksia Park, Bulleen

Bulleen locals will be well acquainted with the flowering beauty that is Banksia Park.

Spanning 23 hectares of native bush and manicured parklands, Banksia Park has long been popular among playground hunters, trail walkers and cyclists alike. Wander along the Heritage Trail and learn about the history and special significance of the park’s Aboriginal sites, walk the Heidelberg Artists Trail as it snakes along the Yarra River or pack a picnic rug and take shade under one of the gorgeous cherry blossoms in the Japanese Cherry Tree Grove.

 

Stay at an RACV resort and explore the surrounding countryside in spring.
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