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Lanidale Cherry Orchard, Wandin North
Best cherry blossoms in Melbourne and Victoria 2026
Discover the best places to see cherry blossoms in Melbourne and regional Victoria this spring, from the Yarra Valley to Mount Macedon.
Cherry blossom season may be fleeting, but Victoria puts on a spectacular show each spring. From dedicated cherry groves in Melbourne to orchards and sprawling gardens in regional Victoria, there are plenty of places to admire delicate pink and white blooms.
In Victoria, cherry trees generally flower from September into October, although the timing and length of the season varies depending on the variety, location and weather. Peak blooms can last only a few weeks, so check conditions with individual gardens and orchards before setting out.
The beauty of flowering fruit trees is not limited to cherry trees either, with apple, pear and plum blossoms also heralding the start of spring. But the cherry blossom stands out because of its significance in Japan, where many celebrations and festivals take place during the short blooming season. It's one of the reasons you might want to plan a trip to Japan in late March to early May.
Here are some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Melbourne and regional Victoria this spring.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Victoria?
Unlike autumn leaves, which look beautiful for many weeks, cherry blossoms are famously short-lived.
As a general guide, late September to early October is a good period to plan a cherry blossom trip around Melbourne and the Yarra Valley.
That said, cherry blossoms don't follow an exact calendar. Temperature, rainfall, wind and individual tree varieties can all affect when flowers open and how long they remain. Strong wind or rain can quickly strip flowers from the trees, so check the latest blossom updates from your chosen destination before travelling.
Best places to see cherry blossoms near Melbourne
CherryHill Orchards, Wandin East
For one of Victoria's biggest cherry blossom displays, head to CherryHill Orchards in the Yarra Valley's Wandin East suburb.
The working cherry farm opens its orchard to visitors during its annual CherryHill Orchards Blossom Festival, when rows of cherry trees are covered in white flowers. In 2026, the festival runs from 18 September to 4 October, with picnicking, food and drink, family activities and plenty of opportunities for spring photography.
It's an easy hour's drive from Melbourne, making for the perfect spring day out for families, couples and keen photographers. There are wide paths through the cherry tree rows: ideal for beautiful photos as you enjoy live music and entertainment, onsite tastings and food stalls.
Stay overnight in Healesville and discover the best free things to do in the Yarra Valley.
Experience delicious treats while admiring the spring blossoms at CherryHill. Image: Little Train Creative
Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Glen
The Yarra Valley's privately owned Alowyn Gardens comes alive during spring, when flowering trees, bulbs and other colourful plants fill its themed gardens.
Along with row after row of flowering fruit trees (the flowering crab apple looks remarkably similar to cherry blossoms), Alowyn Gardens boasts an extraordinary wisteria arbour, with the wisteria in full flower for about four weeks in October.
Wander through Alowyn Gardens' nine themed areas, look for blossoms as you weave through orchard-style rows and avenues, and finish with coffee and cake by the nursery. You'll pay a modest entry fee at the gate. Allow plenty of time to wander through the gardens before continuing your Yarra Valley day trip.
Lanidale Cherry Orchard, Wandin North
The Yarra Valley might be known for its wineries, but the region is also brimming with orchards, flower farms and fruit groves. Lanidale Cherry Orchard is popularly known as The Cherry Well thanks to its handsome cherry orchards.
Situated on the edge of the Yarra Valley wine district and at the foothill of the Dandenong ranges, The Cherry Well is at its most beautiful during the September flowering season. Visit again between November and January to pick up a box of fresh cherries, or even pick your own.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, Olinda
Spring is arguably the most colourful time to explore Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Along with taking a ride on Puffing Billy, this is one of the best things to do in Dandenong Ranges.
Set across 40 hectares in Olinda, the garden is famous for its huge collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and daffodils. Visitors looking for cherry blossoms should seek out the Cherry Tree Grove, where ornamental cherry trees add another burst of colour to the spring landscape.
Pack a picnic and allow a few hours to explore the garden's walking paths and viewpoints before discovering more of the Dandenong Ranges. There are sealed paths to many viewpoints, accessible parking and toilets, and enough open space that you can spread out even on busy weekends. Café Vireya in the garden precinct is on hand for warming drinks if the mountain air turns brisk.
The Yarra Valley puts on dazzling displays of blossoms in spring. Image: Getty
Forest Glade Gardens, Mount Macedon
Around an hour northwest of Melbourne, Forest Glade Gardens offers a different setting for your spring blossom hunt.
This historic private garden covers almost six hectares on the slopes of Mount Macedon and incorporates English, woodland, fern gully and Japanese garden styles. The Japanese garden is the place to look for pastel cherry blossoms among its carefully landscaped surrounds.
Forest Glade Gardens charges a small entry fee and is open daily, making it an easy spring day trip from Melbourne. Allow time to explore nearby Macedon and Woodend.
Banksia Park, Bulleen
You don't have to leave Melbourne to enjoy cherry blossom season. Banksia Park in Bulleen features a grove of flowering cherry trees that transforms into one of Melbourne's prettiest spring picnic spots. It's a local favourite for dog walkers, cyclists and families. In spring, its cherry grove becomes a quiet suburban showpiece. The open lawns and gentle riverside paths make it easy to admire the blossoms without the bustle of a formal garden.
The grove has an interesting connection to Japan. In February 1980, the Japanese Government donated 100 flowering cherry trees to Victoria to mark the visit of the then Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira. Originally planted at Jells Parks in Dandenong Valley, the trees were relocated to Banksia Park in 2015 and are maintained and cared for a voluntary group known as the Cherry Friends, along with Parks Victoria.
Pack a picnic and combine the blossoms with a walk beside the Yarra River. Entry to the park is free.
