Editorial: Parks & Gardens
Dandenong Ranges National Park:
• Approximately 1 – 1.8 million visitors per year
• 41 active Tour Operators licensed to operate in the Dandenongs District
• Covers approx 3500 hectares
Key Attractions:
- Grants Picnic Ground – bird feeding area
- Sherbrooke Picnic Ground – walk to Sherbrooke Falls
- Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground – 1000 Steps and Kokoda Memorial Track
- One Tree Hill, O’Donohue, Doongalla Picnic Grounds
- Towering Mountain Ash, fern gullies, 130 native bird species, 31 native mammals, 21 reptiles and nine amphibian species recorded. The Superb Lyrebird is the park’s most famous inhabitant. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, Laughing Kookaburras, Eastern Yellow Robins, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Pied Currawongs are some of the native birds to be seen.
Activities:
Bush walking, short walks, picnicking, barbecues, horse riding, bike riding, holiday programs, meditation, lookout opportunities, photographic opportunities, special events
Yarra Ranges National Park:
• Approximately 800,000 – 900,000 visitors per year (winter visits Lake Mountain 120,000)
• Commercial Relationship: Lake Mountain Alpine Resorts Board – Govt land owned, management services agreement
• 51 active Tour Operators licensed to operate in the Central Highlands District
Key Attractions:
- Mount Donna Buang & Lake Mountain – ski play
- Rainforest Gallery
- Black Spur
- The Beeches Walk and Lady Talbot Forest Drive
- Fernshaw, Dom Dom Saddle, Donnellys Weir, Badger Weir Picnic Grounds
- Campberville Picnic ground –big flowering trees
- Towering Mountain Ash and tree ferns of cool temperate rainforest
Activities:
Bushwalking, short walks, picnicking, bbqs, family groups, mountain biking, snow play (Lake Mountain, Mt. Donna Buang
Great Gardens of the Dandenongs:
• Lead product – National Rhododendron Gardens (fee for entry)
• Other Gardens – Alfred Nicholas Gardens, George Tindale Gardens, Pirianda Gardens, RJ Hamer and Mt. Dandenong Arboreta.
• Approximately 30 000 visitors per year – National Rhododendron Gardens
• Peak season in spring though worthwhile experiences on offer all year round. (Seasonal changes offer different visitor experiences).
Key Attractions:
- Hill top gardens framed by tall Mountain Ash Trees
- Magnificent views
- National Rhododendron Gardens display thousands of flowering plants including rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, daffodils.
- Gift Shop at National Rhododenron Gardens
- Alfred Nicholas Gardens boast water features, boathouse, stunning autumn colours.
- Pirianda Gardens magnolias, camellias and stunning autumn colours
Activities:
Walking, lookout opportunites, photographic opportunities, picnicking, garden lovers, gift shopping, guided walks and Garden Explorer (vehicle tours) at NRG in spring, special events including exhibitions and art installations.
William Ricketts Sanctuary:
• Fee for entry
• Approximately 35 000 visitors per year with approximately 30% international
• Marketing, promotion and commercial activities to be in line with last will and testament of William Ricketts
• Lead product for the District internationally and has participated frequently in industry Famils and the VJP.
Key Attractions:
- Unique sculptural gardens with 92 sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surroundings.
- Water features, audio visual theatrette, gallery and original kiln
- Surrounded by towering Mountain Ash and ferns
- Some retail opportunities
Activities:
Walking, contemplation, sculpture viewing, gift shopping
For further information contact:
Natasha D’Arcy
Regional Marketing and Communications Officer
Tel – 03 9488 3932
Mob – 0400 547 090
ndarcy@parks.vic.gov.au
Other References:
• www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
• Parks Vicoria information Centre – 13 1963
• Parks Discovery Magazine
• Parknotes
• William Ricketts and Great Gardens of the Dandenongs colour DL brochures