10 Secret Gardens You Need To See In Full Bloom

Lose track of time, and yourself, in one of the most magical secret gardens in Australia.

There’s a reason why the children’s novel, The Secret Garden, remains enchanting more than a century beyond its release. To glimpse an unspoiled world, cloaked in flourishing plant life and elusive wildlife that evidently tend to themselves, evokes a timeless curiosity in what lies beneath.

In pursuit of these natural havens during every Aussie adventure, we’ve rounded up our top picks for you to hunt down yourself. From spectacular seasonal blooms to unexpected surprises, the country’s best secret gardens connect you to nature in extraordinary style.

1. Wendy’s Secret Garden, NSW

A totally immersive art gallery, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden on Sydney’s north shore is practically spiritual. One of Australia’s best “hidden" gems, the garden is the scrupulous handwork of Wendy Whiteley, wife of late artist Brett Whiteley, and it flows with every imaginable shade of green.

Dotted through the space, which is set on a steep hill that rolls down to Sydney Harbour, are sculptures and many other endearing artefacts. Once you reach the garden’s centre, you’ll also find chairs and benches to be perched upon as you soak up the wonderment. Bird baths, cherubs, an ancient wheelbarrow and a metal fountain from the late Margaret Olley, another iconic Sydney artist, await amid a manicured mass of palms, shrubs and trees.

Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden in Sydney — Wendy’s Secret Garden flows with every imaginable shade of green. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best time to visit: Spring opens the spines of the garden’s Doryanthese excelsa, a Sydney native, to flower.
Price: Free.
Address: Lavender Street, Lavender Bay

2. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Vic

The Dandenong Ranges, right next to Victoria’s Yarra Valley, is renowned for its outdoor hijinks and stellar dining, but have you explored its secret garden? The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a historical site, once the actual garden of the three-storey Burnham Beeches mansion, and walking paths direct you through the tranquillity.

Be soothed by the garden’s lake as you explore an old boathouse and picnic areas. Vivid colour displays bounce off a mecca of ferns, orchids, mountain ash trees and other glorious flora and fauna.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens in Victoria — The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a historical site.

Best time to visit: During autumn when leaves change colour.
Price: Free.
Address: Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke

3. Bonsai House, Qld

Nestled within the ever-popular Brisbane Botanic Gardens lies a secret garden often overlooked. Bonsai House is exactly what it sounds like, a space dedicated to the ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees in pots, and inside you’ll be floored by the delicate little creations on show.

One of the country’s largest collections of bonsai displays, this secret garden shines a light on the species that thrive in a subtropical climate, spanning figs, azaleas and other varieties, with some living and breathing for more than 80 years.

Bonsai House in Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Queensland — Bonsai House is nestled within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: Free.
Address: Within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, 152 Mount Coot-Tha Road, Mount Coot-tha

4. Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, SA

It’s not so secret these days but the Limestone Coast’s remarkable garden within a sinkhole is certainly a surprise to uncover. The Umpherston Sinkhole, a giant hole in the ground that’s overgrown with greenery, is breathtaking, complete with swaying vines, leafy walls and flowers planted in topsoil across the sinkhole’s base.

To pretty it all up further, seats and a barbecue area are down there too, making it one of the most unusual spots to connect to nature in all of South Australia.

Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier, South Australia — Umpherston Sinkhole is one of the most photographed locations in Mount Gambier. (Image: Jaxon Foale)

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: Free.
Address: Jubilee Highway E, Mount Gambier

5. Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Tas

Bask in the beauty of vividly hued rhododendron blooms, which turn various shades of the rainbow, at Tasmania’s Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden . More than 24,000 plants have been planted across 11 hectares in the city of Burnie in northwest Tassie, with the prettiest sights set against a beautiful pond.

You might even spot an echidna or platypus around the place as native critters are known to frequent the stunning secret garden. A cafe is also on-site to help rehydrate eager explorers.

Grandpa with kids at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden in Tasmania — Tasmania’s Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden has more than 24,000 plants. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-November.
Price: $15 per adult.
Address: 55 Breffny Road, Romaine

6. Cactus Country, Vic

Swap leafy greenery for prickly succulents at Cactus Country in regional Victoria, right near the Victoria-New South Wales border. Australia’s largest cactus farm, fittingly plonked in the middle of nowhere and clocking in at 0.8 hectares in size, is home to more than 1000 cacti varieties.

Eight trails take you through the entire lot while an elevated lookout offers the ultimate Instagram backdrop.

Cactus Country in Victoria — Cactus Country, Australia’s largest cactus farm, is fittingly plonked in the middle of nowhere.

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: $22.50 per person.
Address: 4986 Murray Valley Highway, Strathmerton

7. Holberry House Sculpture Walk, WA

You may have visited Western Australia’s historic Holberry House, located in Nannup, but its glorious lower gardens, scattered with sculptures , are often overlooked. Crafted by local communities, the series of artworks often incorporate natural materials and look striking against the beautifully maintained space.

Pull up a garden chair and take your time as the calming surroundings put you at one with this picturesque corner of town.

The Holberry House Sculpture Walk in Western Australia — Take your time exploring the Holberry House Sculpture Walk. (Image: Frances Andrijich)

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: $4 per person.
Address: 14 Grange Road, Nannup

8. Moonta Bay Secret Garden, SA

You won’t believe what you step into when you find the Secret Garden in South Australia’s Moonta Bay. Wander down the Kemp Place walkway to enter a breathtaking lookout over the foreshore as manicured shrubs, vivid blooms and soft, fluffy lawn create an ethereal scene.

Make like savvy locals do and pack a picnic as there are several shaded spots to take advantage of and the garden is protected from coastal wind.

Moonta Bay Secret Garden in SA — Have a picnic at Moonta Bay Secret Garden.

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: Free.
Address: Kemp Place, Moonta Bay, Yorke Peninsula

9. Lisgar Gardens, NSW

Journey to suburban Sydney – West Hornsby to be precise – to discover the beautiful Lisgar Gardens , home to almost 100 varieties of the striking camellia. While their scent is intoxicating, there are also three picture-perfect waterfalls to marvel at as you explore 2.6 hectares of secret gardens.

Native ferns and trees also gather in the peaceful space, while several fishponds, a gazebo, spacious lawns, picnic tables and a rainforest walk are also ready to be discovered.

Lisgar Gardens in Hornsby, NSW — Lisgar Gardens is home to almost 100 varieties of the striking camellia. (Image: Captured by Kirri)

Best time to visit: The camellias flourish in full colour between April and September.
Price: Free.
Address: Lisgar Road, Hornsby

10. Featherston Gardens, ACT

Once part of the Canberra Institute of Technology School of Horticulture, Featherston Gardens in Canberra is a tranquil space maintained by volunteers along Weston Creek.

Eucalypt woodlands, a storybook-esque pond, native plants, gazebos and shelters can be found throughout the 3.5-hectare sanctuary. A series of paths lead you through the highlights, however simply strolling through any section will spark a heightened sense of glee.

Best time to visit: Autumn, as tree leaves change through miraculous colour.
Price: Free.
Address: Heysen Street, Weston

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

10 secret gardens in Australia you need to see in full bloom