We’ve rounded up 8 of the best gardens around Melbourne to explore, lay on the grass, and admire all the beauty that comes with Spring.

Heide Museum of Modern Art’s Sculpture Park

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Emily Floyd’s ‘Abstract Labour’, 2014. Photo: heide.com.au

Explore the 15 acres of garden at Heide Museum of Modern Art’s Sculpture Park and you’ll be entertained for hours. What was once a neglected dairy farm, the outdoor space is now a backdrop for selected sculptural works of Australian artists.

Heide Museum of Modern Art’s Sculpture Park

7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen

Alfred Nicholas Gardens

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The picturesque lake of Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden. Photo: drbnb.com/

After you’ve conquered the 1,000 Steps, rest your weary feet lakeside at the Alfred Nicholas Gardens. Waterfalls, bridges, and beautiful lawns create an idyllic atmosphere, and when you get a little hungry the Piggery Cafe and Burnham Bakery await.

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke

The Rhododendron Gardens

Enjoy a display of colour at Mt Dandenong’s National Rhododendron Garden during October and November. Over 15,000 rhododendrons and azaleas come to life with their pink, red and orange blooms.

The Rhododendron Gardens

The Georgian Rd, Olinda.

Cranbourne Botanical Gardens

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Australian Garden at Cranbourne Gardens. Photo: Penny Woodward

Native and desert flower lovers will be in their element with a trip to the Cranbourne Botanical Gardens. Over 170,000 Australian natives have been planted within a contemporary landscape design and surrounded bush land and wetlands.

Cranbourne Botanical Gardens

Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne

Pop-Up Patch

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Cafe and garden shop at the Pop Up Patch

No need to leave the city to get your garden fix with a trip to Melbourne Pop-Up Patch. With over 140 veggie crates rented by locals and great views of the city skyline, it’s ideal place for some piece and quiet, and sunshine. They make a decent coffee there too!

Pop-Up Patch

Federation Square car park rooftop

Canterbury Gardens

If you enjoy a traditional English-style garden, a trip to Canterbury Gardens will be well worth it. Annual beds, perennial borders, and specimen trees are planted amongst the rolling lawns. It’s the ideal spot to lay down a picnic rug and enjoy a Sunday arvo nap under the shade of an established tree.

Canterbury Gardens

Canterbury Road, Canterbury

Organ Pipes National Park

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Organ Pipes National Park. Photo: Parks Victoria by gowildimages.com

Take an adventure out past Airport West and you’ll find yourself in the Organ Pipes National Park. It’s main feature is the incredible basalt columns which have been formed by cooling and crackling molten lava over 400 million years ago.  There’s also some walking tracks to explore if you fancy stretching your legs.

Organ Pipes National Park

Calder Highway, Keilor North

Forest Glade Garden

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Forest Glade English Garden. Photo: weekendnotes.com

Located in Mount Macedon, the 100-year-old Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia’s most prestigious private gardens to visit. Explore the 14 acres that have been divided into found themes: English, Japanese, woodland, and fern gully. When you’ve got your garden fix, you can browse the extensive antique collection (at an extra cost!).

Forest Glade Garden

816 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon