Pirianda Garden

Pirianda Garden is a 25-hectare formal garden in Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges, within the Yarra Ranges Shire, Victoria. Managed by Parks Victoria, it is known for its landscaped gardens, historic cottage, ornamental lakes and extensive collections of rhododendrons, camellias and exotic trees. Created in the 1950s-1960s as a private estate, it is now a public garden valued for horticultural display and autumn colour.

Visitors can explore formal garden beds, lawns, ornamental ponds and woodland areas connected by sealed and unsealed walking paths. The garden features a historic cottage, sheltered picnic areas, seasonal floral displays, mature trees and views across the Dandenong Ranges. The setting is tranquil and landscaped, suitable for leisurely walks, photography and picnics among curated plant collections.

Pirianda Garden was developed from the early 1950s by Harvey Ansell and his family as a private country estate and garden. Designed in a formal English style with extensive plantings of exotic species, it was later donated to the State of Victoria and opened as a public garden. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as an example of mid-20th century garden design in the Dandenong Ranges.

The garden represents the horticultural heritage of the Dandenong Ranges as a centre for cool-climate gardening in Victoria. It showcases formal garden design, plant collecting and landscape aesthetics of the post-war period and remains a community recreation and horticultural education site managed for public enjoyment.