Nature lovers will be able to explore the stunning Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda – supporting biodiversity and habitat creation for native plants and wildlife – from December.
Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio visited the site today for a sneak peek at the garden’s highlights, which included a cascading waterfall, billabong, and an impressive array of native Australian plant species. A notable “Waratah sculpture” will be installed in the coming weeks.
The new garden, set to open this summer, converts a section of the former Olinda Golf Course into a stunning botanic garden.
It showcases sustainable design, including solar power and water-wise design, and features over 400 native plant species, including rare and endangered species such as the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis), which is listed as critically endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The “Australian Garden” exhibit, created by designer Phillip Johnson, horticulturalist Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders Team, was the first Australian entry to win Gold and Best in Show at the London RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013.
Its re-creation is 20 times the size of the original Chelsea Flower Show build and is now almost completed, thanks to a $3.8 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government, $2.2 million from the Federal Government and $340,000 in funds raised by the People and Parks Foundation.
The project follows the Labor Government’s $11 million investment to transform the former Olinda Golf Course into 34 hectares of community parklands as part of the Olinda Precinct Plan, which now has a new sporting oval and nature-based playscape and will soon include upgraded visitor and sporting facilities.
For more information about the project visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
“I am very pleased we’re able to play a part in delivering this incredible garden and tourism attraction for the region, which is sure to inspire nature lovers from near and far.”
“We’re excited to see the ongoing transformation of the Olinda Precinct, which also includes a playscape and sporting facilities, creating a space that the community, visitors and the local economy can benefit from.”
Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk James Merlino
“This beautiful garden provides a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors alike to connect with Australian nature and learn about native flora and fauna, biodiversity and sustainable design.”
Reviewed 29 October 2022