Around Melbourne - Melbourne and Victoria - page 277

( 03-9751 1980; www.parkweb.vic.gov.au ; Georgian Rd, Olinda; 10am-5pm) Giant eucalypts
tower over shady lawns and brilliant flowerbeds at these gardens with more than 15,000
rhododendrons and 12,000 azaleas. The best time to see the rhododendrons is September
to November.

William Ricketts

Sanctuary
OFFLINE MAP

SCULPTURE GARDEN

( 13 19 63; www.parkweb.vic.gov.au ; 1402 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mt Dandenong; 10am-4.30pm)
This ferny garden features William Ricketts' sculptures of Aboriginal people, inspired by
years spent living among them. You can also see his log cottage and gallery.

SkyHigh Mt Dandenong
OFFLINE MAP

VIEWPOINT

( 03-9751 0443; www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au ; 26 Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong; vehicle entry $5;
9am-10pm Mon-Thu, 9am-10.30pm Fri, 8am-11pm Sat & Sun; 688) Drive up to SkyHigh for amazing
views over Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay from the highest point in the Dandenongs.
The view of the city lights at dusk is spectacular. There's a cafe-restaurant, a garden, pic-
nic areas, and a maze (adult/child/family $6/4/16).

Sleeping

Loft in the Mill
OFFLINE MAP
( 03-9751 1700; www.loftinthemill.com.au ; 1602 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Olinda; d $130-300; ) In the
centre of Olinda, Loft in the Mill is a welcoming place with nine cosy suites in two blue-
stone buildings modelled on an old flour mill and a 19th-century carriage house.

GUESTHOUSE $$

Observatory Cottages
OFFLINE MAP
( 03-9751 2436; www.observatorycottages.com.au ; 10 Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong; r $285-330) Near the
peak of Mt Dandenong, the four sumptuous self-contained cottages are beautifully decor-
ated in heritage style, furnished with antiques and surrounded by lovely grounds. All have
a double spa and views.

B&B $$$