Explore
RJ Hamer Arboretum
Nestled in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, the R.J. Hamer Arboretum offers a stunning setting for both recreation and relaxation. The word arboretum comes from Latin, meaning 'a place for trees' and this 101 hectare landscape lives up to its name beautifully. Originally a pine plantation, the present-day arboretum was established in the 1970s and now provides sweeping views over the Yarra Valley and the Great Dividing Range.
The arboretum’s broad, open landscape features bold plantings of over 150 species of native and exotic trees. Designed around a unique 'forest formation' layout, each species occupies an irregularly shaped patch, forming a mosaic of mini-forests that flow across the rolling hills - a striking contrast to more traditional, grid-style arboretums.
Visitors will find large plantings of northern hemisphere forest species, including many from the United States and China, which create a spectacular display of autumn colour. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by an impressive avenue of Japanese Cedar leading into the main car park.
Beyond its scenic appeal, the arboretum plays an important ecological role, serving as a wildlife corridor for native species such as lyrebirds, echidnas, and owls. It’s a place to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature through a peaceful walk, a quiet moment of reflection, or a leisurely picnic.
Facilities near the Chalet Road (Woolrich Lookout) Car Park include electric barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets, making it an ideal spot for families and groups. Visitors are encouraged to explore the many walking tracks, each offering its own perspective of the surrounding hills and valleys. Dogs are welcome on-lead within the arboretum’s boundaries but note that they are not permitted in the adjacent national park.
Named in honour of Sir Rupert (R.J.) Hamer, the Victorian Premier (1971-1982), and a passionate advocate for parks and gardens, the arboretum stands as a testament to his vision of Victoria as 'The Garden State.'
Opening hours
Daylight hours, seven days a week except on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events.
Things to do in the area
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Pirianda Garden
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Silvan Reservoir Park
Your A-Z guide to Victoria's dog-friendly walking trails
RJ Hamer Arboretum
This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
RJ Hamer Arboretum
R.J. Hamer Arboretum is located at 10 Chalet Rd, Olinda.
Limited on-road parking is also available close to the Mathias Road trail head, located off Silvan Road.
During busy periods such as autumn and spring weekends, parking can be limited. If the car park is full, consider visiting another nearby garden, or plan your trip for a weekday or early morning/late afternoon for a quieter experience.
When you're there
Park information, toilet, picnic, barbecue and parking facilities are available at the Chalet Road (Woolrich Lookout) Car Park.
Dogs are allowed in the arboretum but must be on a leash at all times. Please respect others use of the arboretum by cleaning up after your dog. Note that the arboretum is surrounded by national park where your dog is not allowed, so please observe the boundaries of the property.
Bins are not provided. Please take all waste with you.
Please use the electric barbecues provided. Portable solid fuel barbecues and fires are not permitted.
Drones cannot be used without a pre-approved permit.
Protect the plants: do not pick or remove vegetation, leave it for others to enjoy.
For itinerary ideas and visitation tips, download the Explore Stunning Gardens in the Dandenong Ranges brochure.
When to go
Need to know
RJ Hamer Arboretum
Accessibility
The R.J. Hamer Arboretum is situated on steep, undulating terrain that forms part of its natural beauty. Pedestrian access is provided via long, unsealed pathways that wind throughout the landscape. These paths can be steep and uneven in sections, which may present challenges for some visitors.
Please note that the pathways are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Mathias Road and Yallambie Way are the primary unsealed roadways in the area, providing wide and safe walking opportunities. In contrast, many of the secondary walking trails are steep, narrow, and unformed, often impacted by fallen trees and limbs.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety in nature
The garden is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes and spiders. Wasps may also be present.
Waterbodies are for display only and are not suitable for swimming; children must be closely supervised at all times. Paths can become slippery when wet, and large trees are prominent throughout the garden.
R.J Hamer Arboretum is in the Central fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating on the VicEmergency website, smartphone app or call their hotline on 1800 226 226.
This garden is closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger Rating or severe weather events for visitor safety.
Weddings
Thinking of holding a wedding ceremony or taking wedding photography in the R. J. Hamer Arboretum? Find out more about wedding permit applications and guidelines.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Wood Fire BBQs No longer available in the National park
Over recent months, several newly constructed concrete-based fire pits have exploded during use, projectingburning debris into surrounding areas. These incidents pose a serious risk of injury to staff, volunteers, and visitors.As a result the fire places in the National Park have been removed until a review is complete and a safe design standard is confirmed. This may take considerable time to complete as this is a Statewide issue. -
RJ Hamer Arboretum
R.J. Hamer Arboretum Visitor Guide & Map
Please find attached the current R.J. Hamer Arboretum Visitor Guide & park map:Attachments: Park-note-RJ-Hamer-Arboretum (222KB)
How we keep it special
The R.J. Hamer Arboretum occupies a small but significant portion of the original Dandenong and Woori Yallock State Forest, first proclaimed more than 130 years ago. This region has long been shaped by the forces of nature, particularly fire. Over the decades, a series of bushfires destroyed much of the original mountain forest, leaving the landscape covered in scrub and bracken.
In the years following World War II, the Victorian Government initiated a program to strengthen the state’s timber resources. Between 1948 and 1955, softwood plantations were established in this area, with ornamental deciduous trees and conifers planted along the roadsides to add scenic variety. However, in January 1962, a devastating bushfire swept through the district, destroying nearly all of these early plantings.
From this loss came a new vision. In the years that followed, a proposal was put forward to create a Forest Arboretum on the site - a place to showcase the beauty and diversity of tree species from around the world. The plan was approved in 1970, and by 1976 the first stage of the current arboretum had begun, with 60 hectares planted with 100 different species. By 1978, the major planting was complete, featuring nearly 200 species, including an impressive variety of deciduous trees from across the northern hemisphere.
Today, the arboretum continues to evolve. Over time, the natural regeneration of indigenous flora within the plantations has altered some of the exotic collections. To preserve the original design and intent, a restoration program is underway - selectively removing native regrowth to maintain the integrity of the northern hemisphere forest plantings.
Through this ongoing stewardship, the R.J. Hamer Arboretum remains a living testament to resilience, regeneration, and the enduring beauty of trees from around the world.