We were lucky a couple of weeks ago to attend the Olinda Hanami Day at the National Rhododendron Gardens in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. I wrote about the event here
Olinda Cherry Blossom Festival
The day started out wet, but the clouds soon disappeared and the sun made an appearance to brighten up the day. The National Rhododendron Gardens boosts 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias, along with a beautiful cherry tree grove that hosts the cherry blossom festival each year. It is set on 40 hectares of scenic botanic gardens.
Here are some pictures of the beautiful flowers at the gardens
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| Azalea Garden |
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| Rhododendrons |
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| Magnolias |
There is a large ornamental lake which is very picturesque.
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| Ornamental Lake |
The cherry tree grove, where hanami takes place.
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| Cherry Tree Grove |
The beautiful cherry blossoms, which are the star of the day.
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| Cherry Blossoms |
Japanese culture with the wadaiko (Traditional Japanese style drumming).
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| Wadaiko |
Past the cherry tree grove is some stunning views of the Dandenong Ranges that stretch out across the Yarra Valley.
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| Scenic View |
Information about the National Rhododendron Gardens
Website:
National Rhododendron Gardens
How to Get There:
The gardens are just an hour's drive from the Melbourne CBD
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