Victoria · Attraction
Forest Glade Gardens
Garden of extraordinary colour
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Established in 1916 on the southern slopes of Mount Macedon, Forest Glade Gardens is one of Australia's most acclaimed private gardens and now operates as a charitable trust. Spanning fourteen acres of cool-climate terrain with rich volcanic soil, it blends English, Italian and woodland garden traditions into a cohesive landscape that changes dramatically with each season.
Spring brings an abundance of rhododendrons, azaleas, peonies and a celebrated laburnum arch draped in golden blooms, while autumn transforms the Japanese maple collection into a vivid tapestry of red, orange and gold. The garden also features a fern gully, topiary sections, ornamental ponds, fountains, a bonsai house and a daffodil lawn that peaks in late winter.
The steep, undulating site sits high on the mountain, where occasional snow dusts the garden in winter and morning mist is common throughout the cooler months. Despite the challenging terrain, most paths are solid underfoot, making the garden accessible to older visitors with the exception of the fern gully sections in wet conditions.
Entry is by ticket, with children under 16 admitted free. There is no on-site parking, so visitors should allow time to find street parking along Mount Macedon Road. The gardens close on days of Total Fire Ban.
Scenic views
