Alfred Nicholas Gardens (Sherbrooke)

The many linking paths through this garden take you beneath a canopy of the awesome mountain ash trees of the Dandenong Ranges. The garden was part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate, home of Alfred Nicholas, developer of the Aspro formula. It is known for its extensive water features including waterfalls and an ornamental lake complete with boathouse.

Dogs are not permitted in the park.

Things to Do

Walk through shady trees down to the picturesque lake, and picnic by the quaint boathouse.
In spring view the flowering azaleas, cherry trees and viburnum.
Take photos of the colourful foliage in the autumn.
View the colourful birdlife.

Facilities

Toilets and water are provided. The car park is situated opposite the main entrance.
Baby changing facilities.

Heritage

Alfred Nicholas purchased this land in 1929 to build his home and then proceeded to buy up surrounding land to add to his estate. The property was soon named 'Burnham Beeches'.

Alfred Nicholas and his brother George developed the 'Aspro' painkiller. It was originally a German discovery, the supply of which halted during the first world war. George, a chemist, re-discovered the formula, the Australian Government awarded the patent and the Nicholas fortune grew.

Mr Nicholas travelled the streets of outer Melbourne searching for established trees to be purchased for his property. Unfortunately he passed away before the garden was completed, and soon the property began to decline. Mrs Nicholas stayed on the property until the outbreak of the second world war.

After the war the house was handed to their company which converted it for use as a research laboratory. The Nicholas Company decided in 1965 to donate the gardens to the people of Victoria by way of the local shire council. In 1972, the council handed the garden over to the Victorian State Government.

Fauna

A variety of native birds may be seen in the gardens including king parrots and colourful rosellas. There are ducks in the lake and kookaburras can often be heard in the treetops.

Vegetation

There is a blend of native and exotic trees including mountain ash, ginkgoes, maples and liquid ambers. Colour is provided throughout the year by a variety of flowering exotic shrubs, bulbs and trees.

How to get there

Met bus 694 from Belgrave Station stops near the front gate.

Opening Hours:

Open 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day, days of Total Fire Ban and Severe Weather events. Check current conditions on the day of your planned visit to confirm it is open.

Review:

The gardens are very pleasant and shady and the distances to cover are not too great although the paths are very steep. The walk to the lake from the entrance is about 550m one way. The top section has shady little pools with bridges to cross and the lower section has a lake with plenty of shade. There are water taps, seats for rests and toilets near the lake and at the entrance. Be prepared for plenty of mosquitoes.

The Piggery cafe which serves meals and drinks is located next door to the gardens.

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