Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden (Kalorama)

Karwarra is a distinctive cool temperate Australian garden in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, laid out over two hectares of shady fern gullies, soaring gums and misty pathways overlooking the Silvan Dam. More than 1,800 Australian species from south-east and western Australia are displayed with interpretation in both landscaped gardens and bushland settings.

Highlights:
- The Outlook overlooking the Silvan dam
- More than 40 species of birds at close quarters
- Antechinus, possums, frogs, skinks and yabbies
- Wetland and pond system through the Fern Gully
- Boronia collection, erica collection, crowea collection
- Bushfood and medicinal uses trail
- Feature plants such as the Wollemi Pine, white-flowering Telopea
- Ground orchids, unusual fungi and sundews
- Educational displays, plant catalogues, flowering calendars
- Self-serve coffee or tea on the terrace.

Karwarra's purpose is to provide a rich and diverse collection of Australian plants with year-round interest for visitors.

This site of two hectares was originally part of the 1870 selection by Lilydale surveyor Thomas Hand whose family farmed the property until 1939, when it was sold to the Shire of Lillydale.

In 1965 the Shire allowed Mt Dandenong Horticultural Society to develop an Australian Garden on the site. Planting commenced in 1968 and the garden was officially opened in 1971. Australian plant enthusiast, Kath Deery, was responsible for most of the layout and oversaw development of the garden on a voluntary basis between 1978 and 1984. Rock outcrops by renowned landscaper Ellis Stones are located to the south-east of Karwarra Hall. In 1989, management was resumed by the Shire.

Opening Hours:

Opening Times
Garden is closed on days of total fire ban and during extreme weather.

Cost:

Free (Garden and Nursery)
Admission may be charged for special exhibitions

Access for Dogs:

No pets permitted in the garden.

Review:

The staff were very friendly and gave the kids a sticker to put on their hand when we arrived. The area is quite small and the fringes are bordered by houses and a busy road so you never get any feeling of isolation. Our last visit was during spring and there were lots of colourful plants and bushes. There are plenty of concrete paths running across the area with smaller mulch paths. All of the plants are well labelled.

Photos:

Location

1201 Mt. Dandenong Tourist Rd, Kalorama 3766 Map

✆ (03) 9728 4256

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Web Links

→ Karwarra Australian Garden

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