The estate was the private residence of Alfred Nicholas, who developed the ASPRO brand of aspirin in the early 20th century.
The garden was professionally landscaped in the 1930s by master gardener William Hugh Forster.
The iconic boathouse located at the edge of the ornamental lake is a popular subject for photography, though the interior is not open to the public.
The gardens are planted with significant collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, and Japanese maples.
The site acts as a major drainage and water management system for the surrounding forest gullies.
The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is a former garden estate located in the Dandenong Ranges, characterized by its layered woodland landscape and signature ornamental lake. The garden is managed by Parks Victoria and is renowned for its series of waterfalls and interconnecting ponds fed by Sherbrooke Creek. The property was originally part of 'Burnham Beeches,' the estate of Alfred Nicholas, a co-inventor of the Aspirin. The site features a mix of native trees and exotic plantings, including mature mountain ash, maples, and liquidambars. Visitors navigate a network of winding paths that descend from the main entrance toward the lower water features. The garden remains a significant example of early 20th-century landscape design in Victoria. It serves as a popular trailhead for accessing the adjacent Sherbrooke Forest.
The boathouse viewed from the opposite side of the ornamental lake.
The return walk to the lake is steep; wear sturdy footwear with good grip to handle gravel paths and potential mud.
Arrive early to secure parking, as the limited spaces near the entrance fill up quickly on weekends.
Carry a rain jacket, as weather in the Dandenong Ranges can shift rapidly compared to the Melbourne plains.
Do not attempt the walk if you have limited mobility, as the return journey involves a consistent, steep incline.
The park may close during periods of extreme weather or high fire danger ratings, which are common in the summer months.
Stay on marked paths to prevent erosion and protect the sensitive native understory. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
