Annual Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival in Olinda

Spring is upon us in Australia with warmer temperatures and the beautiful spring flowers and blooming cherry blossom trees. In Japan, spring is the time for hanami or cherry blossom viewing. The sakura or cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower and every March in Japan, thousands of cherry blossom trees come to life as they cover Japan, signifying the start of the annual Hanami season.

The National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria pays homage to this ancient Japanese tradition with their own version of hanami, the Annual Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival with cherry blossom trees captivating the landscape. Enjoy the beauty of the blossoms along with the myriad of other plants such as azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons.


This annual festival takes place on September 25th and provides a fantastic opportunity to engage in a traditional Japanese event and celebrate the beauty of all things hanami.

The National Rhododendron Gardens is located at

The Georgian Rd, Olinda, Victoria
Mel 66 K6
Entry to the garden is free
Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily

website: http://www.experiencethedandenongs.com.au/national-rhododendron-gardens/