Kalorama: Garden, Park and Views

If you’re looking for a hotel in Kalorama, it’s worth first exploring the destination’s different natural and garden attractions. The Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden, Kalorama Park and Kalorama Lookout each offer something different: native plants in a landscaped setting, paths and picnic facilities in the park, and views of the surrounding landscape. This can help you decide whether garden culture, a short walk or a lookout should be the focus of your trip planning.

Views from Kalorama Lookout

From Kalorama Lookout, you can enjoy views of Silvan Reservoir, the southeastern side of the Dandenong Ranges and the surrounding Yarra Valley. The water, mountain slopes and valley offer different scenes within the same outlook. The lookout therefore provides a distinct landscape focus, setting it apart from Kalorama’s plant- and trail-oriented attractions.

Karwarra: Native plants in a landscaped garden

Founded in 1965, Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden is a public garden where only native plants are used. It covers two hectares and contains more than 1,400 different native plant species. These figures offer two different points of reference: the size of the garden and the variety of its plants. Visitors can see how these plants can be used to striking effect in a landscaped garden. Karwarra thus combines botanical diversity with a practical example of using native plants in garden design.

Nursery and paths

The garden includes a well-stocked plant nursery that sells native Australian plants to the public. The site also has a community room. Alongside the gravel paths, a sealed concrete path provides access throughout the garden for wheelchair users and people using walking aids. If you rely on this path, check its current condition before visiting.

Kalorama Park: Trails, forest and picnics

The 22-hectare Kalorama Park is a conservation area on the eastern slopes of the Dandenongs. Its landscapes include open areas and mountain ash forest. Short walking trails begin at each of the three car parks and pass through native forest, historic orchards and exotic plantings. Picnic facilities and free gas barbecues add opportunities to take a break outdoors along the trails. The comparison of the areas puts the two garden and nature attractions in context: Karwarra Garden covers two hectares, while Kalorama Park covers 22 hectares.

Other places for recreation

Kalorama Memorial Reserve has a playground and a skate park. Nearby Kalorama Lookout is the scenic Kalorama Park Picnic Ground, a suitable spot for a day trip with family and friends. You can choose between the named destinations according to the activities you’re looking for: the garden focuses on native plants and design, the park on trails and picnic facilities, the Memorial Reserve on its playground and skate park, and the Picnic Ground on a shared day out.

Discover more destinations

Footscray, Aspendale, Williamstown, Yarra Glen, Mt Dandenong, Essendon, Noble Park, Glen Waverley

For the main travel overview: Melbourne.