R.J. Hamer Arboretum

Monday	Open 24 hours
Tuesday	Open 24 hours
Wednesday	Open 24 hours
Thursday	Open 24 hours
Friday	Open 24 hours
Saturday	Open 24 hours
Sunday	Open 24 hours

R.J. Hamer Arboretum: A Serene Escape into Nature's Embrace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Step into a world of tranquility and wonder at R.J. Hamer Arboretum, where nature's beauty unfolds in breathtaking splendor. As you venture deeper into the arboretum, you find yourself immersed in a thick forest of towering pine trees, creating a majestic canopy that shields you from the outside world. With each step, you feel the soft cushion of dry leaves beneath your feet, creating a soothing and comforting sensation, as if walking upon a nature-made carpet. The air is crisp and fragrant, filled with the earthy aroma of the forest floor and the refreshing scent of the towering pines. It's a sensory symphony that rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. The towering pine trees reach towards the sky, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. As you look up, sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. The interplay of light and shade creates a magical ambiance, as if nature itself is putting on a captivating show just for you. The tranquility of R.J. Hamer Arboretum provides the perfect setting for meditation and introspection. Find a quiet spot amidst the trees, close your eyes, and let the symphony of nature's sounds serenade your senses. The gentle rustling of leaves, the melodious chirping of birds, and the distant whispers of the wind invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace. As you soak in the beauty of the arboretum, it's hard not to marvel at the grandeur of the natural world and contemplate the wonders created by the Grand Creator. The harmony and balance found within these sacred grounds serve as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of life and the magnificence of the world we inhabit. R.J. Hamer Arboretum is not only a place of solitude but also a gathering space for cherished moments with friends. Find a cozy spot to sit, share laughter, and engage in meaningful conversations amidst the serene surroundings. The arboretum provides a sanctuary where friendships flourish and memories are created, fostering a sense of connection and harmony with both nature and one another. So, if you're seeking an escape from the chaos of everyday life, venture into the embrace of R.J. Hamer Arboretum. Let the towering pines, the rustling leaves, and the tranquil ambiance transport you to a world of serenity and awe-inspiring beauty. Whether you seek solitude, meditation, or a heartfelt conversation with loved ones, this natural haven will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of nature and the profound sense of peace that awaits you at R.J. Hamer Arboretum.

This is my favourite place to hike and explore within 45mins from Melbourne. I only found this gem within the last 15 months and I've been there at least 7 or 8 times now. It's like a mystical wonderland of different terrain and views. Unfortunately, with the recent strong winds, many trees have fallen down so the last visit did look like a small catastrophe. Some of the picnic spots are also hidden gems. Was there last about two weeks ago. The grass in the meadows were quite long but we still got out frisbee action on. We did about a 12km walk starting at the R.J. Hamer Arboretum lookout and then heading down the east on Mathias before heading into the Poplar Track that leads onto the Manna Gum Track. Manna Gum turns into Prices Tk and then we walked across the Bridge Tk where the bridge was taken out by a tree. We cautiously managed to get by and from there went to a nearby picnic ground before heading to the Bobcat Tk. If you want a tough hill to climb, jog, run. That's the bee's knees in which I've found at this place. From there you can loop back around to the start. It's averages out I'd say at grade 2.5, where certain parts (like the Bobcat) can get up to 3.5. A great day out for solo hikers, Tinder dates, couples, group of friends and even families. So basically, everyone.

We've visited here a few times and it's an idyllic spot to stop for a breather to enjoy the views, or to spend a day enjoying the fresh air and great views North to the Yarra Valley. Accessed via well graded dirt and gravel roads, expect your vehicle to get quite dusty in dry weather, or muddy in wet weather Sweeping verdant green lawns in spring, although it is quite steep if you come straight down from the car park, so watch your step! Plenty of space to kick a ball around, throw a frisbee etc, people set up deckchairs and have picnics. There are public toilets at the Eastern end, a couple of shelters, with free BBQs, benches, and paths to various walks. I didn't notice any signage or maps indicating what walks are available, distances etc. Although it is a mature Arbortoreum established in the 1970's, apart from a memorial plaque there was no history, info plaques on plantations, purpose or aims of the plantation etc, which I found disappointing.

Could not reccomended this place more! Beautiful on a sunny day and just as pretty on a rainy day too! Do the walk and look at all the exotic trees with their labels (how they got Himalayan fir trees to grow in Victoria I’ll never know), or just explore along the many paths and embrace our beautiful forests. Super dog friendly, dogs are supposed to be on lead, but you’ll probably find a few people throwing the ball for their dogs in the big open area or letting them loose beside them as they walk the trails. Everyone’s very respectful though, and there’s an unspoken rule to put your dog on lead when approaching someone else with a dog. It can be busy, but even when the car parks absolutely full there are so many tracks I was there for 2 hours and only bumped into about 3 groups of people, all super friendly and happy to have a chat!

Our family stumbled across this beautiful park online, and we're glad we made a day trip of it. The arboretum is a short drive from Olinda village and once there, there are plenty of trails and paths to follow and countless places for family picnics or gatherings. There are also a number of electric BBQs scattered near the carpark. It's worth noting that signage on the trails is almost non-existent so I would certainly recommend downloading a map of the park from Parks Victoria before setting out. Also if you do happen to set off, the incline from the top to the bottom of the park is quite steep and the walk back to the park entrance can be pretty tiring.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Park picnic and dog walk This is a great area to visit either for a quick look at the view, or hang around and have a picnic all you needed for a great day is available bbq,gazebos,toilets,water,picnic tables and seating,plus there is heaps of grassed area to play cricket,football or just roll around. There are many different tracks though out park and well worth exploring. It would take many hours to walk them all.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

"I think that I shall never see, A poem lovely as a tree" (Joyce Kilmer, ‘Trees’) Go to the Hamer Arboretum, and see why such words were written. Magnificent stands of Elms, Oak, Cherry, Sequoia, Maples, Pines, Dogwoods, and much, much more. The best time to plant a tree is now. The second best time is 20 years ago. Thank God someone understood this all those years ago. We now reap the fruit of that wisdom. The car park has BBQ facilities and toilets.

Found 2 post holes in the grass 1 metre away from path and 3 metres from the carpark on the grassy slope. My wife pregnant fell down one and rolled her ankle. I back filled them with wood chips if someone working for council can fill them in. Very dangerous and complacent to remove a post and not fill them permanently
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lived in Melb my whole life, and in the east… never knew about this place until now. It’s so nice; might be a stretch - but I gives me a little sense of my time at the Swiss Alps here, especially on a Sunny day in spring with the wildflowers! Heaps of walking tracks behind this spot too, including a lovely dam track walk. Magical, will be back

The place is very peaceful. Hidden gem with stunning valley and mountain views. Stunning on a sunny day as well as on a rainy one. Those tall trees nestled right behind you make a beautiful backdrop for pictures. Walking beyond the trees will give you a beautiful view. The site is very close to a common barbecue and toilets

A picturesque place for a walk with my husband and dog. So of the tracks are over grown with blackberries and other weeds, its a shame that this place seems to be forgotten about it needs parks to clean up and maintain the beautiful tree-lined arboretum. I would review and give 5 stars if it was looked after abit better.

One of the best places for walks in Melbourne. There are a few trails to explore. I love walking here on autumn and spring days. The tracks are mostly shaded by magnificent giant trees. There's ample car park space in the mornings. The trails are mostly easy with short stretches of moderate to steep incline.

Beautiful and peaceful forest to go for a bush walk. There are some nice views along the way. Can also spot some wildlife if you are lucky. Various walking tracks available to choose from. Can do a leisurely 2.5 hour round trip, but there are some steep hills, so a reasonable amount of fitness is required.

It’s such a big place with lots of tracks. It might take a full day if you want to do all of them. Nice walking tracks with very different views. Some of them are wide with crushed rocks; some are narrow hidden under trees; some are very steep and hilly; and some are easy and flat.

Such a pretty spot. Parking can be a challenge, depending which entrance track you decide to take. Lots of tracks and walks to check out and the trees look amazing. Most of the area is closed off still at the time of writing (Oct 2021), but the main access roads around it are open.

It was a very peaceful and silent place . Very good for a picnic lunch on a bright sunny day.I went during the sunset time and witnessed the beautiful orange sky, which was so amazing.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

When we were around this place, randomly searched in Google for a place to sit, relax and enjoy the nature . We got this place which ticked all the boxes, exactly what we were looking for. Very beautiful place . First thing, there is

Beautiful place lot's of tracks to choose from, make sure you rug up in cooler weather be careful in the wet as it's slippery. Step in sections but rewarding with views across the valley and a sneaky reward when you get into the old Olinda

Nice little park. Bit rugged and steep, which isn't such a bad thing! Nice view from the top, so no need to walk down unless you want an adventure. ☺️☺️
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It’s a very peaceful place . So beautiful for pictures with the tall trees nestled right behind you . If you walk beyond the trees you have a beautiful viewpoint. Ideal for picnics. It has a common bbq and toilets very close to the place

Perfect for fun and exciting pictures. Very steep banks for the kids to roll down and run up. Lots of trees and great walking tracks nearby.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Amazing place, with really picturesque, easy going walking tracks. Heading along this peaceful path in the middle of the forest then this lady on a horse just trots past like something out of a movie. Just incredible …

Went there this weekend. It was a nice place to have a picnic and enjoy the views. It is a large space of grass which can cater for large groups. Just be mindful that it has a few slopes that might not be great for elderly.

If Olinda and surrounds are crowded then this is an awesome place to come for a trail walk, hike, run etcetera. There appears to be some work going for improving the trail and access to flora (and the associated birds).

Great place to just wonder around. Instead of parking at the main carpark continue on the road and stay left. Usually there will be other cars parked there. Use your sense of adventure and you may find a hidden gem.

A lovely walk with many trails and great areas for the dogs to roam. Information point useful but displays a little faded.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely at this time of year. With a bit of a walk we came across a stand of Birch trees. Stick huts had been built. We found a spot that was relatively flat with some sunshine and enjoyed a picnic.

Just a beautiful place to go. Lots of criss-crossing paths to get wonderfully lost in. It's become quite popular though, so don't go on the weekends or peak tourist times of you'd like to be alone

i would said this place is amazing!! perfect for wanna get away fom the city, or you wanna relax, here is one of the best, so quiet, you can hear the birds, wind blowing.Stunning!!

Amazing! Beautiful views. Lovely walk. Need reasonable fitness here. Poorly signposted. Dogs on leash allowed. Even just the view from the car park is worth the visit.