The Dandenong Ranges Gardens comprise of four gardens

• National Rhododendron Gardens
• Alfred Nicholas Gardens
• George Tindale Garden
• Pirianda Garden

And two arboreta:

• RJ Hamer Arboretum
• Mount Dandenong Arboretum

Volunteers contribute many hours of valuable service in these gardens, working with friends groups, as garden guides, providing horticultural assistance and undertaking project work. New volunteers are always welcome.

We interview and place volunteers where they are needed most.

If you love gardens and the great outdoors then you are just the person we need.

To discuss volunteer opportunities in the Dandenong Ranges Gardens, contact our volunteer coordinator:

Mark Krause

Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Sherbrooke Road
Sherbrooke VIC Australia 3789

Email: drgvols@parks.vic.gov.au Ph: +61 3 9760 1500

Work placement for overseas students

We have hosted horticultural students from Holland, Germany, France and Ireland.

Students work alongside qualified horticulturalists and develop practical skills. Work placements can be tailored to the specific needs of students. Placements are also offered to people currently working in the horticulture field.

Work placements are unpaid. However, we offer students free accommodation at Tindale House while undertaking the program.

The house is a four bedroom residence in the Tindale Garden, right in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges.

If you are interested in the work experience program or have any questions, contact our volunteer coordinator. If you would like to apply, please complete the work placement application form.

Become a guide

The gardens are particularly busy over spring and we rely on volunteer guides at the National Rhododendron Garden to welcome visitors, lead group tours and tell people about the Dandenongs.

If you are interested in volunteering as a guide over spring, contact our volunteer coordinator. We will provide you with training and friendly, experienced guides will be on hand to help you develop your skills.

Work experience opportunities

Our qualified and experienced horticulturalists can provide secondary or tertiary students with a quality work experience and training opportunity.

For further information contact our volunteer coordinator. If you’d like to apply, please submit your details on the work experience request form.

Gardening volunteers

If you’re a keen gardener and would like to help us maintain the gardens, get in touch with one of our friends groups.

Friends of George Tindale Memorial Garden Inc

Mark Krause - Parks Victoria Ranger ph (03) 9760 1500

Friends of Pirianda Garden

John Curtis - Parks Victoria Ranger ph (03) 9760 1500

Friends of the National Rhododendron Garden

Dee Dinkgreve ph (03) 9757 7300

Australian Rhododendron Society

Bill Taylor ph (03) 9754 8275