Autumn at the Alfred Nicholas Gardens

Every year we love to go and see the Autumn colours at the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Sherbrooke, in the Dandenong Ranges. Dogs are welcome in the gardens on lead, and there are many trails to meander through a picturesque mix of English garden and tall Mountain Ash forest.

From the top of the gardens you can head down a longer, winding gravel path or take the steeper set of stairs down to the lake.

The paths are extensive and there is plenty to explore - long staircases, waterfalls and bridges. The garden is very peaceful, especially if you go early in the morning.

We have found that the Autumn colours are typically at their most spectacular from late-April to early-May, although it changes from year-to-year with the weather.

Although it's most spectacular in Autumn, really the gardens are lovely to visit anytime of the year. In the spring time there are plenty of flowers to enjoy.

After our walk we always like to head to the Piggery next door to the gardens, which serves food and coffee and is very dog-friendly and kid-friendly, with plenty of outdoor seating.