Karwarra Australian Plant Garden in Kalorama is a well kept secret that is being discovered and enjoyed by more and more visitors to the Dandenongs and tourists to Victoria and Australia. It is a unique and exciting botanic garden situated on 2 hectares overlooking Silvan Dam. More than 1,800 Australian species are grown here in both landscaped gardens and bushland settings.

During your tour you will notice the amazing diversity of Australian plants. A natural balance encourages more than 40 species of birds to visit, feed on the nectar, insects and fruit or nest within the garden. Antechinus, possums, frogs, skinks and yabbies add to the atmosphere.

Guided tours of 3/4 to 1 hour are offered with group bookings and are included in the entry cost. Extra time needs to be allowed to visit our well stocked nursery. Educational programs are available for school groups.

Catering is available by arrangement. Morning and afternoon tea is refreshing before or after the tour. Light lunches can be organised. 'Breakfast with the Birds' is popular in February and March. End of year break ups are welcome. A barbeque can be supplied or groups can provide their own meal.

Facilities available at and adjacent to Karwarra Garden include picnic tables, seating, BBQ and toilets. All facilities provide access for the disabled and include a ramp to the lookout and specially designated tracks. Walking tracks are well graded but sensible shoes are recommended.

There is ample parking and turning for coaches. Access is by the road around the oval.

Costs:

$3.50 per head	Entry and Guided Tour (groups kept to 20 max per guide) School groups - price on application
$5.50 per head	Entry, tour, and morning or afternoon tea
$7.00 per head	Entry, tour, and devonshire tea
from $9.00 per head	Lunch (variety of options available)
$11.00 per head	Breakfast with the Birds, entry, and tour

All prices include GST and apply from 1st July 2003.

Karwarra Hall looks out onto the garden providing a peaceful setting for meetings, workshops, or conferences. Hiring charges are available on application.

Opening hours are:

Tuesday to Friday	10am to 4pm
Saturday, Sunday & Pub. Holidays	1pm to 4pm.

Tours outside these hours are available by arrangement. All tours need to be pre-booked.

It is wise to note that the maximum temperature is approx. 6oC cooler than Melbourne, so appropriate clothing should be worn. A slide show of Karwarra Garden is available during inclement weather but needs to be requested as an alternative when booking.

Springtime at Karwarra Garden is October and November. However there are plenty of wildflowers to enjoy at all times of the year, this being a major feature of its design. Different vistas are experienced from the lookout as the seasons unfold. Foliage, fragrance and plant form also provide inspiration and interest. Enjoy the serenity of the fern gully, the growing grandeur of our young rainforest, the perfume of the boronias, the spectacular waratahs, the baby kookaburras in summer. Other features are outlined in the Introduction to Karwarra Garden.

To see what events will be happening at Karwarra Garden click on the Coming Events page.

Why not include Karwarra Garden on your Dandenong Ranges itinerary. It can be included as a general attraction or as part of a Theme Day such as 'Gardens of the Dandenongs' or 'Australiana in the Dandenongs'. Ask the staff for more ideas.

For further information or tour bookings contact Marilyn Gray at Karwarra Garden.