Maranoa Gardens

Tired of European-style parks? Behind glamorous Art Deco gates lies this historic oasis of native trees and wildflowers, first planted in 1901 and opened to the public in 1926. Clever use of shade, soils and irrigation means you can wander through half a dozen very different environments, from rainforest to arid rockery, temperate woodland to open heath. There are sweeping picnic lawns, a sun-dappled fernery and an indigenous display. Take the 109 Box Hill tram, get off at stop 54 and take a short stroll down Kireep Road.