Autumn Flora and Fauna Excursions for the Elderly
Looking to plan an enriching Autumn outing for your elderly loved ones? The Dandenong Ranges offer a nearby escape with scenic beauty and tranquility, perfect for a memorable day out for families in Vermont.
At Vermont Aged Care, we cherish our residents and are committed to helping them enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Fresh air, gentle exercise, and joyful moments are at the heart of our activities. Here’s a selection of excursions that are sure to bring smiles to you and your family as we celebrate Autumn together!
Cloudehill Gardens
Cloudehill Gardens, known as “A Garden for All Seasons in the Dandenong Ranges,” is a visual masterpiece full of vibrant color and natural beauty. The gardens feature year-round delights like bamboo, camellias, bays, and the graceful lace-leaf maple. For romantics, there’s even a unique “Wedding Cake Shrub”!
Each section of the garden showcases diverse plants from around the world. South African bulbs bloom in spring and early summer, while Japanese shrubs thrive in grassy meadows. The Water Garden, flanked by hornbeam hedges, is a highlight, along with hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, and pond bronzes. Imported maples from Yokohama and English beeches, dating back to 1928, add a special charm to the landscape.
Lawns and Sculptures The Quadrangle Lawn displays sculptures and box topiaries, and the Marquee Lawn hosts events like weddings. The Theatre Lawn pays tribute to classic Roman, Greek, and Italian Renaissance theatres, with Shakespearean Twilight Evenings in summer for memorable family picnics.
The Kitchen Garden is home to Chinese apricot and plum trees, lavender hedges, and daffodils. Cloudehill Gardens are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $10 for adults, with free entry for children and Diggers Club members.
Location: 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda, Victoria
Restaurant: The Seasons Restaurant (Bookings: (03) 9751 0168)
Website: Cloudehill Gardens
Mangana Olinda
For a different experience, visit Mangana Olinda, a homewares and lifestyle store that brings the past to life. This family-owned business, established in 1983, is set in original buildings from the early 1900s. The space has been recently renovated for wheelchair accessibility, making it ideal for elderly visitors.
At Mangana Olinda, you’ll find an eclectic range of items sourced from artisans around the globe, including India, France, and the Americas. With a decor that feels like stepping into Aladdin’s Cave, the store offers everything from scientific and maritime instruments to lead-light lamps, sheepskin footwear, solid timber furniture, and gemstone jewelry.
Location: 29-41 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda, Victoria
Contact: +61 (03) 9751 1780
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM (closed Christmas Day)
Website: Mangana Olinda