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Thanks for your patience over the next few weeks while we clean up fallen trees after the recent storms. Find out more about free storm related waste drop offs at the Knox Transfer Station and extra bin collections.

Tim Neville Arboretum

The Tim Neville Arboretum on Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully is an 11-acre, multipurpose recreation reserve.

About the gardens

Tim Neville Arboretum has sun-filled and shaded grassy areas, offering a picture-perfect place to picnic.

There's a beautiful lake and wetlands system complete with ducks (and ducklings in the spring).

A boardwalk crossing lets you take in the view.

Explore the many walks around the flower beds and beautifully planted cottage and rose-filled gardens.

Other features

The Arboretum also has:

  • picnic tables
  • picnic shelters
  • a number of BBQ’s
  • a large gazebo and an amphitheatre
  • a sculptured wall
  • ample seating
  • even and easy-walking pathways
  • fountains
  • Knox’s war memorial
  • stormwater treatment and habitat wetland
  • public toilets
  • large playground.

You can find a War Memorial in the quiet part of the gardens.

About the playground

The playground is full of activities for kids of all ages, including:

  • two long, easy-ride ziplines
  • slides
  • swings for toddlers and bigger kids
  • stepping stones for balancing fun
  • sandpits
  • climbing ropes
  • sculptural creatures to play and climb
  • fenced with self-closing gates
  • rubberised paths and ground cushions to minimise trips and bumps
  • drinking taps.

Large, wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities are just next to the playground.

The playground is close to free BBQs, picnic areas, tables and seating so you can relax while your kids play safely.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome in the Arboretum, but they must be on a lead at all times.

Wet weather

There's a pavilion for shelter if the weather turns rainy.

Parking

The Arboretum provides plenty of off-road parking on Dorset Road and on-street parking on Frances Crescent.

Opening hours

The Tim Neville Arboretum is open every day, during daylight hours.

History

The Arboretum was originally an apple orchard owned by the Dobson family.

Knox City Council took over the land in 1975, making the Arboretum its major project for the Bicentenary.

In 1993, the Arboretum was named after Tim Neville, who was Chief Executive of the City of Knox.

His vision inspired the creation of 'The People’s Park’.

'The People's Park'

The community has been fundamental to the Arboretum including:

  • developing most pieces of artwork
  • children and residents made tiles you can find through the reserve
  • the community helped open the playground in 1996
  • trees were donated by Knox families and businesses
  • school children planted the trees and local companies donated materials.
  • service clubs built the free BBQs.

Need help?

Contact us and we will come back to you.

Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.

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