Sherbrooke in Yarra Ranges Shire, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Alfred Nicholas Gardens

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 14, 2026

1. Alfred Nicholas Gardens Marker

Inscription. The success of the Aspro

These gardens were a part of the historic Burnham Beeches Estate, home of the Nicholas family, wealthy developers of the Aspro formula. Designed as a 19th century hill station, the gardens are renowned for their extensive water features including a quaint boathouse, the unusual Blackfish Pond and a picturesque lake filled by two waterfalls.

The Nicholas fortune
Alfred Nicholas purchased the land in 1929 to build his summer residence and then proceeded to buy surrounding land to add to his estate.

Alfred and his brother George developed the Aspro pain killer. It was originally a German discovery however supplies were cut off during World War I. George, a chemist from Melbourne, re-discovered the formula, the Australian Government awarded the patent and the Nicolas fortune began.

As the business success continued Mr Nicholas travelled to England where he met Percival ("Percy") Trvaskis who was employed at the Bureau of Etymology at Kew Gardens in southwest London. Nicholas offered Perry the position of head gardener for his gardens. After arriving in Australia Percy set about laying

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out the garden, importing plants, creating rockeries, a waterfall and an ornamental lake to create a hill station style garden. Up to 80 men were have known to have worked on the garden construction at any one time as Alfred was able to utilise the large itinerant workforce during the Depression years.

The Nicholas family decided in 1965 to donate the gardens to the people of Victoria by way of the local shire council. In 1972, the council handed the garden over to the Victorian State Government.

Exploring the gardens
The many linking paths through the gardens take you beneath a canopy of mountain ash trees, the tallest flowering plants in the world. The main lake and boathouse at the bottom of the garden make an excellent short walk, picnic destination and photo opportunity.

Seasonal highlights
The gardens feature a blend of native and exotic trees including mountain ash, ginkgos, maples and liquid ambers. Colour is provided throughout the year by a variety of flowering exotic shrubs, bulbs and trees.

Erected by Parks Victoria.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry

Alfred Nicholas Gardens Marker at the entrance to the gardens image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, July 14, 2026

2. Alfred Nicholas Gardens Marker at the entrance to the gardens

• Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.

Location. 37° 52.609′ S, 145° 21.396′ E. Marker is in Sherbrooke, Victoria, in Yarra Ranges Shire. It is on Sherbrooke Road 0.3 kilometers west of Mizmaze Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1A Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke VIC 3789, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: George Tindale Garden (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); Ramon Cowling Bushland Reserve (approx. 6.4 kilometers away); The People's Garden (approx. 7.4 kilometers away); Storm Leaves (approx. 7.4 kilometers away); Montrose War Memorial (approx. 7.5 kilometers away); Robert Riddett's Cottage (approx. 7.5 kilometers away); Major Charles Morris (1856-1935) (approx. 7.5 kilometers

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away); Australian Nurses Memorial / Local Nurses that served in War (approx. 7.5 kilometers away).

Also see . . . Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Parks Victoria

Nestled beside the historic Burnham Beeches estate, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is the magnificent remnant of 1930s landscape design. Renowned for its extensive water features, exotic trees, fine rock walls and sweeping terraces, this 13-hecatre haven reflects the grandeur of one of Victoria’s most impressive hill station gardens from the early 20th century.

Transferred to the State in 1973, the garden preserves a remarkable collection of exotic plants and mature specimens. Visitors can wander along a network of meandering paths beneath towering Mountain Ash trees, discovering new perspectives at every turn.

Make your way down to the picturesque lake, where a charming boathouse offers the perfect picnic spot. Pause in the gazebo to admire the captivating sculpture by Mark Stoner or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll with your dog (on lead) through the arboretum’s ever-changing tapestry of blooms and foliage.

Though Alfred Nicholas’s Art Moderne mansion is no longer part of the property, its presence is still felt — clearly visible through the trees and providing a glimpse into how house and garden once formed a single, grand landscape.

Delightful in every season, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is a tranquil escape that blends history, horticulture, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience.

(Submitted on August 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.