Ganesh Visarjan Melbourne 2025 on 5 Sept. Find approved locations at Dandenong Creek, Caribbean Gardens, temple options, permit process, safety tips & eco-friendly alternatives. Complete guide.

Ganesh Visarjan Melbourne 2025: Complete Guide to Locations, Permits & Essential Tips

By Priya Krishnamurthy | Last Updated: 26 August 2025 | Melbourne Visarjan Coordinator

G’day Melbourne! As I sit here in my Dandenong home, watching the community WhatsApp groups explode with visarjan questions, I’m reminded of my first Ganesh Visarjan in Melbourne eight years ago. Back then, we were a confused group at Dandenong Creek, unsure about rules and worried about doing something wrong. Today, thanks to years of community effort and council cooperation, we have organized, legal, and beautiful visarjan options. This guide contains everything I’ve learned coordinating visarjan events across Melbourne – consider it your complete roadmap for a memorable and hassle-free Ganesh Visarjan 2025.

Ganesh Visarjan Melbourne 2025: Essential Information

Primary Date: Friday, 5 September 2025 (Anant Chaturdashi)
Main Location: Dandenong Creek, Tirhatuan Park
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Managed By: Hindu Council of Australia (Victoria)

Alternative Visarjan Dates:

• 28 August (1.5 day): Evening arrangements at temples
• 29 August (3 day): Limited locations
• 31 August (5 day): Weekend option available
• 2 September (7 day): Weekday evening slots

Primary Visarjan Location: Dandenong Creek, Tirhatuan Park

Complete Location Details

Official Address:
Tirhatuan Park, Heatherton Road, Dandenong VIC 3175

GPS Coordinates:
-37.9886° S, 145.2094° E

Melway Reference:
Map 90 E8

Designated Visarjan Zone:
Eastern section of the park along Dandenong Creek, marked with Hindu Council banners and orange safety barriers. Follow the signs from the main entrance.

Detailed Timings for 5 September 2025

12:00 PM – Volunteer setup begins
1:00 PM – Registration desk opens
2:00 PM – Official ceremonies commence
2:00-4:00 PM – Ideal for families with children
4:00-6:00 PM – Peak hours (maximum crowd)
6:00 PM – Sunset maha aarti
6:30 PM – Final immersions
7:00 PM – Official closure
7:30 PM – Cleanup begins

Special Arrangements:

• Priests available throughout for rituals
• Live bhajan singers from 3:00 PM
• Free prasad distribution at 5:00 PM

How to Reach Tirhatuan Park

By Car from Different Areas:

From Melbourne CBD (30 km):

• Monash Freeway (M1) → Heatherton Road exit
• Journey time: 35-45 minutes
• Avoid: Princes Highway (heavy traffic)

From Western Suburbs:

• West Gate Freeway → Monash Freeway → Heatherton Road
• Journey time: 45-60 minutes

From Northern Suburbs:

• Eastern Freeway → EastLink → Monash Freeway
• Journey time: 50-70 minutes

Parking Information:

• Main car park: 300 spaces (fills by 3:30 PM)
• Overflow parking: Dandenong Park (10-minute walk)
• Street parking: Limited on Heatherton Road
• Accessible parking: 15 spots near entrance
• Parking fee: FREE

Public Transport Options:

Train + Shuttle:

• Dandenong Station (Pakenham/Cranbourne lines)
• FREE shuttle buses every 15 minutes (1:30-7:30 PM)
• Shuttle pickup: Station’s Foster Street exit

Bus Routes:

• 813: Dandenong to Waverley Gardens (stops nearby)
• 848/849: Dandenong local routes
• Walk: 15 minutes from bus stops

Community Transport:

• Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple: 3 buses departing 1:30 PM
• ISKCON Dandenong: Minibus at 2:00 PM
• Book through respective temples

Registration & Permit Requirements

Individual Families (Under 20 people):

• No pre-registration required
• Sign attendance at entry desk
• Receive wristband and information pack

Small Groups (20-50 people):

• Online registration recommended
• Website: hinducouncil.com.au/visarjan
• Deadline: 3 September 2025

Large Groups (50+ people):

• Mandatory pre-registration
• Submit by: 20 August 2025
• Requirements:
  • Group leader details
  • Estimated attendance
  • Arrival time slot
  • Public liability insurance

Permit Process for Organizations:

1. Application: Download from Greater Dandenong Council website
2. Documents Required:
   • Event management plan
   • Site layout diagram
   • Insurance certificate ($20 million public liability)
   • Traffic management plan (if 200+ people)
   • Waste management strategy
3. Submission: Email to [email protected]
4. Fee: $350 for community groups
5. Processing: 21 days minimum

Note: Hindu Council has master permit; individual families don’t need separate permits

Read this also:
1. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Australia: Date, Muhurat, Aarti
2. Ganesh Visarjan Sydney 2025: Silverwater Park Timings, Permits & Complete Location Guide
3. Ganesh Visarjan Australia 2025: Complete Guide to Dates, Locations & Permits

Alternative Visarjan Locations in Melbourne

1. Caribbean Gardens Lake, Scoresby

The Eco-Friendly Innovation

Address: 1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby VIC 3179
Dates Available: All visarjan days (28 Aug – 5 Sept)
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Unique Features:

• Purpose-built artificial lake for visarjan
• Idols retrieved immediately after immersion
• Clay recycled for next year’s idols
• Covered pavilion for weather protection

Process:

1. Register at entrance ($10 per family)
2. Receive queue number
3. Guided to immersion platform
4. 10-minute slot for rituals
5. Professional photos available

Why Choose This:

• No environmental impact
• All-weather facility
• Ample parking (500+ spaces)
• Café and amenities on-site
• Kids’ playground nearby

Booking: caribbeangardens.com.au/visarjan

2. Maribyrnong River – Footscray Park

Limited Access Option

Address: Ballarat Road, Footscray VIC 3011
Status: Conditional approval for small groups only
Capacity: Maximum 50 people at a time

Special Conditions:

• Groups under 50 only
• Advance permit from Maribyrnong Council
• Strictly clay idols
• No decorations in water
• Self-cleanup required

Permit Application:

• Email: [email protected]
• Lead time: 14 days
• Cost: $200 deposit (refundable)

Best For: Western suburbs residents wanting nearby option

3. Temple-Based Visarjan Facilities

Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Carrum Downs

Melbourne’s largest temple visarjan facility

Address: 145 Forresters Road, Carrum Downs VIC 3201
Facility: Olympic-size tank specially constructed
Date: 5 September, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Special Features:

• Continuous aarti and bhajans
• Multiple priests available
• Free prasad meals all day
• Clay distribution post-visarjan
• Ample parking and facilities

Process:

• No booking required
• Gold coin donation appreciated
• Queue system for peak times
• Average wait: 20-30 minutes

ISKCON Temple, Dandenong

Address: 197 Dandenong Road, Dandenong VIC 3175
Timings: 5 September, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Highlights:

• Beautiful kirtan during visarjan
• Prasadam feast included
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Smaller crowds

Sankat Mochan Samiti, Glen Waverley

Address: 7-9 Compark Circuit, Glen Waverley VIC 3150
Special: Accepts idols from 3 September
Community visarjan: 5 September evening

4. Home Visarjan Solutions

Melbourne Water Approved Method:

Materials Needed:

• Large container/inflatable pool
• Clean water
• Flowers and prasad
• Strainer for clay collection

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Fill container with water
2. Perform complete pooja
3. Immerse Ganesh with mantras
4. Let dissolve (24-48 hours)
5. Strain remaining clay
6. Use water for garden
7. Clay in compost/garden bed

Apartment Solutions:

• Coordinate with body corporate
• Use common area gardens
• Many buildings organizing group visarjan
• Check with building management

Community Support:

• Video tutorials on Hindu Council website
• WhatsApp groups for guidance
• Temple priests available for questions

Procession Routes & Timings

Main Procession: Dandenong to Tirhatuan Park

Assembly Point: Dandenong Plaza (Lonsdale Street)
Assembly Time: 1:00 PM
Departure: 1:30 PM

Route:
Lonsdale Street → Foster Street → Princes Highway → Heatherton Road → Tirhatuan Park

Procession Features:

• Victoria Police escort
• 5 decorated trucks
• Dhol and band groups
• Expected participants: 3000+
• Duration: 45 minutes

Join the Procession:

• No registration needed
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring water
• Follow marshal instructions

Regional Processions

Clayton: Departs Clayton Community Centre at 1:00 PM
Glen Waverley: From Kingsway at 12:30 PM
Noble Park: From Paddy O’Donoghue Centre at 1:15 PM

Safety Guidelines & Council Regulations

Environmental Compliance

City of Greater Dandenong Requirements:

Allowed:
✓ Natural clay idols only
✓ Flowers (collected separately)
✓ Biodegradable decorations
✓ Natural colors/paints

Prohibited:
✗ Plaster of Paris idols
✗ Chemical paints
✗ Plastic/synthetic materials
✗ Thermocol decorations
✗ Metal items
✗ Food in water

Penalties:

• Individuals: Up to $3,300
• Organizations: Up to $16,500

Water Safety Measures

Dandenong Creek Precautions:

• Stay behind barriers always
• No entering water
• Children must be supervised
• Life guards on duty
• Depth varies: 0.5-2 meters

Emergency Provisions:

• First aid stations (3 locations)
• St John Ambulance on-site
• Water safety team ready
• Emergency evacuation plan

Crowd Management

Expected Attendance: 5,000-7,000 people

Safety Measures:

• Designated pathways
• One-way flow system
• Capacity monitoring
• Queue management
• Lost children tent

Your Responsibilities:

• Keep left on paths
• Follow volunteer directions
• Don’t push in queues
• Keep groups together
• Report concerns immediately

Essential Tips for Smooth Visarjan

Timing Strategy Guide

For Peaceful Experience:

• Arrive 2:00-3:30 PM
• Weekday alternatives less crowded
• Early morning at temples

For Community Atmosphere:

• Join main procession
• Peak time 4:00-6:00 PM
• Sunset aarti at 6:00 PM

For Elderly/Young Children:

• Caribbean Gardens best option
• Temple mornings ideal
• Avoid peak hours

Preparation Checklist

Two Days Before:
✓ Remove non-biodegradable decorations
✓ Check weather forecast
✓ Confirm transport plans
✓ Prepare prasad
✓ Pack essentials bag

Night Before:
✓ Final decoration check
✓ Pack change clothes
✓ Prepare early breakfast
✓ Charge phones
✓ Check traffic updates

Day Of Visarjan:
✓ Light meal only
✓ Dress comfortably
✓ Waterproof valuables
✓ Carry medications
✓ Leave early

What to Bring

Essentials:

• Towels and change of clothes
• Plastic bags for wet items
• Water bottles
• Light snacks
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Small first aid kit

For Rituals:

• Flowers (separate bag)
• Prasad for distribution
• Camphor/incense
• Small donation

Comfort Items:

• Folding chairs (elderly)
• Umbrella (sun/rain)
• Portable phone charger
• Cash for parking/donations

Photography Etiquette

Do’s:

• Capture memories respectfully
• Share with community later
• Tag #GaneshVisarjanMelbourne
• Credit Hindu Council

Don’ts:

• Block others’ view
• Use flash during aarti
• Photograph emotional moments
• Fly drones without permit

Special Considerations

For First-Timers

What to Expect:

• Emotional atmosphere
• Large crowds
• Waiting times
• Community spirit
• Mixed languages

Tips:

• Arrive early
• Ask volunteers for help
• Join a group if alone
• Download Hindu Council app
• Save emergency numbers

For Elderly Devotees

Special Provisions:

• Priority queues available
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Seating areas provided
• Golf cart transport
• Medical team on-site

Best Options:

• Caribbean Gardens (most comfortable)
• Temple morning slots
• Avoid main procession

For Families with Young Children

Child-Friendly Features:

• Kids’ activity zone at Tirhatuan
• Face painting available
• Lost children protocols
• Baby change facilities
• Pram parking areas

Tips:

• Bring snacks and entertainment
• Use identification wristbands
• Set meeting points
• Consider temple options
• Avoid peak hours

Post-Visarjan Information

Environmental Impact Management

What Happens After:

1. Professional divers collect idols
2. Clay sorted and processed
3. Flowers composted
4. Water quality tested
5. Site restored by morning

Community Participation:

• Volunteer for cleanup (7-9 PM)
• Receive certificate
• Refreshments provided
• Great community service

Cultural Programs

After Visarjan at Tirhatuan Park:

• 7:00-8:00 PM: Bhajan session
• 8:00-9:00 PM: Community dinner
• 9:00 PM: Vote of thanks

Temple Programs:

• Continue till late evening
• Special prasad distribution
• Video screening of day’s events

Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Contacts & Resources

On-Site Emergency: First Aid tents or call 000
Hindu Council Helpline: 1300 HINDU1 (1300 446 381)
Dandenong Police: (03) 9792 3211

Ganpati Bappa Morya, Melbourne! Celebrate with devotion—and keep it eco‑friendly and compliant.