A neglected former golf course in the Dandenongs will be turned into parkland and become part of Melbourne's newest botanic garden.

The Olinda public golf course closed more than five years ago after being abandoned by its owners. It has since been maintained by Parks Victoria as a bushfire break in the Dandenong Ranges.

The Kurume bowl and pond in the National Rhododendron Gardens, which will become part of the new Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Credit:Parks Victoria

Wedged between the National Rhododendron Gardens and the Dandenong Ranges National Park, the former course will be converted to parkland in mid-2018.

The Andrews government will spend $4.72 million converting the 34-hectare zone to parkland, which will include open space, picnic areas and a sports oval.