Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

What it is

Melbourne's botanic gardens were founded in 1846 and given their sweeping, picturesque layout later in the century by the director William Guilfoyle. Curving paths, an ornamental lake, wide lawns and carefully framed views make it one of the finest landscape gardens in the southern hemisphere. Collections include camellias, which flower through the cooler months, roses, a fern gully, an arid garden, and a water-saving garden built in an old reservoir known as Guilfoyle's Volcano. Australian plants have their own areas. The gardens stand on the land of the Kulin nation, and Aboriginal guides lead heritage walks.

Before you go

• Entry is free. Allow two to three hours.
• Winter is camellia season. Spring and autumn have the widest range of flowers.
• Picnics on the lawns are welcome. Take your rubbish with you.

The flowers you will see

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursWaterlilyFloating aquatic flowers found in ponds and lakes worldwide

Also part of it, and being written: Camellia japonica, Banksia, Magnolia.

Read more

Royal Botanic Gardens VictoriaTwo landmark gardens in Melbourne and Cranbourne for plant collections and Australian flora

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