The Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne stretch from the edge of Melbourne’s CBD through to the inner southern suburbs, covering over 36 hectares of terrain.
A beautiful example of both native and foreign flora, the gardens feature more than 50,000 plants and innumerable species, which bloom throughout the year. Visitors can experience The Royal Botanical Gardens anytime, as it is open to the public to visit independently seven days a week. Events and tours also run year round and are a great way to experience the gardens.
In summer The Royal Botanic Gardens is host to Moonlight Cinema, an outdoor cinema experience where patrons can take their picnic rug and enjoy a cinematic experience under the stars, right within the heart of gardens.
Families can enjoy the gardens beautiful grounds at the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden. The playground is a 5,000 square metre discovery area for children of all ages and abilities. The playground can be found in South Yarra, just off the main site.
Visitors can unwind at one of two cafes, The Terrace or Jardin Tan.
Facts about The Royal Botanical Gardens
- The Royal Botanical Gardens are open everyday from 7:30am to sunset.
- The Royal Botanical Gardens are located at Birdswood Avenue.
- They opened to the public in 1846 on the south side of the Yarra River.
- The Royal Botanical Gardens extend across 36 hectares that slope to the river with trees, garden beds, lakes and lawns.
- It is home to the State Botanical Collection which is housed in the National Herbarium of Victoria. It is Australia’s most comprehensive botanical library. More than 1.5 million dried plant and fungi collections are housed at the herbarium.
- There are approximately 1 million visitors per year who visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- There are daily free guided tours of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
