OVERVIEW

Just a stone’s throw from Melbourne’s city centre, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is one of Australia’s most beloved green spaces. Established in 1846, it spans 38 hectares of beautifully designed landscapes featuring over 8,500 plant species from around the world. Visitors can wander through tranquil lakeside paths, themed gardens, and lush lawns framed by towering trees. Whether you’re here for a quiet picnic, a guided walk, or to soak in the views across the ornamental lake, this is a must-see Melbourne icon. Entry is free.

QUICK FACTS

Opening Hours

Daily, 7.30 am – sunset

Entry Fee

Free

Location

Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra VIC

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early summer for colourful blooms; autumn for striking foliage; winter for peaceful walks and birdlife.

Suggested Visit Duration

2–3 hours (longer if joining a guided walk or visiting the Aboriginal Heritage Walk)

Photo credit: Devin Macdonald/Unsplash

HIGHLIGHTS

There’s always something to discover in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Some of the most popular highlights include:

Guilfoyle’s Volcano: A striking 19th-century water reservoir transformed into a dramatic display of cacti, succulents, and native grasses.

The Rose Pavilion: A romantic spot surrounded by fragrant blooms in season.

Fern Gully: A cool, shaded retreat featuring ferns, palms, and a winding creek.

Ornamental Lake: Enjoy a peaceful stroll or a ride on the Garden Explorer electric vehicle.

Children’s Garden: Designed for hands-on exploration, this space encourages curiosity about the natural world.

Herbarium and Plant Collections: A living museum showcasing both exotic and native flora.

VISITOR INFORMATION

FACILITIES

☕ Two cafés (Jardin Tan and The Terrace)

🚻 Toilets throughout the gardens

🅿️ Limited parking nearby

Visitor Centre and gift shop

Picnic areas and seating

ACCESSIBILITY

Most paths are paved and accessible to wheelchairs and prams. Accessible toilets are available at multiple locations. The Garden Explorer vehicle offers an easy way to see the gardens for those with mobility limitations.

GETTING HERE

Public Transport: Just a 10-minute walk from Flinders Street Station across the Yarra River. Alternatively, take tram routes 3/5/6/16/64/67/72 along St Kilda Road and alight at Stop 19 (Domain Road).

Parking: Metered parking is available along Birdwood Avenue, though it can fill quickly on weekends.

IS THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES?

Absolutely. Families will love the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden with its water features, bamboo forest, and digging areas. The wide paths make it easy to navigate with prams, and there’s plenty of open space for a relaxed picnic.

FOOD AND DRINK

Two excellent options within the gardens:

• Jardin Tan: A modern Vietnamese-fusion café in a lush setting near the Observatory Gate.

• The Terrace: Overlooking Ornamental Lake, perfect for lunch or afternoon tea.

Nearby Southbank also offers a wide choice of cafés and restaurants for a post-garden meal.

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

• Guided walks and tours

• Aboriginal Heritage Walk exploring Indigenous history and plant use

• Seasonal plant sales and exhibitions

• Summer evening cinema and music events

• Wellness programs including yoga and forest bathing

INSIDER TIP

Arrive early and take the lakeside path loop for the best morning light and tranquil reflections. Afterwards, stop at The Terrace café for a coffee overlooking the water.

Photo credit: Stockvault

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is within walking distance of city centre attractions.

SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE

Adjacent to the gardens; climb to the balcony for panoramic city views

NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA

10-minute walk along St Kilda Road

Lively dining and riverside walking area nearby

SOUTHBANK PROMENADE

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Website: rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens

Contact: +61 3 9252 2300