Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
A 38-hectare English-style garden established in 1846, with about 8,500 plant species around an ornamental lake. It sits next to the Shrine of Remembrance and is Melbourne's urban green lung, where locals jog, picnic, and enjoy skyline views.
The Royal Botanic Gardens lie on the south bank of the Yarra River, 2 km southeast of the CBD. Established in 1846, the gardens cover 38 hectares and hold around 8,500 plant species. The grounds follow a 19th-century English landscape layout. Highlights include the Ornamental Lake, where you can take a punt tour for about AUD 40 for 30 minutes; Fern Gully, a cool and damp primeval fernery; the Cactus Garden; the Australian Native Garden; the Bamboo Garden; the Rose Garden; and Guilfoyle's Volcano, whose lookout offers views of the skyline. The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden is a free water-play area for families. Next door, the Shrine of Remembrance, built in 1934, is free to enter, and you can climb to its top for views of the CBD skyline. The gardens are often combined with Captain Cook's Cottage in the Kings Domain, which was transported in its entirety from England and stands in Fitzroy Gardens. Events: Moonlight Cinema outdoor films and Shakespeare performances run in summer (December to March). Dining options include The Terrace café and Jardin Tan restaurant by the lake. The 4-km Tan Track loop around the gardens is a favorite jogging route for Melburnians. Entry is free. Opening hours run from 7:30 am to sunset (about 8:30 pm in summer, about 5:30 pm in winter). Getting there: take tram routes 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, or 72 to the Shrine of Remembrance stop (Domain Interchange), or walk 20 minutes from Flinders Street Station, crossing Princes Bridge and following the river. Notes: cycling is banned in the gardens, and some lawn areas are signposted as off-limits. Mosquitoes are plentiful and UV is strong in summer. Lawns get crowded with picnickers on weekends.
Opening hours
07:30 to sunset (summer approx. until 20:30; winter approx. until 17:30)
Nearby sights
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)
- Hosier Lane
- Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Tower)
- Flinders Street Station & Federation Square
- Fitzroy Gardens & Cooks' Cottage
- City Circle Tram (Route 35)