What’s On Autumn 2021
Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens
Autumn has arrived in all its colourful splendour at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens. Whether it is autumn leaves or autumn-flowering plants, this is one of the most beautiful times of year to stop by and enjoy time outdoors. A stroll through our stunning landscapes and diverse living collections is the perfect way to enjoy the best weather we have all year.
Opening Hours
We begin our celebration of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s 175th year, with our unmissable Garden Gathering Vol. 1 & 2. The gatherings will be a toast to the glory of autumn, taking place first in Melbourne Gardens’ Arid and Drylands Precinct in March and then on the grand Oak Lawn atop a shady sea of bronzed leaves in May. Melburnians should also keep an eye out for the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria wrapped tram, which is now running along the 109 and 48 tram routes. Created in partnership with Yarra Trams, it beautifully captures the theme of our 175th year – Together We Gather.
Cranbourne Gardens Daily, 9am – 5pm
Young ones will be excited to hear that a very special Cranbourne Gardens resident has come out of hibernation! Our great big Southern Brown Bandicoot is back for Big Bandicoot Backyard, along with plenty of fun family activities to help you discover how to protect these precious critters and create habitats in your home garden. During the Big Bandicoot Backyard, we will launch the wonderful children’s book, Bindi & Buddy, that tells the story of the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot. Our fan favourite walks and tours at both Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens run throughout autumn, including free guided walks, The Explorer bus tours and a new addition in the form of the exceptional Cranbourne Gardens Heritage Walk. Deep dive into the history of the site while surrounded by incredible native landscapes and stunning flora. Here’s to a new season! I can’t wait to see you at the Gardens, Professor Tim Entwisle Director and Chief Executive
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and learn and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future.
Melbourne Gardens October – March Daily, 7.30am – 7.30pm April – September Daily, 7.30am – 5.30pm
Booking Information Book online: rbg.vic.gov.au Book via phone: Melbourne Gardens: 03 9252 2429 Cranbourne Gardens: 03 5990 2262 Coronavirus Statement Our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of visitors and staff. To protect others and help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), you must stay at home if you are unwell, even if your symptoms are mild. All upcoming events and programs have COVIDSafe plans, however they may be subject to change in accordance with government restrictions. In the case of a program cancellation or date change, those who have placed a booking will be informed via email and if necessary, fully refunded.
Experience the wonders of nature. Discover what’s on at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens this autumn.
Choose your own adventure
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Secret Life of Birds
Special Events Garden Gathering Vol. 1
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Garden Gathering Vol. 2
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Wellbeing Forest Therapy
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Harp Meditations
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Botany Bootcamp
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Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail
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The Mallee on the Map
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare Under the Stars
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Fresh Eyes 13 Reimagining Robin Boyd’s Walsh Street Waterfront: ‘Mushi’ - Concept to Prototype
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Sonica Botanica
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Flora and the Baron
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Families Seek and Find Nature Cards
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Kids Explorer
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Big Bandicoot Backyard
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Bindi & Buddy Book Launch
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Trees in the Australian Garden
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ClimateWatch Walk Melbourne Gardens
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ClimateWatch Walk Cranbourne Gardens
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Birds in the Australian Garden
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National Eucalypt Day Walk
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Branch Out: Over 60s
Arts & Culture Moonlight Cinema
Nature Lovers
Harp Meditations
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Forest Therapy
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Aboriginal Knowledge Aboriginal Heritage Walk
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Cranbourne Gardens Heritage Walk
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Tours The Explorer Melbourne Gardens
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Punting on the Lake
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Free Guided Walk
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The Explorer Cranbourne Gardens
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Great Southern Land Walk
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Choose your own adventure at Garden Gathering
Our 175th year is all about celebrating the Gardens by encouraging visitors to connect with nature while discovering new experiences with loved ones. Alongside an exciting lineup of programs and events, we’ve created a series of free, outdoor and always-on activities to help you unleash your creativity at Melbourne Gardens in a socially distanced way. These self-guided activities for solo or group explorers will be launched at Garden Gathering Vol 1. and will allow you to uncover the stories behind the Gardens in your own time and at your own pace as you choose your adventure. From participatory to contemplative activities to the chance to become a nature detective, there’s something for everyone. If you love to sit, reflect and take in the sounds of nature at the Gardens, make sure to tune in to Sonica Botanica. These evocative experiences are best listened to through headphones in the landscapes which inspired them, the Arid Garden and Oak Lawn, and respond to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, cultural viewpoints and more. The first Arid Garden-inspired track is available for download now – prepare to be immersed in intertwining stories, atmospheric music and mesmerising sounds of the natural environment.
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You and your little ones can become nature explorers as you venture through Melbourne Gardens with Seek and Find Nature Cards, specially developed by artist Claire Mosley. Collect a card and explore diverse landscapes and living collections as you search for all things big and small. Nature has been a resounding influence behind some of the most powerful poetry ever created. Be inspired to create a naturebased poem of your own at the Gardens with your Tree VERSE: DIY poetry guide, which gives you the chance to spend some time talking with the Gardens’ trees and writing poems inspired by them using a guide developed with Australian Poetry. Share your gardens-inspired poetry with us by emailing it to poetry@rbg.vic.gov.au for a chance to have it published in a digital chapbook celebrating our 175th year. If you feel comfortable, please tell us in a couple of sentences your first name, age, location, and something about you when sending in your poem. There are plenty more creative activities on offer to help you get in touch with nature on your visit to the Gardens, and all materials can be collected as you enter the Garden Gathering. Take a look at talks and workshops on offer to compliment your self-guided activities and enjoy a great day out at the Gardens.
S P EC IA L EVENT
Garden Gathering Vol. 1 Garden Gathering Vol. 1 is the first in a series of events that honour the past, present and future in Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s 175th year. Each Gathering will focus on a different landscape in Melbourne Gardens in celebration of the Gardens’ place at the nexus of nature, culture and science. The first Garden Gathering embraces the newly developed Arid Garden and surrounds including Eucalypt Lawn and Guilfoyle’s Volcano. Pack a picnic and spend the day immersing in curator talks, guided tours, creative workshops and self-guided activities.
Melbourne Gardens Sat 27 Mar 10am – 3pm Free Bookings essential Arid and Drylands Precinct, enter via Gate D → Click here to book
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S P EC IA L EVENT
Garden Gathering Vol. 2 Meet me on Oak Lawn Garden Gathering Vol. 2 is the second in a series of events that honour the past, present and future in Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s 175th year. Each Gathering will focus on a different landscape in Melbourne Gardens in celebration of the Gardens’ place at the nexus of nature, culture and science. The second Garden Gathering in autumn celebrates the unique areas surrounding Oak Lawn including the National Herbarium of Victoria. Spend the day immersing in expert tours, creative workshops and choose your own adventure activities.
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Melbourne Gardens Sat 22 May 10am – 3pm Free Bookings essential Oak Lawn and surrounds, enter via Gate F → Click here to book
WE L L B EI NG
Connecting to nature and spending time outdoors is more important for our mental and physical wellbeing than ever before. Give yourself permission to slow down as you relax and unwind in nature with wellbeing experiences at the Gardens.
Forest Therapy Originating from Japan, shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy, is a preventative health practice that immerses your senses in nature. This guided wellbeing experience will bolster your mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, regulating pulse and blood pressure and elevating your mood. Recognised as a public health practice in Asia and Europe, forest therapy is gaining global acclaim as an evidence-based, cost-effective and natural remedy – a ‘green prescription’ for a healthier you. Surround yourself with biodiversity from across the globe at Melbourne Gardens, or take in the soothing native landscape at the launch of the experience at Cranbourne Gardens.
Melbourne Gardens
Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
Cranbourne Gardens
Sun 7, 14, 21 & 28 Mar Sun 11 & 18 April Sun 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 May 10am (2hrs) $35 per person Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
Sun 21 Mar Sun 18 Apr Sun 23 May 10.30am (2hrs) $30 per person Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book 5
WE L L B EI NG
Harp Meditations Relax and take in the colours of sunset while listening to the soothing sounds of music composed by harpist Michael Johnson in the glorious and newly restored Arid Garden. Michael leads a calming guided meditation followed by a soothing concert, interwoven with tales of the inspiration he draws from the Gardens. Draw down on a sense of peace, calm and wellbeing within stunning surrounds of cacti and succulents.
Melbourne Gardens Wed 10 Mar Wed 31 Mar 6pm (1hr) $20 per person Bookings essential Arid Garden, enter via Gate C → Click here to book
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WE L L B EI NG
Botany Bootcamp Post-lockdown blues need a greening? Tired of looking at the same old houseplants day-in-day-out? Give your plant blindness the boot and your mind and body a boost as you power walk between the lush living plant collections at Melbourne Gardens. Take a magnified journey into the wonderful world of botany while celebrating the evolution of the Gardens’ landscapes in its 175th year.
Melbourne Gardens
Join Dr Meg Hirst from the Victorian Conservation Seedbank and landscape architect Georgia Warren and work up a sweat as they take you down the garden path. You will receive your very own Botanist’s magnifying hand lens to take home.
Bookings essential
Sat 13 Mar Sat 17 Apr Sat 22 May 10.30am (2hrs) $30 per person Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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Unwind in Nature Hire a deck chair from the Melbourne Gardens Visitor Centre or online rbg.vic.gov.au/deckchairs $10 for the day $5 for two hours
A RTS & C ULTURE
Arts and nature come together at the Gardens. These immersive experiences will allow your creativity to unfurl as you experience the Gardens and their historical and cultural significance in captivating and contemporary ways.
Moonlight Cinema Kick back with a film under the stars as Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema returns to the lush Central Lawn for its 25th season. As the sun sets, relax with family and friends as you settle in for a summer night of entertainment surrounded by the beauty of Melbourne Gardens. Pack your own picnic or enjoy delicious food and drinks from the bar.
Melbourne Gardens Thu 7 Jan – Sun 25 Apr Daily except Mon Gates open at 7pm. Movie starts at approx. 8.45pm General Admission $20 per person Premium seating available in Gold Grass, Connoisseur Lounge and Platinum Experience Bookings essential Central Lawn, enter from Gate D (off Birdwood Ave) → Click here to book
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A RTS & C ULTURE
Me and UooUoo The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail Vombatus Uoo by Nathan Ferlazzo encourages you to explore and discover. This UooUoo reflects the joy of being outside among nature and wildlife. Vombatus Uoo is one of a hundred UooUoo sculptures designed by Australian artists that will find homes in laneways, streets, parks and public spaces, forming a large scale outdoor public art trail of discovery and adventure throughout Melbourne and Geelong. Me and UooUoo inspires us all to get active and contribute to the enduring legacy of The Royal Children’s Hospital for future generations to come.
Melbourne Gardens Wed 20 Jan – Mon 5 Apr Free Observatory Precinct → Click here for details
Presented by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
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Image credit: Vombatus Uoo by Nathan Ferlazzo
A RTS & C ULTURE
The Mallee on the Map When Eileen Ramsay began collecting plants in the late 1940s, the self-described ‘lover of the wild’ and passionate plant collector expressed a most earnest desire to help put the Mallee area on the map. Over a decade, the Red Cliffs resident assembled a collection of more than a thousand plant specimens, adding 10 species to the list of plants formally recorded in Victoria.
Mildura Arts Centre Sat 13 Feb – Sun 25 Apr Daily, 10am – 4pm Free → Click here for details
Originally conserved at the Mildura Arts Centre, Eileen’s plant collection is now housed in the National Herbarium of Victoria at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, where it contributes to critical science and conservation research. The Mallee on the Map provides a special glimpse into this important collection and celebrates Eileen’s life and botanical legacy. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Mildura Arts Centre.
Image credit: Mary Chandler
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A RTS & C ULTURE
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare Under the Stars After a sellout summer, The Australian Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns for an extended season. Be transported from balmy Melbourne Gardens to the interwoven world of Lovers, Fairies and Fools under the stars. The jewel in the Shakespeare comedy crown is set to take audiences of all ages on a delightful and riotous ride. See the Gardens illuminated in the night, glowing and sparkling while you reel with laughter as the tale unfolds.
Melbourne Gardens
When the King and Queen of the Fairies cross paths with a quartet of runaway lovers and a group of thespian tradesmen attempting to rehearse a play, this one night in the enchanted forest takes them on one wild ride. As the fairies magically meddle in the lives of the mortals, love triangles, misconceptions and transformation abound with hilarious consequences!
$40 – $110
Presented by Glenn Elston and The Australian Shakespeare Company as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
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Thu 11 – 28 March Performance days and times vary. General Admission $25 – $59 A-Reserve Southern Cross Lawn → Click here for details and to book
A RTS & C ULTURE
Fresh Eyes Reimagining Robin Boyd’s Walsh Street Robin Boyd was an Australian architect, writer, teacher, social commentator and a leader in Melbourne’s Modern Architecture movement. He was a visionary in urban design and outspoken on the ‘Australian Identity’. ‘Walsh Street’, the house Robin Boyd designed for his own family in 1957, is his most well-known work and a stone’s throw from Melbourne Gardens. It has been extensively published both nationally and internationally as an exemplar of modernist Australian architecture and a house that continues to influence architectural thinking. It is now the home of the Robin Boyd Foundation.
Melbourne Gardens Exhibition: Thu 25 Mar – Thu 1 Apr 12pm – 5pm, drop in anytime Talk: Sat 27 Mar Free Domain House → Click here for details
Presented as a part of Melbourne Design Week, this exhibition displays Boyd’s ‘Walsh Street’ through the lens of some of our best contemporary architecture photographers. The Robin Boyd Foundation has asked these Melbourne photographers to look at this iconic home with FRESH EYES. Alongside the exhibition, join us on Saturday 27 March for a series of short conversations with some of Melbourne’s leading architects around the theme of ‘Landscaping the Domestic’. These talks are presented in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Presented by Robin Boyd Foundation in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Melbourne Design Week. Image credit: John Gollings
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A RTS & C ULTURE
Waterfront: ‘Mushi’ Concept to Prototype An exciting new design and research collaboration between ARUP, Swinburne University and Studio Edwards is being trialled in Melbourne Gardens. This floating wetland prototype, known as ‘Mushi’ (pronounced ‘moo-she’) will test how mycelium, the roots of fungi, can harbour plant growth to clean our chemically sensitive waterways and make future proof bio-ecologies. Interlocking triangular shaped modules composed of a mixture of mycelium and local organic waste create a floating wetland and an alternative to plastic structures. Above the surface, native wetland plants grow within the compound, creating a habitat for insects and birds. Join the project team for an online project presentation to hear about Mushi’s journey to date and a discussion about what future sustainable products could look like, then visit Melbourne Gardens to see the prototype in situ. Presented in partnership with Centre for Architecture Victoria / Open House Melbourne, Arup, Swinburne University, Studio Edwards and EcoNursery as part of Waterfront for Melbourne Design Week 2021, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.
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Melbourne Gardens → Click here for details
A RTS & C ULTURE
Sonica Botanica By Patrick Cronin Immerse yourself in intertwining stories, atmospheric music and mesmerising sounds of the natural environment in Sonica Botanica. Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, favourite memories, childhood impressions, historical anecdotes and cultural viewpoints. Use your smartphone and headphones to take in these sublime sonic snapshots in this self-guided experience created by Melbourne sound artist Patrick Cronin. Celebrating the special landscapes at Melbourne Gardens, the first episode will respond to the newly designed Arid Garden and the second episode will respond to Oak Lawn and surrounds. The remaining two episodes will be released throughout 2021 as part of the Gardens’ 175th program.
Melbourne Gardens Episode 1 launching on Sat 27 Mar as part of Garden Gathering Vol. 1 Episode 2 launching on Sat 22 May as part of Garden Gathering Vol. 2 Free All ages Best experienced in the Oak Lawn area → Click here for episode 1 and see website for episode 2 details in May
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A RTS & C ULTURE
Flora and the Baron By Bowerbird Theatre Baron Ferdinand von Mueller – eccentric outsider, global scientific powerhouse and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s first director – has a tale to tell. Cut off from his beloved Gardens for the last twenty years of his life in selfimposed exile, his spirit re-enters the Gardens as your guide, delighting in the powerful beauty of the plants, revelling in his scientific legacy, and entertaining us with stories from his remarkable life. However, he is also confronted by the environmental havoc produced from his own actions, like introducing blackberries, and the destruction of our native forests leaves him deeply saddened. He challenges us to avoid the mistakes of the colonial scientific era, and to widen our gaze towards the future that we are in the process of creating.
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Melbourne Gardens Launching on Sat 22 May as part of Garden Gathering Vol. 2 Free Best listened to walking through the Gardens → Click here for details
Dining at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Jardin Tan Delight in delicious bites and drinks in a warm, welcoming space that celebrates farm-to-table philosophy and organic produce, some of which you will see growing in the eatery’s very own garden.
The Terrace Indulge in scones with lashings of jam and cream, hot and cold beverages, and a delightful selection of wraps and bistro meals to take away.
FA M IL IES
The Gardens is the perfect place for you and your family to play, explore and engage with nature. These family-friendly and naturebased events and activities offer a chance for your young ones’ imaginations to run wild as they discover the joys of connecting with their natural environment.
Seek and Find Nature Cards Set your young ones on an adventure exploring the wonderous scenery, plants and creatures of Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens with our Seek and Find Nature Cards, specially developed by artist Claire Mosley. You can collect a card as you enter the Gardens and explore the different landscapes and living collections in the sunshine as you search for all things big and small.
Melbourne & Cranbourne Gardens Daily in Mar, Apr & May All day Free Visitor Centre → Click here for details
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FA M IL IES
Kids Explorer Children ride free on the Kids Explorer during the school holidays in April. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Australian Garden on this tour designed especially for families. Marvel at the shapes of autumn blooms and breathe in the fragrances of different eucalypt trees as you take in the colours of the landscape and find out why plants are so important for our planet.
Cranbourne Gardens Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr Daily, 10am – 4pm (25mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, Child Free All ages Bookings essential Australian Garden → Click here to book
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FA M IL IES
Big Bandicoot Backyard Our great big bandicoot has come out of hiding in Cranbourne Gardens. Come and say hi!
Cranbourne Gardens
Created with natural materials from the Gardens by artists Darryl Cordell, Vanessa Ellis and Trina Gaskell, this beautiful sculpture likes to have somewhere cosy to sleep – just like the last remaining population of Southern Brown Bandicoots in urban Melbourne who have found refuge in Cranbourne Gardens.
10am – 2pm, drop in anytime
Discover the simple things you can do to help protect this precious species and learn how to create habitats for animals at your own home. Pack a picnic, bring the family and spend the day immersing in expert tours, creative workshops and choose your own adventure activities. Sign up to our e-news so you don’t miss out on registering for the tours and workshops on offer when the program is launched. On Wednesday 14 April children’s author Jo Watson will be launching her new book, Bindi & Buddy which tells the tale of Bindi the bandicoot. See page 21 for more details. Presented as part of Nature Play Week.
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Wed 14 Apr – Sat 17 Apr Free All ages Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct → Click here for details
FA M IL IES
Bindi & Buddy Book Launch Join children’s author and illustrator Jo Watson as she launches her new book, Bindi & Buddy, at Cranbourne Gardens. Celebrating endangered Southern Brown Bandicoots, a copy of Bindi & Buddy is the perfect memento of the upcoming Big Bandicoot Backyard celebrations at Cranbourne Gardens, which is a refuge for the last remaining urban population of Southern Brown Bandicoots.
Cranbourne Gardens
With Jo’s work centring around endangered Australian marsupials, she was drawn to these cute critters and strives to raise awareness of their importance to our ecosystem they can be protected. Jo’s books help children see themselves as problem solvers and change-makers by weaving together adventurous narratives, loveable characters, and ecological insights. Jo will perform a live reading of Bindi & Buddy at the launch and signed copies will be available.
→ Click here for details
Wed 14 Apr 10am Free All ages Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct
You can purchase a copy of Bindi & Buddy in the Gardens Shop at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens.
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Free Daily Shuttle
Take our free shuttle bus from Cranbourne Train Station to explore the diverse Australian plants and landscapes at the award-winning Cranbourne Gardens. The shuttle runs three times per day each way between Cranbourne Train Station and Cranbourne Gardens. Bookings now open. rbg.vic.gov.au/freedailyshuttle
wheelchair
N AT UR E LOVERS
Relish the beauty and diversity that the glorious plants and landscapes at the Gardens have to offer and discover the importance of caring for our environment with events and activities designed for nature lovers.
Secret Life of Birds Melbourne Gardens is full of incredible birdlife, from coots to cormorants, spinebills to swans. Spot water birds nesting around Ornamental Lake and delight in the sights and sounds of the birds that call the Gardens home. Continue your discovery with a take-home bird guide.
Melbourne Gardens Sun 14 Mar, Sun 11 Apr & Sat 1 May 10.30am (1.5hrs) $18 Adult, $14 Conc, $9 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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N AT UR E LOVERS
Trees in the Australian Garden Explore the beauty and diversity of Australia’s native trees as you follow a wonderful winding path from the Visitor Centre to the Gondwana Garden, encountering extraordinary specimens along the way. On your journey, you’ll uncover some of the remarkable and ingenious ways our trees have adapted to their environments, from ancient rainforests to deserts.
Cranbourne Gardens Sun 14 Mar, Sun 11 Apr & Sun 9 May 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6.50 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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N AT UR E LOVERS
ClimateWatch Walk Head outdoors and become a citizen scientist on a free ClimateWatch Walk. During this guided walk you will help monitor biodiversity at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens and uncover how climate change is affecting the seasonal behaviour of our plants and wildlife. Search for the impacts of climate change and help collect valuable data for Earthwatch with the ClimateWatch app as you enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. The data you record on this guided tour will help shape Australia’s scientific response to climate change. The environment needs your help!
Melbourne Gardens Wed 17 Mar, Wed 14 Apr & Wed 12 May 11am (1.5hrs) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book Cranbourne Gardens Sat 13 Mar Thu 8 & Sat 24 Apr Sat 8 May 11am (1hr) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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N AT UR E LOVERS
Birds in the Australian Garden Discover the wonderful world of the birds that call the Australian Garden home. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how they have shaped the country’s forests and wildflowers. See and hear them flying, feeding and nesting as you explore the landscape. Some of the unique species you may come across include the Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus), the New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) or the Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys).
Cranbourne Gardens Sun 21 Mar, Tue 6 Apr & Sun 2 May 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6.50 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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N AT UR E LOVERS
National Eucalypt Day Walk Celebrate National Eucalypt Day by delving into the world of these astonishing trees, synonymous with Australian flora. Join a guided tour at Melbourne or Cranbourne Gardens and explore the ever-increasing eucalypt diversity in our plant collections. At Cranbourne Gardens, hear stories of a plant collection expedition that took the team across Victoria from Russell Larke, Team Leader of Horticulture and learn about the incredible diversity and value of these species. At Melbourne Gardens, discover some of the survival tactics that have enabled eucalypts to thrive in a variety of habitats and meet some of our oldest eucalypts, still standing tall at more than 200 years of age. Supported by Eucalypt Australia.
Melbourne Gardens Sat 20 & Tue 23 Mar 10.30am (1hr) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book Cranbourne Gardens Sat 20 Mar, 11am (1h) Tue 23 Mar, 10.30am (1hr) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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Dining at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Boon Wurrung Café Visit the new Boon Wurrung Café at Cranbourne Gardens and enjoy a superb coffee with a sweet or savoury treat. Take in the sweeping views of the iconic Red Sand Garden and relax in our charming café. Peruse a sensational selection of cakes, pastries, toasties, rolls, wraps and lots more. There is something to satisfy everyone.
B R A N C H OUT
Branch Out gives visitors over 60 the chance to enjoy behind-the-scenes tours and special access to some of the country’s finest horticulturists, scientists, and artists in the beautiful, nature-rich oasis of the Gardens. Featuring seasonal events at both Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens, dive into wellbeing activities, Aboriginal knowledge experiences and more.
Harp Meditations Take in the calming scenes of the Arid Garden as composer and harpist Michael Johnson guides you through a tailored experience designed to enhance your wellbeing. Beginning with a guided meditation, you will feel centred as you move to a soothing harp performance inspired by the Gardens.
Melbourne Gardens Thu 20 May 11am (1hr) $15 per person Bookings essential Arid Garden, enter via Gate C → Click here to book
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B R A N C H OUT
Forest Therapy Experience the beauty of Cranbourne Gardens through the lens of mindfulness in a guided Forest Therapy walk. This wellbeing experience will support your mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, regulating pulse and blood pressure and elevating your mood. Immerse in nature with all your senses and experience a renewed sense of connection.
Cranbourne Gardens Fri 16 April 11am (2hrs) $15 per person Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria thanks our Major Partner STIHL for supporting our work maintaining the beautiful landscapes of Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens.
A BO R IGI NAL KNOW LED GE
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture as you discover Melbourne Gardens from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guide’s perspective. Hear their stories and learn about the significance and uses of various native plants by the people of the local Kulin Nation and from around Australia.
Aboriginal Heritage Walk Womin Djeka! Journey into Melbourne Gardens, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with an Aboriginal guide. Gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia though a journey of identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and ongoing connection to country.
Melbourne Gardens From Tue 2 Mar Every Sun, Tue, Wed & Thur 11am (1.5hrs) $35 Adult, $29 Conc, $17.50 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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A BO R IGI NAL KNOW LED GE
Cranbourne Gardens Heritage Walk The story of Cranbourne Gardens and the significant site upon which it sits is one that has evolved significantly over time. This walk has been specifically designed as part of the 2021 Australian Heritage Festival and will take participants across the incredible native landscapes of Cranbourne Gardens to uncover its history, heritage and development of the site as it is today.
Cranbourne Gardens
Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in partnership with the City of Casey for the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival 2021.
→ Click here to book
Sat 24 Apr 10am (2hrs) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre
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TO URS
A guided tour is a great way to experience the very best that the Gardens has to offer, ranging from the history of the sites to the beautiful blooms, the incredible views through to the weird and wonderful plant facts. ME L BO U R N E GARD EN S
The Explorer at Melbourne Gardens Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus. Admire rolling lawns and the stunning living collections at Melbourne Gardens. Melbourne Gardens Daily 11am – 5pm (30mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 Child Bookings essential Meet at Oak Lawn → Click here to book
Free Guided Walk
Punting on the Lake
A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the autumn hues of Melbourne Gardens. Led by a passionate guide, discover sensational views and the remarkable plant diversity of this sanctuary in the middle of bustling Melbourne.
Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise. View the landscape as never before and get up close to amazing birdlife and aquatic plants for some wonderful photo opportunities.
Melbourne Gardens
Melbourne Gardens
Daily, 10.30am (1.5hrs)
Daily, weather permitting
Sat & Sun, 1.30pm (1.5hrs)
10.30am – 5pm (30 mins)
Free
Bookings essential
Bookings essential
Opposite The Terrace
Meet at the Visitor Centre
→ Click here for details and to book
→ Click here to book
C R A N BO URNE GARD EN S
The Explorer at Cranbourne Gardens
Great Southern Land Walk
Discover the iconic Australian landscape and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus. From the Red Sand Garden, journey along the east coast of the Australian Garden and around the river bend before winding back through the Peppermint Garden, taking in the wonders of the native bush.
Venture through the highlights of the Australian Garden at Cranbourne Gardens on the Great Southern Land Walk and discover the uniqueness of Australian plants and how they adapt to our climate.
Cranbourne Gardens Daily 10am – 4pm (25mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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Cranbourne Gardens Daily 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
Support the Gardens Support plant conservation and the future of the Gardens by making a fully tax deductible donation today. Visit rbg.vic.gov.au/donate
Thank you to our corporate partners and sponsors for their generous support
O F F IC IA L PA RT N E RS
S ILVE R S PO N S O R
B RO N ZE S PO N S O RS
Melbourne Gardens Birdwood Avenue Melbourne 3004 Cranbourne Gardens Corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive Cranbourne 3977 Share your special moments #royalbotanicgardensvic w rbg.vic.gov.au Facebook BotanicGardensVictoria INSTAGRAM @royalbotanicgardensvic TWITTER @RBG_Victoria