What’s On Winter 2021
Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens
As the golden leaves turn brown and winter clouds hover over our city, it brings me great pleasure to welcome you back to Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens. Whether through wandering with friends to get a quick chlorophyll fix or watching the delight of a child witness their first bandicoot. These reflections remind me that nature surrounds us and is essential to our mental and physical health. For the better part of two centuries, Melbournians have recognised this and the Gardens is a place where one can immerse in nature. See Melbourne Gardens in a different light and delve into the people, place, and plants behind the Gardens through Sonica Botanica, a series of audio works that combine intertwining stories, atmospheric music and mesmerising sounds of nature by sound artist Patrick Cronin that are best experienced onsite. This August, I look forward to National Science Week, a significant celebration of science and technology across the nation. This year’s theme, ACCLIMATISE, Science of Sustainability and Adaption, looks at how science can open pathways to a better future. Join us for a series of talks with acclaimed writer and climate activist Sophie Cunningham, Tom May, Principal Research Scientist (Mycology), Clare Hart, Manager Horticulture, Peter Symes, Curator Horticulture, and Aboriginal Learning Facilitator, Christopher Jakobi. If you are planning to visit the Gardens this winter, I’d recommend the Great Southern Land Walk at Cranbourne Gardens, a walking tour about the beauty and resilience of native plants, while the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at Melbourne Gardens will give you an insight into plant uses, customs, and connection to Country. For those wanting to fit more into their visit, hop on board The Explorer for a highlights tour at both sites. However you choose to explore the Gardens, I’m delighted to have you back this winter. Professor Tim Entwisle Director and Chief Executive
Opening Hours Melbourne Gardens October – March Daily, 7.30am – 7.30pm April – September Daily, 7.30am – 5.30pm Cranbourne Gardens Daily, 9am – 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm) 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.
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.
Experience the wonders of nature. Discover what’s on at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens this winter.
Sonica Botanica
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Aboriginal Knowledge Aboriginal Heritage Walk
National Science Week
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Climate Notes
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Tours
Future Landscapes
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The Explorer Melbourne Gardens
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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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Wellbeing Forest Therapy
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Arts & Culture Observatory Buildings Virtual Tour
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Families Kids Explorer Seek and Find Nature Cards
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Nature Lovers Birds in the Australian Garden
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ClimateWatch Walk Melbourne Gardens
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ClimateWatch Walk Cranbourne Gardens
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Secret Life of Birds
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Chocolate and Spice
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Trees in the Australian Garden
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Succulent Sounds Meet musician, sound designer, and creative producer Patrick Cronin
With a plethora of specimens at the Gardens, it would be challenging to speak to each unique plant and its provenance. Speaking particularly about a plant’s origins or specifics wasn’t going to click with everyone, so Sonica Botanica was always going to be about people’s relationships to a particular location in the Gardens.
What was your first interaction with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria?
What did you learn about the spaces in which Sonica Botanica was recorded?
I was born in regional Victoria. My first memories are coming to see a performance of Wind in the Willows. I felt like I had stumbled upon something which I couldn’t believe existed in Melbourne. There is an incredible joy in coming back to the Gardens now regularly. What led you to use sound as an artistic medium?
As a musician, I’ve always played in bands and have had a long interest in evocative sound effects in film. I was part of a group called the Spaghetti Western Orchestra, which played the film soundtracks of Ennio Morricone. I enjoy how the combination of music and sound can support the emotion of a film. Through working in community and participation events as a producer, I saw the desire for deeper connections to a public space. I like the idea of marrying a participatory experience with sound, which is very immersive and can be a profoundly personal experience. What motivated you to tell the story of plants through sound?
I realised that there were no audio guides as you would find in a museum or a gallery. In a past project, I had interviewed people in regional Victoria - collecting
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stories from locals and weaving them into a soundscape that spoke about their place or town; I thought I could bring this approach to the Gardens.
One of Melbourne’s most remarkable gifts can be enjoyed for free. Nothing quite satisfies the soul like the visual feast provided by rich autumnal hues or the rewarding crunching of a carpet of golden red and amber leaves beneath the feet. Standing in the shadow of seemingly ancient oak trees at Melbourne Gardens is a pleasure treasured by young and old. We chat with sound artist Patrick Cronin to hear about Sonica Botanica and find out what went into collecting the sounds and stories behind Oak Lawn.
At first glance, Oak Lawn could be seen as just trees and grass. After a while, you can observe how people interact with the space, perhaps playing in fallen leaves or watching children play on the latest incarnation of the White Oak. People have favourite places in the Gardens and love returning to them. A family has been returning to Oak Lawn for their Christmas celebrations for 35 years. This special space is also the start of the Aboriginal Heritage Walk as well as Forest Therapy. There are many layers that are fascinating. What has the experience taught you?
When people are in nature, they often become quite reflective. There’s something in nature that perhaps gives people a pause for reflection and allows them to think about their place in the world.
Sonica Botanica taught me patience. I’d realised I didn’t need to have all the answers when I started. The themes emerged from people talking and I had to trust the time it takes to tease out these conversations and that something meaningful will emerge. See page 3 for more information.
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 the sublime sonic snapshots in this self-guided experience created by Melbourne sound artist Patrick Cronin.
Melbourne Gardens Free All ages Best experienced in Melbourne Gardens → Click here for details
Episode 1: The Arid Garden This episode features fascinating stories of the provenance and design of the botanical collection that makes up the recently opened Arid Garden. → Click here to listen. Episode 2: Oak Lawn The second episode of Sonica Botanica responds to Oak Lawn and its majestic trees. → Click here to listen. Remaining episodes will be released progressively throughout 2021 as part of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s 175th anniversary program. 3
N AT I O N AL SC I ENC E W EEK
National Science Week is Australia’s major national celebration of science and technology, running each year in August. Through this year’s theme of ACCLIMATISE, Science of Sustainability and Adaptation, Victoria’s National Science Week program explores the ways science can open pathways to a better future.
Climate Notes By Anna McMichael and Louise Devenish Climate Notes is a multimedia installation that invites us to explore and communicate how we feel about climate change through music, letter writing and video. The work builds on collections of handwritten letters by leading science researchers from all over the world, as well as archives from the State Botanical Collection of Victoria. This emotive exhibition features five new musical works by Australian composers exploring the emotional impacts of climate change and propels us to consider what it feels like to live through a time when climate change affects every aspect of our lives. Visit the interactive video installation during National Science Week, contribute your own letter about climate change, or attend a live performance of the new compositions featuring highly acclaimed violinist Anna McMichael and contemporary percussionist Louise Devenish. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria as part of Inspiring Victoria’s ACCLIMATISE program for National Science Week, 14 – 22 August 2021.
Climate Notes is proudly supported by the City of Melbourne and Monash University.
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Melbourne Gardens Installation: Sat 14 – Sun 22 Aug 10am – 4pm Free Performances: Sat 14 and Sun 15 Aug 2pm (approx. 70mins) $10 Bookings essential Mueller Hall, enter via Gate F → Click here for details
N AT I O N AL SC I ENC E W EEK
Future Landscapes Learn about some of the important climate science projects underway at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with Future Landscapes, a special one-day talks program. Join acclaimed writer and climate activist Sophie Cunningham (Melbourne and City of Trees) as she discusses the future of fungi with Tom May, Principal Research Scientist (Mycology). Uncover the story of the Gardens’ Landscape Succession Strategy with Sophie and Clare Hart, Manager Horticulture and Peter Symes, Curator Horticulture to find out how this led to the creation of the Climate Change Alliance of Botanic Gardens; or go on a First Nations Climate Change Justice Walk with Christopher Jakobi, Aboriginal Learning Facilitator and become versed in Indigenous land management practices.
Melbourne Gardens Sat 21 Aug 11am (1.5 hrs) – First Nations Climate Change Justice Walk 1pm (1hr) – The Botanic Garden that Thought it Could Change the World 3pm (1hr) – The Future of Fungi $10 per session Bookings essential → Click here for details
Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria as part of Inspiring Victoria’s
ACCLIMATISE program for National Science Week, 14 – 22 August 2021.
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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 Cranbourne Gardens. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
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Melbourne Gardens
Cranbourne Gardens
Two-hour sessions
Two-hour sessions
Sun 27 Jun
Sun 18 Jul & 22 Aug
Sun 4, 11 & 25 Jul
10.30am (2hrs)
Sun 1, 8, 22 & 29 Aug
$30 per person
10am (2hrs)
Bookings essential
$35 per person
Meet at the Visitor Centre
Three-hour sessions Sun 18 Jul & 15 Aug 10am (3hrs) $45 per person Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
→ Click here to book
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.
A RTS & C ULTURE
Arts and nature come together at the Gardens. Immersive experiences will allow your creativity to unfurl as you experience the Gardens and their historical and cultural significance in captivating and contemporary ways.
Observatory Buildings Virtual Tour Uncover the fascinating history of the Melbourne Observatory which was once home for weather forecasting and some of its heritage equipment through a 360-degree experience and virtual tour. See the distinctive shapes of the buildings, built and added to between 1861 and 1902, topped by sliding domes and opening roof structures. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria as part of Open House Melbourne.
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Melbourne Gardens Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jul → Click here for details
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 free as they discover the joys of connecting with their natural environment.
Kids Explorer Children ride free on the Kids Explorer during the winter school holidays. 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 winter 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 Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul 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
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 as you search for all things big and small.
Melbourne & Cranbourne Gardens Daily All day Free Visitor Centre → Click here for details
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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.
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 on a guided tour through the Australian Garden. 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).
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Cranbourne Gardens Fri 9 Jul & Sat 28 Aug 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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 discover how climate change is affecting the seasonal behaviour of our plants and wildlife. Using the ClimateWatch app, search for the impacts of climate change and help collect valuable data for Earthwatch 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! Download the app prior to your tour at climatewatch.org.au.
Melbourne Gardens Sun 18 Jul & Sat 21 Aug (National Science Week) 11am (1.5 hrs) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book Cranbourne Gardens Thu 29 Jul & Sat 21 Aug (National Science Week) 11am (1hr) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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N AT UR E LOVERS
Secret Life of Birds Melbourne Gardens is full of incredible birdlife, from coots to cormorants, spinebills to swans. On this guided walk, 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 18 Jul & Sun 22 Aug 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
Chocolate and Spice Warm up this winter and discover the essence of chocolate on a sensory tour. Hear the fascinating history of spices and how they came to be used. As you wander through the plant collections, you will find food plants like chocolate, coffee, chilli and more all grown in the Gardens. Satiate your taste buds with a delicious hot chocolate at the end of your tour.
Melbourne Gardens Sat 31 Jul & 7 Aug 1.30pm $18 Adult, $14 Conc 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 will uncover some of the remarkable and ingenious ways our trees have adapted to their environments, from ancient rainforests to deserts.
Cranbourne Gardens Sun 27 Jun, Sun 25 Jul & Sun 29 Aug 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6 Conc, $4 Child 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.
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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 Daily from Sun to Thu 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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Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria thanks our Official Partner STIHL for supporting our work maintaining the beautiful landscapes of Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens.
TO URS
Experience the very best that the Gardens has to offer on one of the daily tours, ranging from the history of the sites to the beautiful blooms, the incredible views through to the weird and wonderful plant facts.
M EL BOU RNE GA R D E N 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 – 4pm (30mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 Child Bookings essential Meet at Oak Lawn → Click here to book
Free Guided Walk A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the winter 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. Melbourne Gardens Daily 10.30am (1.5hrs) Sat & Sun, 1.30pm (1.5hrs) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
CRANBOU R N E GA R D E N 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. → Click here to 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