What’s On
Summer 2021–22 Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne
Roll out the picnic rugs, pop on a hat, and head to the Gardens. Summer is here. From the vibrant succulents of Guilfoyle’s Volcano in Melbourne to the sea of Kangaroo Paw that so beautifully illuminate the Red Sand Garden at Cranbourne, the living collections are awash with colour. While we had several self-guided, socially distanced tours available for those of you who lived close to the Gardens over winter, now that restrictions have eased, I am so pleased to see a full range of theatrical, artistic, and cinematic offerings for all to enjoy. In what seems apt given the past few years, the Australian Shakespeare Company will be returning to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne to perform The Comedy of Errors under the stars. Similarly, Moonlight Cinema will be featuring new films and some classics with the Gardens and the city playing a backdrop to the promise of a wonderful evening. For those with an earlier bedtime, Ratty, Badger, Mole, and Mr Toad will again bedazzle young ones this summer in The Wind in the Willows. This February, the National Sustainability Festival returns to the Gardens. With it, you can enjoy the gentle sounds of Michael Johnson’s Harp Meditations; immerse in a fascinating audio tour with the ghost of one of my predecessors – the enigmatic Gardens’ first director, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller – through Flora and the Baron; discover the rich and thriving culture of the First Peoples of the Kulin Nation with an Aboriginal Heritage Walk; or experience first-hand pteridomania from Fern Gully with the latest instalment of Sonica Botanica. Henry David Thoreau once said, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day”. For those wanting to explore the Gardens in their own time and pace, with a little art thrown in, Seeing the Invisible is an international augmented reality art exhibition that has turned our Gardens into (virtual) galleries. Accessible through a free app, experience the work of internationally renowned artists while enjoying living collections of Melbourne or Cranbourne. When it comes to seasons, it’s always a pleasure to welcome in at least the early weeks of summer. There are many beautiful things to see and experience with family and friends at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and I am delighted to welcome you back. Professor Tim Entwisle Director and Chief Executive
Opening Hours
Booking Information
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne October – March Daily, 7.30am – 7.30pm April – September Daily, 7.30am – 5.30pm
Book online: rbg.vic.gov.au
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Daily except Christmas Day
Book via phone: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 03 9252 2429 Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne: 03 5990 2262
9am – 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm) 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 COVID Safe 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. All participants to events and programs at the Gardens must be fully vaccinated to attend and provide proof of vaccination status at the time of check-in. Cover image credit: Mohammed Kazem, Directions (Zero) Seeing the Invisible, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and learn and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 1
Experience the wonders of nature. Discover what’s on at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne this summer. Special Event Seeing the Invisible
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Seek and Find: MPavilion X Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
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PAUSE
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Wellbeing Forest Therapy Harp Meditations
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Arts & Culture Moonlight Cinema
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The Comedy of Errors
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Peter Quince Presents: A Midsummer Mechanical’s Dream
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Summer Sunset Series
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The Paul Selzer Exhibition 15 and Prize Collected Walks
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First Peoples Knowledge Aboriginal Heritage Walk 17 Audio Tours Flora and the Baron Sonica Botanica
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Families Seek and Find Nature Cards
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Kids Explorer
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The Wind in the Willows
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Play and Learn Supported 25 Playgroup Nature Lovers Secret Life of Birds
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Birds in the Australian Garden
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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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Daily Tours The Explorer Melbourne Gardens
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Free Guided Walk
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Punting on the Lake
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The Explorer Cranbourne Gardens
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Great Southern Land Walk
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Self-Guided Experiences Sometimes, finding your own way is its own reward. Self-guided journeys at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne or Cranbourne offer a great way to discover the Gardens at your own pace, in your own time and to suit your own mood. Meander through one of the featured Melbourne Gardens’ collections with Sonica Botanica and become absorbed in stories of the people behind the plants; contemplate the complex nature of scientific pursuit as Ferdinand von Mueller’s ghost leads you from the Herbarium to Guilfoyle’s Volcano in the narrative audio tour, Flora and the Baron; grab a friend and journey from Melbourne Gardens to MPavilion, with the special edition Seek and Find MPavilion x RBGV (or challenge yourself to collect and complete all six Seek and Find cards across both Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens!). Let art be your guide with Seeing the Invisible, whilst imagining all the people in 10 other botanic gardens around the world seeing the same augmented reality artworks as you. Over the summer holidays, the accompanying Families Guide will help you explore and be inspired by the 13 artworks hiding in the Gardens. Take a break away from the rush of life and allow yourself the freedom to experience something different each time you return to the Gardens.
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S P EC I A L EV EN T
Seeing the Invisible Seeing the Invisible, the most ambitious and expansive exhibition of contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology, is being presented simultaneously in 12 botanic gardens in six countries including Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne as the exclusive Australian locations. Addressing themes of nature, the environment and sustainability, and exploring the boundaries and connections between art, technology and nature, the exhibition features immersive virtual works by more than a dozen established and emerging artists including Ai Weiwei, Refik Anadol, Sarah Meyohas, El Anatsui, Mohammed Kazem, Sigalit Landau, Timur Si-Qin and Australia’s Mel O’Callaghan. The exhibition is accessible via smartphone and tablet through the Seeing the Invisible app which is available for iPhone and Android in the App Store and Google Play, and it is best experienced with headphones. Spend an hour or the day tracking down the augmented, interactive artworks and experience the Gardens as (virtual) galleries. Visit the website for more details about how to experience Seeing the Invisible. Seeing the Invisible was initiated by the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens in partnership with Outset Contemporary Art Fund. Co-curated by Hadas Maor and Tal Michael Haring. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
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Seeing the Invisible , Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne On now – Fri 30 Sep 2022 Free, click here for details Introductory Session An in-person demonstration for those new to the world of augmented reality (AR). Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Every Tue from 11 Jan to 22 Feb Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Every Wed from 12 Jan to 23 Feb 10am (20 mins) FREE, no bookings required Meet at the Visitor Centre
Get more out of Seeing the Invisible by picking up a FREE Families Guide from the Visitor Centre. Find the 13 artworks hiding around the Gardens and explore the activities in the guide. Be inspired by the art and activities to help create a harmonious future between people, plants and the planet. Image credit: Sigalit Landau, Salt Stalagmite #1 [Three Bridges], 2021 (detail) Seeing the Invisible, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria This event is proudly supported by Official Partner Specsavers.
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M PAV I L IO N
MPavilion is Australia’s leading architecture commission—a cultural laboratory where the community can come together to engage and share, located in the Queen Victoria Gardens. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is proud to be collaborating with MPavilion on the following programs.
Seek and Find MPavilion X Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne by Claire Mosley Set off on an adventure between MPavilion and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this summer with this special edition Seek and Find card by Melbourne artist, Claire Mosley. Collect a card from MPavilion or the Gardens’ Visitor Centre and discover the best in design from both humans and nature as you journey around and between two of Melbourne’s favourite summer garden destinations. Be sure to pick up the other Seek and Find cards available at the Visitor Centre at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in association with MPavilion.
Daily Free Pick up from MPavilion or Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Visitor Centre Click here for details
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M PAV I L IO N
PAUSE by Helen Herbertson PAUSE is a chance to do just that - to take time, to breathe, to notice where we are, to listen to our surroundings and take in the view; a chance to leave behind the tension of competing demands, intense workloads, and busy daily activity. PAUSE is a simple practice, open to all, developed in the spirit of staying Healthy, Happy and Productive. Starting at MPavilion choreographer Helen Herbertson and team will guide you through a set of instructions that will take you into the beautiful surrounds of the parklands and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Once you know the sequence, it can be repeated and added to your daily activity. Presented by MPavilion in association with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
MPavilion Sat 12 Feb 9am (75 mins) Free Meet at MPavilion, Queen Victoria Gardens opposite the National Gallery of Victoria Click here for details
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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.
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W E L L B E IN G
Connecting to nature and spending time outdoors is more important for our mental and physical wellbeing than ever before.
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 Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Two-hour sessions Sun 16 & 30 Jan Sun 6, 13 & 27 Feb 10am (2hrs) $35 per person
Three-hour sessions every third Sunday of the month Sun 23 Jan Sun 20 Feb 10am (3hrs) $45 per person Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book
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W E L L B E IN G
Harp Meditations Relax and take in the colours of sunset at the Arid Garden whilst listening to the soothing sounds of music composed by harpist Michael Johnson. Michael leads a calming guided meditation followed by a gentle 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. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Wed 19 Jan & Wed 16 Feb 6pm (1hr) $20 per person Bookings essential Arid Garden, meet at Gate C Click here to book
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A RTS A N D CU LTUR E
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.
Moonlight Cinema Moonlight Cinema Melbourne is back this December in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Raise a toast to the beginning of a long summer of fun, food and film as Australia’s favourite open-air cinema returns to the beautiful green Central Lawn for another season of balmy nights, lush picnics and sizzling silver screen blockbuster movies and fan favourite films. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Thu 2 Dec 2021 – Sun 27 Mar 2022 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 Bookings essential Central Lawn, enter from Gate D (off Birdwood Ave) Click here to book
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A RTS A N D C ULTURE
The Comedy of Errors “This show is stylish, vibrant and often uproariously funny.” Herald Sun As the sun sets, pop the cork, sit back and enjoy open-air theatre at its best. This summer, The Australian Shakespeare Company presents Glenn Elston’s production of The Comedy of Errors that lifts Shakespeare’s hilariously farcical plot into a new comedic dimension. This sparkling adaptation adds eclectic splendour to the drama, romance and slapstick physical comedy, long associated with this much-admired Shakespeare classic. This uproariously funny tale of joyous chaos and mistaken identity is one of Shakespeare’s most festive and hilarious comedies. It is a unique and fast-paced roller-coaster ride that we guarantee is just the laugh you are looking for. Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Sat 18 Dec – Sat 19 Feb 8pm (2.5hrs) Performance days vary, see website for details $25 – $110 per person Bookings essential Southern Cross Lawn Click here to book 12
A RTS A N D C ULTURE
Peter Quince Presents: A Midsummer Mechanical’s Dream Celebrating the most comical characters Shakespeare ever invented. Follow “The Mechanicals,” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on a whirlwind adventure where “pantaloons meet Python”, in A Midsummer Mechanical’s Dream. A romp, bound to have you in stiches, Shakespeare’s artisans of laughter lead you through a slick and silly series of blunders and nonsense. Vying to perform at the Duke’s wedding, they look to a bloke called Bill and his collected works for inspiration. You’ll be rolling in the grass with laughter as you watch them workshop some of the Bill’s most famous material. If you loved the 2021 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream , this is the perfect show for you this summer! It’s Shakespeare unshackled, unplugged and loads of fun! Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Fri 25 Feb - Sun 13 Mar Performance days and times vary ,see website for details $25 - $110 per person Bookings essential Southern Cross Lawn Click here to book
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A RTS A N D C ULTURE
Summer Sunset Series The Summer Sunset Series of live musical events promises something for everyone to enjoy, whether it is classical masterpieces, chart topping hits or Broadway showstoppers, sit back and soak up the sounds under the stars. On Sun 6 Feb, join Melbourne’s most talented musical theatre stars with the dazzling Broadway Unplugged , a cabaret style evening of performances. On Sun 13 Feb, experience the magnificent We May Never Meet Again - The Music of Amy Winehouse , an evening that pays tribute to Winehouse’s lifelong love of jazz. On Mon 14 Feb, make Valentine’s Day extra special as you sit back with Wendy Stapleton and Bobby Valentine to enjoy the most romantic songs in the Burt Bacharach Songbook – In Concert. Presented by Glenn Elston & The Australian Shakespeare Company.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne See website for performance times $25 – $110 per person Bookings essential Southern Cross Lawn Click here to book
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A RTS A N D C ULTURE
The Paul Selzer Exhibition and Prize The Paul Selzer Exhibition and Prize is a new initiative presented by the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne, in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to support emerging contemporary artists and alumni of VCA Art. Ben McKeown, Chaco Cato, Stephen Rhall and Linda Tegg, all artists of great standing, will present new commissioned works exploring themes of nature, climate and social concerns. One of the artists will be selected by a panel of eminent artists and curators for the inaugural Paul Selzer Prize, valued at $25,000. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced at the exhibition’s opening night. The Paul Selzer Exhibition and Prize honours the memory of artist and entrepreneur Paul Selzer and is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Selzer family. Image credit: Linda Tegg Archive (detail), 2021 Jacquard tapestry
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Wed 16 Feb – Sun 13 Mar Wed – Sun, 11am – 4pm Domain House, Dallas Brooks Drive Click here for details
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A RTS A N D C ULTURE
Collected Walks by Tai Snaith Public infrastructure construction meets public art in this beautiful large-scale work by Melbourne artist, Tai Snaith, produced especially for the hoardings around what will become the new ANZAC Station. Created in response to the State Botanical Collection at the National Herbarium of Victoria, Tai’s work is inspired by the layers of memory created through the process of building collections over time. She uses an instinctive process of assemblage to collect and arrange pieces by colour, shape and form. This collaboration between Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Metro Tunnel Creative Program has transformed the ANZAC Station construction site into a beautiful, Instagram-worthy art piece. View these stunning works during your next stroll around the Botanic Gardens precinct. Presented by Metro Tunnel Creative Program in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Image credit: Bri Hammond
Anzac Station site Corner of Domain Road and St Kilda Road Free Click here for details 16
F I RST P EO P LES KN OW LED GE
Aboriginal Heritage Walk Womin Djeka! Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide. Gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia through a journey of identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and ongoing connection to country. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Daily from Sun to Fri 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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Driving sustainability with STIHL Partnership with STIHL supports the Gardens’ tireless efforts to maintain our beautiful landscapes through the provision of new equipment and to operate more sustainably through the use of battery power. Thank you STIHL.
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WONDER
175 Years of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria This beautiful publication is now on sale at the Gardens Shops. It shares the stories of this special place, from some of Victoria’s pre-eminent artists, scientists, media icons, writers, conservationists and elders, through conversations with writers Sophie Cunningham and Peter Wilmoth. Proceeds from every purchase go directly towards supporting the work of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
AUD IO TO URS
Take a sonic journey through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with a series of audio experiences that respond to the beautiful landscapes and history of this inner-city oasis.
Flora and the Baron A narrative audio tour by Bowerbird Theatre Baron Ferdinand von Mueller – eccentric outsider, global scientific powerhouse and 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 self-imposed exile, his spirit re-enters the Gardens as your narrative audio tour guide, delighting in the powerful beauty of the plants, revelling in his scientific legacy, and entertaining us with stories from his remarkable life. The Baron will guide you on your journey through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, starting outside Gate F. Use your smartphone to scan the QR code, and connect your headphones to listen to this free audio tour, which features Mueller’s prolific writing and imagines his response to his considerable legacy. For further information about the audio tour, visit rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/flora- and-the-baron/. Commissioned by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in celebration of its 175th milestone year. Image credit: David Joseph, digital collage, Bowerbird Theatre
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Daily, anytime Free Best enjoyed through headphones in Melbourne Gardens.
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AUD IO TO URS
Sonica Botanica Stories and Sounds from the Gardens Immerse yourself in intertwining stories, atmospheric music and mesmerising sounds of the natural environment in Sonica Botanica, created by Melbourne sound artist Patrick Cronin. Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds the special landscapes at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Episode 3 dives into the spectacular sensorial power of plants and gardens, using three special Melbourne Gardens locations as inspiration: the textures and colour of new Sensory Garden, the transportive immersion of Fern Gully, and the fragrance and seclusion of the Herb Garden. Visit the featured location, scan the Sonica Botanica QR code and take in these sublime sonic snapshots, or listen online now. Best enjoyed through headphones. Listen here: rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/sonica-botanica. Sonica Botanica is a series of four audio experiences created as part of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s 175th anniversary program. Episodes 1, 2 and 3 are out now, with Episode 4 due for release in late Summer 2022. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Daily, anytime Free Best enjoyed through headphones in Melbourne Gardens.
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FA M I L IES
The Gardens is the perfect place for you and your family to play, explore and engage with nature. These nature-based activities offer a chance for your young ones’ imaginations to run free 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 Royal Botanic Melbourne and Cranbourne with our Seek and Find Nature cards, specially developed by artists Claire Mosley and Casey Atkinson (Bangerang/Wiradjuri). Collect a card from the Visitor Centre and explore the different landscapes and living collections as you search for all things big and small. Set off on an adventure between MPavilion and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this summer with a special edition Seek and Find card. See page 6 for more information. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne Daily, anytime Free Pick up from the Visitor Centre Click here for details
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FA M I L IES
Kids Explorer Children ride free on the Kids Explorer during the summer 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 summer 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. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Sat 18 Dec – Sun 30 Jan 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 I L IES
The Wind in the Willows Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and, of course, Mr Toad as they bring Glenn Elston’s adaption of Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank to the stage. This critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production delivers music, songs and laughs. There is fun for young and old as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms the audience into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. The young ‘rabbits’ are encouraged to get involved in the action and are given every opportunity to scream out loud, sing along and become part of the adventure. With laughs and surprises for children and adults, this is interactive theatre at its best. Celebrating over 35 years in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, The Wind in the Willows is Australia’s best-loved affordable family entertainment. Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Sat 18 Dec – Sun 30 Jan Performance days and times vary See website for details $25 – $30 per person, or $90 - $110 for a group of 4 All ages Enter via Gate F, near the National Herbarium of Victoria Click here to book 24
FA M I L IES
Play and Learn Supported Playgroup Play and Learn Supported (PALS) Playgroup is an all-ability inclusive playgroup offering nature play experiences that support cultural identity, creative arts and health and wellbeing. Co-designed by Playgroup Victoria and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, this program brings families and children both with and without disabilities together to connect and play. Come and play in a safe, welcoming, adaptable environment where families of all abilities feel comfortable to connect with each other, and the natural world. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in partnership with Playgroup Victoria.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Mon 14 Feb – Mon 28 Mar Every Mon in Term 1 10am (2hrs) Free Suitable for 0 – 5 years Bookings essential Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden Click here to book
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Dining at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Boon Wurrung Café Visit the new Boon Wurrung Café at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne 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. 26
NAT 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 Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne 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. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Sat 15 Jan & Sat 12 Feb 10am (1.5hrs) $18 Adult, $14 Conc, $9 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book
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NAT 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 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 ). Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Wed 12 Jan & Sun 20 Feb 10am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book
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NAT UR E LOVERS
Trees in the Australian Garden Explore the beauty and diversity of Australia’s native trees as you are led by an experienced guide along a wonderful winding path from the Visitor Centre to the Gondwana Garden, encountering extraordinary specimens along the way. On your journey, uncover some of the remarkable and ingenious ways our trees have adapted to their environments, from ancient rainforests to deserts. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Sun 9 Jan & Sun 13 Feb 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book
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NAT UR E LOVERS
ClimateWatch Walk Do you want to contribute to climate change research? Do you want to understand how climate change is affecting our plants and wildlife? Join our ClimateWatch advocates on this free guided walk to monitor biodiversity at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne. Learn about indicator species of plants and animals and how climate change is affecting their seasonal behaviour. The data you observe and record will help shape Australia’s scientific response to climate change. Make a real difference in your local community. Learn more at climatewatch.org.au. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Wed 12 Jan, Sat 21 Jan, Wed 9 Feb & Sun 27 Feb 11am (1.5 hrs) Free, bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Fri 28 Jan, Tue 8 Feb & Sat 19 Feb 10am (1hr) Free, bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book 30
Free Daily Shuttle Take our free shuttle bus from Cranbourne Train Station to explore the diverse Australian plants and landscapes at the award-winning Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. The shuttle runs three times per day each way between Cranbourne Train Station and Cranbourne Gardens. Bookings now open. rbg.vic.gov.au/freedailyshuttle
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DA ILY 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.
The Explorer 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 Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Free Guided Walk A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the summer hues of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Led by a passionate guide, discover the remarkable plant diversity of this sanctuary in the middle of bustling Melbourne.
Punting on the Lake 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.
The Explorer 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 before winding back through the Peppermint Garden.
Great Southern Land Walk Venture through the highlights of the Australian Garden at Cranbourne Gardens on this guided walk and discover the uniqueness of Australian plants and how they adapt to our climate. 32
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Daily except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 11am – 5pm (30mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day 10.30am (1.5hrs) Sat & Sun, 1.30pm (1.5hrs) Free, bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Daily, weather permitting 10.30am – 5pm (30 mins) Bookings essential Opposite The Terrace Click here to book Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Daily except Christmas Day 10am – 4pm (25mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Daily except Christmas Day 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre Click here to book
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