What’s On
Summer 2020-21 Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens
As we navigated our way through 2020, the importance of green, nature-rich spaces in our lives, and time spent outdoors with loved ones, was amplified. I am relieved and delighted we can enter summer with our Garden gates open, welcoming you to enjoy those stunning landscapes and rich Living Collections as you wander paths and picnic with friends at Melbourne and Cranbourne. 2021 marks Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s 175th milestone year, and we’re celebrating with an exceptional year of programming. One of the highlights will be Garden Gathering Vol. 1, to be held in the Arid and Drylands precinct in Melbourne Gardens, including Guilfoyle’s Volcano, Eucalypt Lawn and the reimagined Arid Garden. This one-day event will include curator talks, guided tours, creative workshops and self-guided activities. This is the first of a series of garden gatherings throughout the year which embrace stories and experiences that connect us to people, plants and place. Another perspective on the new Arid Garden will be provided by Sonica Botanica: Sounds and Stories of the Gardens, the start of a series of tailored listening experiences, each created to honour a particular landscape of Melbourne Gardens. The first episode will intertwine diverse stories, atmospheric music and the mesmerising sounds from the natural environment. I’m also thrilled to announce we will be part of the inaugural, state-wide PHOTO 2021 International Festival of Photography. You’ll get to experience the Gardens as a gallery, following a trail of curated, outdoor photographic installations from six different artists. If you could use some time out after a tumultuous year, the Gardens has you covered with the return of Forest Therapy and Harp Meditations at sundown, again in the Arid Garden. At Cranbourne Gardens, stretch your legs as you delight in plenty of summer flowering on the Great Southern Land Walk through the spectacular Australian Garden. The whole family can enjoy socially distanced and COVID safe nature-based fun these school holidays with Seek and Find Nature Cards, an outdoor activity at Cranbourne Gardens. For our younger plant enthusiasts, you can ride free on the open-air Kids Explorer bus, so jump on board and experience Cranbourne Gardens’ summer sights, sounds and smells. I can’t wait to see you at the Gardens, Professor Tim Entwisle Director and Chief Executive
Opening Hours Melbourne Gardens is open daily from 7.30am – 7.30pm Cranbourne Gardens is open daily from 9am – 5pm Book online: Visit rbg.vic.gov.au Book via phone: Melbourne Gardens: 03 9252 2429 Cranbourne Gardens: 03 5990 2200 Coronavirus Statement Our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of visitors and staff. To protect others and help slow the spread of COVID-19, you must stay at home if you are unwell, even if your symptoms are mild. All our 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 summer.
Families
Q&A Prickly Perfection: Meet Arid Garden Landscape Designer and Architect Andrew Laidlaw
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Special Event Garden Gathering Vol. 1
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Wellbeing
The Wind in the Willows
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Seek and Find Nature Cards
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Kids Explorer
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Be Curious: Your Questions, Our Answers
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Nature Lovers ClimateWatch Walk – Melbourne Gardens
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ClimateWatch Walk – Cranbourne Gardens
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Branch Out: Over 60s Discover the Arid Garden
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Moonlight Cinema
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Care for the Rare Walk
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Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail
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Macbeth – Shakespeare Under the Stars
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Scalia/Ginsburg An Opera by Derrick Wang & Across the Aisle: A Panel Discussion on Justice and Jurisprudence
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Forest Therapy
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Harp Meditations Arts & Culture A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare Under the Stars
Summer music series
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PHOTO 2021 – Garden Variety Photography, Politics and the Picturesque
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Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens
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Watercolour Herbarium
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Aboriginal Knowledge Aboriginal 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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Prickly Perfection Meet Arid Garden Landscape Designer and Architect Andrew Laidlaw
Discover a remarkable collection of arid plants on your visit to the new Arid Garden at Melbourne Gardens. From towering columnar cacti reminiscent of spaghetti western landscapes, to small and jewel-like specimens boasting colourful whorls of short-lived blooms, the new cacti and succulent garden is a feast for the eyes. We sat down with the Arid Garden’s Landscape Designer and Architect, Andrew Laidlaw for a behindthe-scenes chat about the inspiration behind the new cacti and succulent garden, and why it is one of the most remarkable spaces he has worked on. What influenced the Arid Garden design? The Arid Garden is a contemporary take on classic 16th-century parterre garden design, which consist of inward-facing large spaces broken into smaller spaces with pathways to wander along, so people can move freely around the garden while being able to pause and marvel at the plants. Early in the design process, I looked at the cellular structure of succulent plants, and the aesthetics of these cells carried through the entire design process and helped create an organic and contemporary feel. Were you inspired by any landscapes or plants in particular? The arid landscapes of the Americas, as well as the history of the plants in the collection themselves. In the 1930s, Victoria’s Ralph Field invested in German explorer and botanist, Harold Blossfeld’s expedition to South America to collect cacti and succulents. Ralph Field developed an extensive collection on his property which was then carefully maintained by his son, Robert. The Gardens has been fortunate enough to acquire the Field Collection, and there are specimens positioned at the heart of the Arid Garden that were collected by Blossfeld himself.
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Can you describe the design process? The simplicity of the Arid Garden design meant we needed to reduce a lot of clutter from the old collection as well as factor in the beautiful established trees in the area. We also had to create a whole new soil profile for the site, which required plenty of time and consideration. A lot of planning goes into the soil, water and drainage of any new landscape at the Gardens to ensure maximum plant performance and safety. Why is the new Arid Garden significant for Melbourne Gardens? What gets us excited at the Gardens are wild collections of plants with ‘known provenance’, meaning we can pinpoint exactly where they were sourced in the natural environment and when they came into our Collection. The Arid Garden consists entirely of wild plants from known locations, including specimens from Harold Blossfeld’s 1930s expedition to South America. What makes the Arid Garden worth visiting? The Gardens have never been more important to our sense of health and wellbeing and connection to the natural world. I enjoy designing them, but more importantly I enjoy being in them. The Arid Garden is a perfect meeting place and provides a fantastic opportunity to see the extent of the stunning cacti and succulent collection. As a Landscape Architect, the opportunity to design a project with specimens as remarkable as the cacti from the Field collection in their many different forms, colours and textures, is a dream come true. In celebration of the redevelopment and Royal Botanic Garden Victoria’s 175th milestone year, there are a range of upcoming programs in the Arid Garden including Garden Gathering Vol. 1, Harp Meditations and Sonica Botanica: Sounds and Stories of the Gardens.
s p ec ia l event
Ev en t postponed
New date Saturday 27 March. Check website for details.
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 milestone 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 in summer embraces the newly developed Arid Garden and surrounds including Guilfoyle’s Volcano and Eucalypt Lawn. Pack a picnic and spend the day immersing in curator talks, guided tours, creative workshops and self-guided activities.
Melbourne Gardens Sat 27 March 10am – 3pm Free Arid and Drylands Precinct, enter via Gate C or D
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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, lowering pulse and blood pressure and lifting you into a more positive 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. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA). Presented as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021.
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Melbourne Gardens Sun 20 Dec Sun 10, 17, 24 & 31 Jan Sun 7, 14, 21 & 28 Feb 10am (2hrs) $35 per person Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
WE L L B EI NG
Harp Meditations Relax and take in the colours of sunset whilst 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 against a stunning backdrop of cacti and succulents.
Melbourne Gardens Wed 20 Jan & 17 Feb 6pm (1hr) $20 per person Bookings essential Arid Garden, enter via Gate C → Click here to book
Presented as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021.
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A RTS & C ULTURE
Art and nature come together at the Gardens. These immersive experiences will allow your own creativity to unfurl as you experience the Gardens and their historical and cultural significance in captivating and contemporary ways.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare Under the Stars Be transported from balmy Melbourne Gardens to the interwoven world of Lovers, Fairies and Fools at The Australian Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream 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. 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! Presented by Glenn Elston and The Australian Shakespeare Company.
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Melbourne Gardens Fri 18 Dec – Sun 24 Jan Performance days and times vary. General Admission $25 – $59 A-Reserve $40 – $110 Southern Cross Lawn → Click here for details and to book
A RTS & C ULTURE
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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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 – Sun 21 Mar Free Observatory Precinct → Click here for more info
Presented by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
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Image credit: Vombatus Uoo by Nathan Ferlazzo
A RTS & C ULTURE
Macbeth Shakespeare Under the Stars Out, damned spot! Settle in for a night of murder and mayhem at the Gardens, positioned at the very heart of the action. Bear silent witness to the unravelling doom of a couple who kill together and die apart as you watch The Australian Shakespeare Company’s visceral rendition of Macbeth, Shakespeare’s darkest and most streamlined tragedy.
Melbourne Gardens
Revel in the warm summer weather as the backdrop of Melbourne Gardens inspires an interplay of shadows that conjures the play’s supernatural tones and evoke the earthy environment of this psychological thriller.
A-Reserve $40 – $110
The continual seduction of the underworld in this play creates the conflict of morality versus maximum power. ‘What’s done cannot be undone’. Experience Shakespeare’s greatest drama in Victoria’s greatest garden.
Sat 30 Jan – Sat 6 Mar Performance days and times vary. General Admission $25 – $59
Southern Cross Lawn → Click here for details and to book
Presented by Glenn Elston and The Australian Shakespeare Company.
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Scalia/Ginsburg An Opera by Derrick Wang and Across the Aisle: a Panel Discussion on Justice and Jurisprudence Join us for an unforgettable evening in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, as we honour the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a panel discussion followed by the Australian premiere of Derrick Wang’s opera Scalia/Ginsburg.
Scalia/Ginsburg is a comic opera about the close and unlikely friendship between US Supreme Court justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. The two towering legal figures, who publicly disagreed on many legal and ideological questions, enjoyed a decades-long friendship and a shared passion for opera. Created by composer-librettist Derrick Wang, this one-act opera premiered at a festival in Virginia in 2015 with Ginsburg in attendance. In February, it’s coming to Melbourne Gardens for one night only. At this very special event, the Wheeler Centre will bring together some of our brightest legal minds for a panel discussion – talking legal history, blazed trails and giants of jurisprudence – followed by a short intermission and a performance of Scalia/Ginsburg by Orchestra Victoria, conducted by Nicolette Fraillon AM. Roll up with a picnic to the Australian Shakespeare Company stage, as the Bard hands over to the Notorious RBG. Presented by Orchestra Victoria, in collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and the Wheeler Centre. Supported by Glenn Elston and the Australian Shakespeare Company.
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Melbourne Gardens Sun 7 Feb $65 Adult, $54 Conc plus a one-off $4.95 transaction fee 6pm (2.5hrs) panel discussion followed by Scalia/Ginsburg Southern Cross Lawn → Click here to book
A RTS & C ULTURE
Summer music series Soak up the exquisite sounds of classical masterpieces in this series of concerts under the stars on warm summer evenings at Melbourne Gardens.
The Burt Bacharach Songbook – In Concert
Melbourne Gardens
Sun 14 Feb
A-Reserve $40 – $110
Make this Valentine’s Day extra special as you sit back and enjoy a sunset of songs from one of the world’s most adored composers with your loved one. This exhilarating musical event will feature renowned vocalist Wendy Stapleton and band performing the songs that Burt Bacharach wrote for Dusty Springfield, together with a line-up of brilliant guest singers performing the classic hits from the Bacharach songbook. Reminisce about the joys of Bacharach’s music as you experience a night of magic moments!
6pm General Admission $30 – $59
Southern Cross Lawn → Click here to book
Presented by Glenn Elston and The Australian Shakespeare Company.
Broadway Unplugged Sun 28 Feb Join composer and music director Daniele Buatti and a supremely talented line up of singers and musicians at Melbourne Gardens for a night of favourite Broadway classics. Enjoy an evening of spellbinding entertainment with your family and friends as you are rhapsodised by the best Broadway songs from the last forty years performed by some of Melbourne’s finest musical theatre performers. Presented by Glenn Elston and The Australian Shakespeare Company.
Mozart by Moonlight Sun 7 Mar Experience a magnificent evening of arias from Mozart’s best-known operas and enjoy the sumptuous voices of Melbourne’s most accomplished up-and-coming artists under the stars at Melbourne Gardens. Presented in conjunction with Melbourne Opera Company, this is a must-attend for any classical music lover. Pack a picnic, bring a rug (or folding chair if you like) and enjoy the show. Presented by Glenn Elston and The Australian Shakespeare Company.
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PHOTO 2021 Garden Variety: Photography, Politics and the Picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is delighted to be part of the inaugural PHOTO 2021 International Festival of Photography with a site-responsive exhibition in Melbourne Gardens. Curated by Isobel Parker Philip, this suite of ambitious new commissions plots a pathway through the Gardens and leads visitors on a journey of discovery. The landscape itself is enlisted as an exhibition partner, with each installation sensitively mapped and in dialogue with its surrounds. Artists James Nguyen, Luke Parker, Steven Rhall, Yvonne Todd, Grace Wood and Emmaline Zanelli engage with the Gardens’ history and draw reference from its rich archival holdings. Garden Variety challenges the idea that a garden exists and functions as an idyllic and politically neutral space.
Melbourne Gardens Thu 18 Feb – Sun 7 Mar 9am – 5pm Free Mueller Hall & various Gardens locations
Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria as part of PHOTO 2021 International Festival of Photography.
PHOTO 2021 Public Program/Curator Tours/Talks → Click here for further information, event details and a precinct map.
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Image credit: Grace Wood, Abundance; scattered (study for Rose Pavilion) (detail), 2020. Found images, digital collage. Images sourced from the State Botanical Collection, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and the artist’s personal archive.
A RTS & C ULTURE
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. 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.
Melbourne Gardens Available online from Sat 20 Feb Free Best experienced in the Arid Garden, enter via Gate C Check website for details in Jan 2021
Celebrating special landscapes at Melbourne Gardens, this first episode will respond to the newly designed Arid Garden with the remaining three episodes being released throughout 2021 as part of the Gardens’ 175th milestone program. Presented as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021.
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Watercolour Herbarium Public infrastructure meets public art for Watercolour Herbarium, a beautiful large-scale work created by Caitlin Klooger of Melbourne textile studio Ink & Spindle. This collaboration between the Gardens and Metro Tunnel Creative Program has transformed the Anzac Station construction site into a beautiful, Instagram-worthy art piece. Caitlin’s gorgeous designs were created after exploring the State Botanical Collection inside the National Herbarium of Victoria, with a few Australian birds and butterflies added to the mix. View this stunning work during your next stroll around the Gardens precinct.
Melbourne Gardens Until Feb 18 Free Anzac Station site, corner Domain and St Kilda Roads → Click here for more info
Presented by Metro Tunnel Creative Program in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
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Image: Phoebe Powell
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 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 are the perfect place for you and your family to play, explore and engage with nature. These family-friendly and nature-based events and activities offer a chance for your little ones’ imaginations to run wild as they discover the joys of connecting with their natural environment.
The Wind in the Willows Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and, of course, Mr Toad as they bring to life Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank. 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.
Melbourne Gardens
With laughs and surprises for children and adults, this is interactive theatre at its best. The Wind in the Willows is Australia’s best-loved affordable family entertainment, so pack a picnic, pack the kids and join in the fun!
→ Click here for details and
Presented by Glenn Elston and The Australian Shakespeare Company.
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Sat 19 Dec – Sun 24 Jan Performance days and times vary. $25 – $30 per person, group of four discount available All ages Princes Lawn to book
FA M IL IES
Seek and Find Nature Cards Set your little ones on an adventure exploring the wonderous scenery, plants and creatures of 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. Presented as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021.
Cranbourne Gardens Daily in Jan and Feb All day Free Visitor Centre → Click here for more info
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FA M IL IES
Kids Explorer Children ride free on the Kids Explorer during the school holidays in January. Experience amazing sights, sounds and smells 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.
Cranbourne Gardens Sat 2 Jan – Sun 31 Jan Daily, 10am – 4pm (25mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, Child Free Bookings essential Australian Garden → Click here to book
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FA M IL IES
Be Curious Your Questions, Our Answers Want to meet our staff and discover their passions and specialities? Our Be Curious video series is a chance for our team to answer your questions. Throughout the year, we will feature different experts from Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens ready to share their knowledge. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep an eye out for our question call outs, starting with our summer edition of Be Curious, where your families’ prickly cacti and succulent questions will be answered by Learning Facilitator and cacti enthusiast, Ella Mulvey.
Virtual Garden Available online in 2021 Free → Click here for more info
Visit our Virtual Garden to watch the first Be Curious video, where Tricia Stewart, Natural Areas Team Leader at Cranbourne Gardens shares her favourite plants, walking tracks, and tips on how to support native wildlife in your own backyard.
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Free Daily Shuttle
Take our free shuttle bus from Cranbourne Station to explore the diverse Australian plants and landscapes at the awardwinning Cranbourne Gardens. The shuttle runs three times per day each way between Cranbourne train station and Cranbourne Gardens. Coming in 2021. rbg.vic.gov.au/freedailyshuttle
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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.
ClimateWatch Walk Head outdoors and act on climate change by joining a free guided ClimateWatch Walk. Become a citizen scientist and help monitor biodiversity at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens as you uncover how climate change is affecting 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
Presented as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021.
Sat 16 Jan & Sat 13 Feb
Sat 16 Jan & Sun 21 Feb 10.30am (1hr) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book Cranbourne Gardens 11am (1hr) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
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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.
Discover the Arid Garden Explore the wonderful world of cacti and succulents in the new Arid Garden at Melbourne Gardens, as part of our 175th milestone program. Join a special talk and tour with Landscape Architect Andrew Laidlaw, Curator Bret Pritchard, and the remarkable Robert Field who donated over 3,000 cacti to the Arid Garden from his father’s private collection.
Melbourne Gardens Fri 19 Feb 9am (1.5 hours walk and talk) Free Bookings essential Arid Garden → Click here to book
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B R A N C H OUT
Care for the Rare Walk Australia’s most threatened native plants need our help to survive current and future environmental challenges. Go behind the scenes as you join Cranbourne Gardens’ Manager of Horticulture, John Arnott and Nursery Team Leader, Mandy Thomson to learn about rare plant propagation and production. Hear about the work Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria does beyond the garden gate supporting regional botanic gardens to Care for the Rare. Then, venture through the Nursery and Eucalypt Walk where John will share some of his favourite conservation and cultivation success stories in the Australian Garden.
Cranbourne Gardens Thurs 25 Feb 10.30am (1.5hrs walk and talk) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
Presented as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2021.
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Driving sustainability with STIHL A corporate 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.
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 on-going connection to country.
Melbourne Gardens From Sun 3 Jan Every Sun, Tues, Wed & Thurs 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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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
Free Guided Walk
Punting on the Lake
Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis in the comfort of the open-air minibus and admire rolling lawns and the stunning living collections at Melbourne Gardens. Melbourne Gardens
A free guided walk at Melbourne Gardens is the perfect way to enjoy summer’s glorious blue skies and fresh warm breeze. Led by a passionate guide, discover sensational views and the remarkable plant diversity of this green 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.
Daily except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Melbourne Gardens
Daily, weather permitting
11am – 5pm (30mins) $10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 Child Bookings essential Meet at Oak Lawn → Click here to book
From Sat 2 Jan Every Wed, Sat & Sun 10.30am (1.5 hrs) Free Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → 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 on an open-air bus tour. 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 26
Cranbourne Gardens Every weekend from Sat 2 Jan 11am (1hr) $8 Adult, $6 Conc, $4 Child Bookings essential Meet at the Visitor Centre → Click here to book
Melbourne Gardens 10.30am – 5pm (30 mins) Bookings essential Opposite The Terrace → Click here for details and 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