Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Attractions Cranbourne
Description
Hours:
9am-5pm, daily. Closed on Christmas Day.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is one of Victoria’s most precious areas of native bushland and offers nature-lovers the chance to explore 363 hectares of untouched heathlands, wetlands and woodlands.
Unearth the Australian Garden with its treasure trove of native Australian Flora, Dramatic sculptures, Exhibition gardens and the Rockpool Waterway, which will delight and educate the youngest imaginations.
A walk through the expansive natural bushland will give visitors an appreciation of many challenging and diverse Australian landscapes and you may even catch a glimpse of the thriving bird and animal life that have made the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne their home.
Ascend the Trig Point Lookout which offers a breathtaking 360-degree viewpoint across south-eastern Victoria and as far away as Mount Macedon.
Each season brings dramatic changes to the landscape and wildlife of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and is a must-see for all ages, whatever the weather.
Description
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cranbourne Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is one of the world's leading botanic gardens and a centre of excellence for horticulture, science and education.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is dedicated to the conservation, display and enjoyment of plants and extends over two locations, Melbourne and Cranbourne, and incorporates the National Herbarium of Victoria.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cranbourne Gardens is one of Victoria’s most precious areas of remnant native bushland and offers visitors the chance to explore heathlands, wetlands and woodlands on the 363-hectare site. It is recognised as a site of State significance for flora and fauna conservation, with over 25 species listed as endangered, threatened or at risk of extinction. Following representations by the Maud Gibson Trust, Cranbourne Gardens was established in 1970 when the Victorian Government acquired the land with a view to developing it into a botanic garden that complemented Melbourne Gardens through the display of native plants and ecosystems.
Today, visitors to Cranbourne Gardens can enjoy a natural bushland experience and visit the Australian Garden. Facilities in the bushland include over ten kilometres of tracks to walk, six kilometres of cycling tracks, a lookout tower, picturesque shelters, barbecues and picnic tables. There is a range of visitor programs, as well as a self-guided walk available throughout the year. The Australian Garden, completed in October 2012, celebrates the beauty and diversity of Australian landscapes and flora and features approximately 170,000 plants from 1,700 plant varieties. Complementing the Garden are a visitor centre, café, gift shop and interpretive displays.
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Map & Directions
Corner Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive Cranbourne Victoria 3977
Directions
The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne are located at the corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive in Cranbourne, a 50 minute drive from Melbourne.
Drive from Melbourne along the Monash Freeway (M1) to the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Signs to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne will direct you to Ballarto Road.
Melways Ref: 133 K10