Embrace springtime at the Gardens

November has arrived, and as we enter "Sprummer", my favourite way to describe the breezy, sunny days of late spring and early summer, I can't recommend a visit to the Gardens enough. Bees are buzzing around beautiful blooms like electric Purple torch flowers (Bartlettina sordida) – something of a late spring icon at Melbourne Gardens (and often appearing in my Instagram landscape photographs). Over at Cranbourne Gardens there's also a bounty of colourful blooms, including this incredible native Beard Orchid (Calochilus).

I'm delighted to announce the new Arid Garden at Melbourne Gardens will be opening later this month, and a remarkable world of cacti and succulents awaits you! The collection will feature more than 3000 arid plants, with many sourced from the Fields collection created by Ralph and Robert Fields in Tennyson, which was brought to Australia in the 1930s. 

The team at Melbourne Gardens has worked tirelessly and overcame many obstacles to prepare the Arid Garden for visitors, and I couldn't be prouder of their incredible work, or more excited for you to see the completed project in all its prickly perfection. 

If you're unable to visit the Gardens and are looking for ways to connect with nature from the comfort of your own home, make sure to stop by our Virtual Garden for wonderful wellbeing experiences, slow walks and activities to entertain your little ones. 

It's been a joy to see visitors returning to Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens, lounging on lawns and strolling serenely past garden beds bursting with spring blooms. I look forward to more lovely afternoons at the Gardens ahead and to welcoming visitors for further afield as the restrictions ease. As always, I hope you are keeping safe and well.

Tim Entwisle

Director and Chief Executive

Latest News

Meet Our Resident Wildlife Photographer, Ricardo Simao
If you've ever fallen in love with a photo of a cute critter on our Instagram or Facebook pages, chances are it was taken by the Manager of Environmental Systems at Cranbourne Gardens, Ricardo Simao. We chatted to Ricardo about how he got into wildlife photography, some of the trickiest creatures to photograph, and tips and tricks we can all use to try wildlife photography ourselves. 

Keep Your Cut Flowers in Tip-Top Shape
If you have been sent a bunch of fragrant flowers as a lockdown pick-me-up, or you've decided to bring some vibrant spring blooms from your garden inside to brighten up your living space, here's how to keep any cut flowers looking gorgeous for as long as possible – no floristry qualification needed!

Visit the Virtual Garden

Escape to the Gardens from the comfort of your home with the Virtual Garden.

Meet the Sky Watcher
Discover the remarkable and fascinating history of the Melbourne Observatory housed in Melbourne Gardens, with Observatory Guide Russell Cockman. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the telescopes and buildings of the Observatory, and gain insight into its importance and purpose.

Take a Dreamy Virtual Stroll Through the Red Sand Garden
See the stunning sights of the iconic Red Sand Garden on this calming virtual stroll exploring incredible landscapes of Cranbourne Gardens, with a bee making a special appearance! If you love slow walks, take a look at the other relaxing virtual walks through Cranbourne Gardens we have on offer. 

Feast with Friends

Picnic Perfection at Melbourne Gardens
As the weather warms up and as we edge out of lockdown, there's no better time for picnicking with family and friends on the lush lawns of Melbourne Gardens. Blake's Feast is offering you the chance to book a gathering at the Gardens with a scrumptious picnic or grazing package to enjoy, complete with bubbly or your drink of choice. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to welcome summer and brighter days ahead with loved ones, peruse the packages on offer and book your spot!

In Bloom

Your Snapshots 

Share your special moments from the Gardens on Instagram with @royalbotanicgardensvic and #royalbotanicgardensvic.

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.