Welcome 2021 at the Gardens

Wishing you a Happy New Year! 

For many of us, 2020 was a challenging year, but despite obstacles, the Gardens continued to blossom. Incredible work by staff at Melbourne and Cranbourne meant the Gardens were kept healthy, safe, and beautiful, and projects including the stunning new Sensory Garden and Arid Garden progressed to completion for us all to explore and enjoy. 

As well as discovering new additions to the Gardens, there is plenty more in store for 2021, with a range of wonderful and immersive events and programs at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens to help you make the most of warm summer days. See what's ahead in our What's On guide. 

Let's make 2021 a year for unity, kindness, learning and growth. Here's to putting the health of our planet and every creature that calls it home at the forefront in 2021.

See you in the Gardens,

Tim Entwisle
Director and Chief Executive

Picnic Perfection at Melbourne Gardens

There is no better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than lounging in a comfy deck chair or lying on a picnic rug, surrounded by the sights, sounds and scents of Melbourne Gardens. But with so many prime picnic spots within Melbourne Gardens’ 38-hectares of greenery, it can be tricky to choose where to set up a spread. Here is our guide to eight of the best places to picnic. Pick your favourite, gather friends and family, pack a hamper and head into nature.

A Summer Spectacle 

The Perennial Border is a seasonal must-see at Melbourne Gardens! Flowering throughout spring and summer, it boasts beautiful contrasting colours and textures, designed for a bold contemporary display of beautiful blooms. Uncover its fascinating history and admire its enduring beauty this summer! 

A Delight for the Senses

Disconnect from city life and get your zen on by visiting the sublime new Sensory Garden at Melbourne Gardens. It is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a hectic year. You are encouraged to take off your shoes, slow down and really connect with nature through the senses. Make sure to explore the Sensory Garden on your next visit and be immersed in stunning colours, mesmerising sounds and heady aromas.

Opening Update for Melbourne Gardens

Please note that Melbourne Gardens will be closing at 7:30pm from now until the end of March. You can keep track of changes to our opening hours via the link below. 

School Holiday Adventures

There are plenty of fun activities ahead at Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens these school holidays! Get your little ones moving, exploring and playing as they connect with nature and enjoy time outdoors.

Experience Cranbourne Gardens

This summer, experience Australia’s diverse and stunning landscapes along with its unique flora and fauna all in one place at Cranbourne Gardens. With a range of spaces and experiences, it is the perfect place to find inspiration, connect with nature or simply enjoy a day out with the family.

Your Summer Guide

The Gardens’ first What's On guide for 2021 is out. Take a look at the wonderful events, activities, talks and tours coming up over the summer season which showcase the best that Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens have to offer including family activities for school holiday entertainment, a series of incredible experiences in the new Arid Garden and more.

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 Elders past, present and future.