Visiting us

Open hours

Cranbourne Gardens

Entry to the Gardens is free of charge.

Open:
9am – 5pm, daily

Closed:
Christmas Day and
Days of Total Fire Ban*

*The bushland at Cranbourne is closed on days of total fire ban and on days of extreme fire danger, however the Australian Garden remains open on these days. 

Australian Garden

Open:
9am to 5pm, daily

Closed:
Christmas Day

Dogs in the Gardens

Please leave your dog and other pets at home.

Planning your visit

The Australian Garden and bushland at RBG Cranbourne contain a treasure trove of precious biodiversity.

You can help protect the Gardens for generations to come by:

• taking your rubbish home
• keeping to the tracks
• not feeding the birds or animals
• keeping to designated bicycle tracks
• leaving your dog and other pets at home
• leaving plants and flowers for others to enjoy
• playing ball games at the Woodland Picnic Area only.

Activities and Events

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne hosts a range of activities and events throughout the year.

Activities, tours and talks

Throughout the year, RBG Cranbourne runs a range of programs, tours and talks. These include:

• daily Australian Garden tours
• seasonal school holiday programs
• seasonal tours, talks and workshops
• What’s on

To receive regular updates about our programs, events and tours, please submit your email or address details to visitor services. For further information call our friendly customer service staff on (03) 5990 2245.

Our special events

RBG Cranbourne hosts a number of special events throughout the year. From the spectacular spring Wildflower Festival, when the Gardens are in bloom, to the iconic Eucalypt Festival, there’s something for everyone.

Other special events include:

• Fathers’ Day
• Mothers’ Day
• Victorian Seniors’ Festival
• Australia Day
• Easter

To receive regular updates about our programs, events and tours, please submit your email or address details to visitor services. For further information call our friendly customer service staff on (03) 5990 2245.

Walking Tracks

Explore the untouched heathlands, wetlands and woodlands at RBG Cranbourne. There is lots of signage throughout the Gardens to point you in the right direction and provide details about the various walks. See gardens map for more information on walking tracks.

• Trig Point Lookout to Stringybark Picnic Area via Wylies Creek track - 3.7 km
• Stringybark Picnic Area to Trig Point Lookout via Possum Gully track - 1.9 km
• Visitor Centre to Trig Point Lookout - 400 m
• Trig Point Lookout to Stringybark Picnic Area - 1.5 km
• Manna Walk from Stringybark Picnic Area - 1.0 km
• Stringybark Picnic Area to Wylies Creek Wetlands - 900 m

Emergency contact

The Visitor Centre can be contacted on +61 3 5990 2245.

Falling tree limbs

The Royal Botanic Gardens regularly inspects and manages our trees to protect your health and safety. Despite these steps, trees can be unpredictable and may still shed branches. Falling branches may land well beyond the spread of the tree canopy.

When standing or sitting near trees, we ask that all visitors be aware of the unpredictable way in which branches may fall and land.

Wildfire

The Gardens conducts prescribed burns in the bushland prior to bushfire season. Fire is an essential ingredient in the ecology of Australian plants and many species depend on fire to release and germinate seeds.

Unplanned wildfire is always a risk, especially on days of high fire danger.

If you do see signs of fire, please:

• stay calm
• stay on walking tracks
• walk away from the fire towards a clear area
• if possible, contact the Visitor Centre on +61 3 5990 2245

Snakes

RBG Cranbourne is home to several species of snakes. In warm weather, watch for venomous Copperhead and Tiger Snakes.

If you see a snake:

• Do not approach the snake
• Wait for the snake to move off the track
• Remember that snakes are protected animals and are an important part of the bushland ecosystem.

Water

Swimming in or drinking from the Rockpool Waterway within the Australian Garden or Wylies Creek is strictly prohibited.

Wading is only permitted between the flags in the Rockpool Waterway.

Children must be appropriately supervised at all times in the Australian Garden and bushland areas.