Guilfoyle's Volcano

The spectacular and historic water reservoir has commanding views of the city, and its striking landscape design showcases low-water use plants. Boardwalks and viewing platforms will give visitors the opportunity to explore this long-hidden, but remarkable, feature of the Botanic Gardens.

'Guilfoyle’s Volcano is a key part of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ water management program, showcasing some innovative methods for water harvesting and recycling,' said Minister Jennings.

William Guilfoyle, the second Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, oversaw the reservoir’s construction in 1876 with the aim of providing gravity-fed irrigation for the Royal Botanic Gardens. The reservoir was styled in the form of a volcanic crater, and was a striking visual feature of the Gardens.

Guilfoyle’s Volcano was part of the main water supply for the gardens for about seventy years, before it fell into disrepair. Thick vegetation has been removed and a remarkable new landscape design now reflects the original lava flows of Guilfoyle’s Volcano.

'Fabulous design and very practical function come together at the Volcano,' said Dr Philip Moors, CEO and Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens. 'A previously hidden section of the Gardens is now open for visitors to explore. They will be able to discover more about water conservation principles and sustainable gardening. At the same time, we now have another part of our Water Management Strategy in place. The Myer Foundation provided a major grant which has made this project possible.'

Guilfoyle’s Volcano is in the south-east corner of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and the closest gates are C Gate (enter via Anderson Street) and D Gate (enter via Birdwood Avenue).

Experience Guilfoyle’s grand design as you walk down the lava flow lawns to Nymphaea Lily Lake.

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