Visiting us

Opening hours

Entry to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is free of charge

Open:
7.30am to sunset every day of the year

Go to The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden for details of opening hours and activities.

For details on opening hours for the Visitor Centre, Tropical Display – Glasshouse, Plant Craft Cottage, The Gardens Shop and Cafes please check out the Open Hours page.

Tours, events and activities

Check out our What's On section for a full listing of events and activities in the Gardens.

If you are interested in holding a private function at the Gardens visit the Cafes, Functions and Weddings page of this website.

Picnics

RBG Melbourne is a great place for picnics with the exception of areas marked private, garden beds and areas that have been reserved for private functions.

Barbeques are not permitted within the Gardens. Free public barbeque facilities line the Yarra River along Alexander Avenue.

Dogs in the Gardens

Dogs are welcome, they should be kept on short leads and supervised at all times.

Dogs are not permitted in the following areas:

• Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden,
• licensed cafes
• Visitor Centre
• Gardens Shop

Planning your visit

Please be aware of the following risks.

Falling tree limbs

The Royal Botanic Gardens regularly inspects and manages our trees to protect your health and safety. Despite these steps trees may still unpredictably shed branches which may land well beyond the tree canopy spread.

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

Water

Swimming in or drinking from water features in these Gardens is prohibited.

Children must be appropriately supervised at all time

Care for the Gardens

The Gardens are for everyone to enjoy. All visitors and activities within the Gardens are subject to and must comply with the Royal Botanic Gardens regulations 2004. Breaches of the regulations may incur a fine. The following activities are not permitted in the Gardens:

• Bicycle or scooter riding
• Damaging or removing plants
• Ball games
• Roller blading or skate boarding
• Climbing trees or plants
• Commercial activities or functions unless a permit is granted

A full list of the regulations is available.