What's on
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Summer/Autumn 2010
All year
Craft Demonstration Days
When: Tuesdays, program details below
10.30am - 2pm
Where: Plant Craft Cottage, near H-gate.
Cost: free
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings not required
Come along and see members of the Craft Groups demonstrate their work.
Visitors are welcome to watch and ask questions of any member of the Craft Groups. However, visitors are not permitted to take part in any demonstrations.
Please note: The Garden demonstrations are between 10.30am - 12 noon.
Tuesdays in autumn – open from 10.30 am to 2pm
(Garden demonstrations are between 10.30am – 12pm)
- 2 February, 4 May - Basketry
- 9 February, 9 March, 13 April,11 May - Fibre
- 16 February - Counterpart Craft
- 23 February - Garden
- 2 March - Natural dye
- 16 March - Papermaking
- 9, 23 & 30 March / 13 & 27 April / 11 & 25 May - Garden
- 30 March - Plant Card
- 20 April - Pot Pourri
- 18 May - Counterpart Craft
Lunar tours
When: Thursday 25 February
9 - 10pm
Thursday 25 March
9 – 10pm
Thursday 22 April
8 – 9pm
Thursday 20 May
8 – 9pm
Where: Meet at the Melbourne Observatory, near Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue.
Cost: $14 adult, $10 concession,
$40 family
(2 adults and up to 3 children)
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required
Group bookings can be made by special arrangement. Minimum 15 people per group.
Be enchanted by the mystical Moon with our expert astronomical guides at the Melbourne Observatory.
The ‘first quarter' is an ideal time to explore the Moon's surface, which is studded with craters and strewn with rocks and dust.
Discover lots of amazing facts about the Earth's only natural satellite and why the Moon can appear to wobble!
Suitable for families with children aged 8 and over.
Tropical hothouse ~ Self-guided tour
When: Every day
10am - 4pm
Where: Tropical Display – Glasshouse located near E Gate
Cost: free
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings not required
Retreat to the warm, humid tropics inside the Tropical Hothouse.
Experience the feeling of walking through dense vegetation and discover the weird and wonderful plants of the tropical rainforests.
Take a step back in time and be astonished by early plant life, which has evolved from before dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Pick up a brochure from the hothouses located near E Gate on Birdwood Avenue.
Aboriginal heritage walk: Spirit ~ Connection ~ Land

When: Thursdays and Fridays
11am - 12.30pm
Sundays: 7 February, 7 March and 2 May
11am - 12.30pm
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate
Cost: $25 adults, $21 concession, $10 child (aged 6-17 years)
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required
Group bookings can be made by special arrangement. Minimum of 15 people per group.
Journey into the ancestral lands of the Kulin nation and explore their rich and thriving culture on this award-winning walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Experience a traditional smoking ceremony with our Indigenous Guides and discover traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine.
Premium tour ~ Group experience
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$60 per person
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Minimum 15 people per group.
Would you like to stroll in the Royal Botanic Gardens with the Director of Melbourne Gardens or unearth botanical secrets with the Manager of Horticulture?
This exclusive tour provides an opportunity to gain a rare insight into the iconic Gardens and concludes with a Devonshire Tea overlooking the Ornamental Lake.
Indigenous bush-tucker experience ~ Group experience
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$70 per person
(includes tastings)
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Minimum 15 people per group.
Step deep into the Australian bush with an Indigenous guide and explore the myriad of native bush foods that can be found in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Listen to ancient plant lore and experience these plants from the bush to the plate by tasting a selection of authentic and delicious seasonal bush foods, herbs and spices prepared by celebrity Indigenous chef Mark Olive and Black Olive Productions.
Aboriginal celebration journey ~ Group experience
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$78 per person
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Minimum 15 people per group.
Tjanabi means to celebrate life. Begin your celebration journey into the ancestral lands of the Kulin nation and explore their rich and thriving culture on the award-winning Aboriginal Heritage Walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Experience a traditional smoking ceremony with our Indigenous Guides and discover traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine.
After the walk, make your own way to the popular Tjanabi restaurant, located at Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the tastes of Australian game and wild foods.
Gardens snapshot ~ Group experience
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$7 adults, $5.90 concession
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Minimum 15 people per group.
Take a snapshot of the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens on this short guided walk. Admire the sweeping vistas, discover what's in bloom and uncover some unusual trees and striking plants.
Sunday Open Days
When:Sundays,
10am - 3pm
Sundays in autumn:
3 March
Basketry group on duty
18 April
Counterpart group on duty
16 May
Fibre group on duty
Where: Plant Craft Cottage, near H-gate
Cost:free
Bookings/enquiries:Bookings not required
A wonderful opportunity to discover Plant Craft Cottage, the oldest building in public gardens in Victoria. This heritage-listed building is open to the public on the third Sunday of the month.
On display will be some of the wonderful hand-made items created by the volunteers at Plant Craft Cottage, with some craft goods available to purchase.
Chocolate and spice ~ Group experience
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$21 adults, $17 concession
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Minimum 15 people per group.
Experience the amazing plants in the Gardens that are used for food on this delectable walk and discover the essence of chocolate! Spice up your senses with stories and recipes of cinnamon, cardamom and the delicious vanilla bean.
This aromatic adventure ends with a delicious chocolate treat overlooking the tranquil Ornamental Lake.
Lakeside stroll ~ Group experience
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$7 adults, $5.90 concession
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Minimum 15 people per group.
Take a guided tour around the picturesque Ornamental Lake, a natural sanctuary for native wildlife such as Black swans, eels, Bell miners and cockatoos.
Discover the wide variety of plants around the lake, including Long Island, an area that displays a collection of plants indigenous to Melbourne.
Ideal for a short tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne!
The Terrace: Weekend coffee and ice-cream cart
When:Saturday and Sunday
12 noon to 3 pm
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Bookings not requred
Enjoy the outdoors and visit our coffee and ice cream cart outside The Terrace entrance. Perfect for a take away and to enjoy in the great outdoor.
Gardens stroll ~ Group experience
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$9 adults, $7.90 concession
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Minimum 15 people per group.
Discover seasonal highlights, unusual plants, spiky trees and some spectacular sweeping views of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Walk with one of our expert Guides to their favourite spots, uncover hidden treasures and discover what's in bloom
Beyond the garden gate ~ Off-site Presentation
When:By arrangement
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$50 per group
Aged Care Facilities concession rate:
$25 per group
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings essential
Only available for Groups by special arrangement.
Invite an expert Voluntary Guide from the Royal Botanic Gardens to visit your venue and take you on a virtual journey down the Gardens' paths!
This engaging presentation will inspire home gardeners and anyone interested in the past and present of Melbourne's favourite public garden.
The Terrace
When:9.00am to 5.00pm,
October to April
9.45am to 4.00pm,
May to September
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
The Terrace's location in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens, located on the edge of the Ornamental Lake is one of Melbourne's great treasures.
Enjoy all the summer events at The Terrace and all year round at this special venue. We welcome you soon.
For details visit www.thegardensshop.com.au.
The Terrace: Twilight concert music series
When:First Thursday of every month
6.30 - 9.30pm
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:$25 adult
$19 concession
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: 0407 302 771 or book online at: www.twilightmusic.com.au
The Twilight Concert Music series is held at The Terrace on the first Thursday of each month and presents some of Australia's gifted musicians in an unforgettable evening of music, complemented by stunning views of the Gardens.
Take the time to sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. Visit our website for the dining menu and details.
The Terrace: Weekend specials and combo deals
When:Saturday and Sunday
11am - 3pm
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Bookings not required
Be on the look out for our weekend specials at The Tearooms and treat yourself to something special from the menu.
The Terrace: Weekend specials and combo deals
When:In summer and autumn - *Bookings essential
Available during opening hours
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Available for your picnic in the Gardens.
Let us do the work for you and pack you a beautiful hamper to enjoy. Phone to order or order online and collect on the day. Easy and enjoyable!
Available seven days a week with 48 hours notice.
The Terrace: Mother’s Club
When:Monday - Friday during summer
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:$8 adult
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Bookings not required
Drop into The Terrace for morning tea during the week and enjoy our special Mother’s Club morning tea offer.
Choose from a scone/muffin and tea/coffee (no hot chocolate) and a baby cappuccino for just $8. Catch up with friends and relax in a beautiful setting as the kids play in the sunshine.
The Terrace: High tea
When:Daily in summer and autumn
2 – 4pm
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:Prices vary
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
The Terrace is now serving traditional high tea.
Come and enjoy our homemade scones, miniature cakes, chocolate dipped strawberry's and ribbon sandwiches. A must, for an afternoon of palate pampering.
See our menu on our website. Available seven days a week with 48 hours notice. Great idea for special occasions. Book a party or hens day!
The Terrace: Weekend barbecues
When:Every weekend until the end of
March and on Labour Day,
Monday 8 March
12 noon – 3.00pm
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Bookings not required.
Enjoy our outdoor barbecues every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon. Choose from delicious bratwurst, beef burgers and vegetarian burgers to go with your ice creams and drinks.
Summer Discovery Walk

When: Tuesday - Sunday
11am - 2pm
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate
Cost: free
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings not required.
Group bookings can be made by special arrangement. Minimum of 15 people per group.
Take a cool walk on a hot summer's day with one or our friendly guides. Take in the magnificent vistas and discover the history and cultural significance of Melbourne's favourite gardens.
The Gardens Shop
When:Monday to Sunday,
9.30am - 5pm
Where: Observatory Gate Precinct
RBG Melbourne (Birdwood Ave, South Yarra)
Lakeside
opposite the Ornamental Lake, RBG Melbourne
(enter via A or B gates, Anderson Street)
Australian Garden,
RBG Cranbourne
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:For details visit www.thegardensshop.com.au
Our outlets at RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne offer a botanic shopping experience with a range of Royal Botanic Gardens branded merchandise including greeting cards, chutneys, jams and sauces, Maxwell and Williams tableware and RBG clothing.
Autumn comes alive with our wonderful botanically-themed merchandise to brighten up your home. This season’s highlights include exquisite handmade clay orchids of different sizes, a range of beautiful botanic artwork and an in-depth collection of books.
As usual, our Artists-in-Residence program will be running at both sites. For details visit www.thegardensshop.com.au.
Royalties from all purchases assist the Gardens in its mission to advance the knowledge and enjoyment of plants and to foster their conservation. Enjoy the present and protect the future, and help ensure that the Gardens will continue to delight visitors for many years to come.
TREES OF HISTORY AND ROMANCE - Illustrated Talk by Michael Pembroke

When: Thursday 11 February at 10.00 for 10.30am
Where: Mueller Hall, National Herbarium
Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
Cost: $25 (Friends $15)
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings essential on booking form
Summer guided visit to the Growing Friends' nursery

When: Friday 12 February at 10.00am
Where: Meet at Gate Lodge (opp Shrine) for morning tea before walking down to the Nursery
Cost: $5 MEMBERS ONLY
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings essential on booking form
The Gardens Market
When:Saturday:
13 February
13 March
10 April
9am - 2pm
Where: Observatory Site, Birdwood Ave, opposite Shrine of Remembrance
Cost:free entry, product prices vary.
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9899 5979
Email: marketsinthegarden@dodo.com.au
Web: www.marketsinthegarden.com.au
* New stallholder enquiries are welcome.
The Gardens Market continues at RBG Melbourne, with over 100 stallholders selling quality products in beautiful surroundings.
The Gardens Market offers a beautiful selection of botanic-themed products including plants, seasonal produce, food, garden sculptures, craft, music and much more.
Annual Fundraiser ~ Moonlight Cinema and the RBG Melbourne
When:Wednesday, 17 February
Cost:Tickets at
www.moonlight.com.au:
Adults $15,Conc. $13, Sen/Child $11,
Gold Grass $32, Movie Club $11,
Vouchers $17
Box Office from 7pm:
Adults $17,Conc. $15, Sen/Child $13,
Gold Grass $32
(booking fees included in ticket prices where applicable)
Gold Grass premium ticket includes a glass of wine and a bean bed in a reserved area.
Licensed bar and catering by Soul Kitchen or BYO.
Limited bean beds for hire at the venue for $7.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne,
enter via Gate D on Birdwood Ave.
Gates open at 7pm, screenings
start at sundown, approx. 8.30pm.
Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne present THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR PARNASSUS.
In Heath Ledger’s last starring role before his tragic death, he reteams with the terrifically trippy director Terry Gilliam (FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS), co-starring with CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, JOHNNY DEPP, JUDE LAW and COLIN FARRELL in this captivating, explosive and wonderfully imaginative film.
All proceeds go to the Royal Botanic Gardens so support Melbourne’s iconic Gardens that we all love and enjoy.
Shake, rattle and stroll
When:Thursday 18 February
Tuesday 23 February
10 - 10.45am
11 - 11.45 am
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate.
Cost:$7 per child
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings required.
Suitable for children aged 3-4 years; adult participation is required.
Sing some songs, shake out some rhythms... come and enjoy music inspired by plants and animals of the garden. Created especially for 3 to 4 year olds, this program provides fun with song and movement in The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden.
Summer insiders' walk - Shady walk to Temple of the Winds and The Plant Craft Cottage

When: Thursday 18 February at 10.00am
Where: Meet at Gate Lodge (opp Shrine) for morning tea before the walk
Cost: $15 MEMBERS ONLY
Bookings/enquiries:
Bookings essential on booking form - **Please note that Friends' Events held outdoors may be canceled due to extreme weather conditions being forecast.
Summer fit Friends' ramble - Gardens and architecture of North Fitzroy

When: *BOOKED OUT* Tuesday 23 February at 9.30am
Where: Meet at the entrance to the Old Colonists' Village, cnr Rushall Cres and Falconer St North Fitzroy
Cost: $30 (Friends $15)
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings essential on booking form -*BOOKED OUT* Please note that Friends' Events held outdoors may be canceled due to extreme weather conditions being forecast.
Summer talking plants morning - Salvias for all seasons

When: Friday 26 February at 10.00am
Where: Meet at Domain House, Dallas Brooks Drive
Cost: $15 (Friends $10)
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings essential on booking form
Autumn Discovery Walk

When: Tuesday – Sunday,
(excluding 2 and 3 April)
11am – 12.30pm
2 – 3.30pm
Where: Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate
Cost: free
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings not required.
Enjoy a colourful autumn walk with one of our friendly guides and discover the history, cultural significance and stunning beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Mars rocks
When: Every Monday evening,
except 8 March; 5 and 26 April
9 – 10.30 pm in February and March
8 – 9.30 pm in April and May
Where: Meet at the Melbourne Observatory, near Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue.
Cost: $18 adult, $14 concession,
$50 family
(2 adults and up to 3 children)
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required
Group bookings can be made by special arrangement. Minimum 15 people per group.
Come and view Mars, the Red Planet through one of our historic telescopes. See the red hue of its rocks, soil and sky. Mars was once thought to have been Earth¬like, but its surface is now known to have volcanism and periodic dust storms that engulf the entire planet. Join our astronomers as they guide you through a universe of stars, planets and clusters at the Melbourne Observatory. Suitable for families with children aged 8 and over.
Hey dee ho in the Children’s
Garden …
When:Choose from nine sessions on
the following Wednesdays in:
March – 10, 17 and 24
April – 14, 21 and 28
May – 5, 12 and 19
10 – 10.45am
Where: The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$40 for 3 sessions
$80 for 6 sessions
$120 for 9 sessions
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required.
A maximum of 12 children per group applies.
Suitable for children aged 18 months – 2 years. Adult participation is required.
Sing along with Hey dee ho as they bring percussion, music and movement to the Children’s Garden. Listen to the rustlings of plants, discover the world of bugs and dance around the trees in this nine week music program designed for toddlers.
‘What's happening to the Yarra?’
Illustrated Talk By Rod Ingham - Project Officer, Yarra Riverkeeper Association
When: Wednesday 17 March at 10.00am for 10.30am
Where: Mueller Hall, National Herbarium, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
Cost: $25 (Friends $15)
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings essential on booking form
The Terrace ~ Melbourne Food and Wine Festival event
When:6.30pm – 9.30pm
Thursday 18 March
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:$65 per person
Fundraiser for ACF’s Sustainable Seafood Program
Imagine a world without seafood! Come and sample the best of Australia’s sustainable seafood whilst hearing the lowdown of sustainability. Bookings essential $65 per person seafood degustation menu and glass of wine. $5 donation for additional wine
RSVP Beth Gould on 03 9345 1127
Basketry workshop
When: Saturday 20 March
10am to 3pm
Where: Plant Craft Cottage, near H-gate.
Cost: $50
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings are essential. For further details and bookings, contact: Mary Jost on (03) 9578 6850 or, Lyn Brown(03) 9802 3832
An introduction to Basketry – coiling a coaster to a fruitbowl. All materials and notes provided.
Who’s hiding in the garden ~ School holiday program
When:Monday 29 March
Thursday 1 April
Friday 9 April
10 – 11.30am
Where: The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$12 child
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required.
Suitable for children aged 4 – 8 years. Adult participation required.
Sing about autumn and all things colourful! Play a guessing game before uncovering some of the secret places in the garden where creatures make their homes, then make a nest of your own to take home.
Garden treasure keepers ~ School holiday program
When:Tuesday 30 March
Wednesday 31 March
Wednesday 7 April
Thursday 8 April
10 – 11.30am
Where: The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$12 per child
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required.
Suitable for children aged 4 – 8 years. Adult participation required.
Explore some of the treasures of the garden, like seeds, flowers, bark and leaves. Collect your own garden treasure and then decorate a treasure collection box. Sow a collection of seeds to take home and grow.
The Terrace: Easter
When:2 to 5 April
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Bookings not required.
The Terrace will be raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital with pot painting hosted on Easter Saturday.
Your donation will go to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Hot cross buns will be available from the Terrace café and a BBQ will be held over the Easter weekend, weather permitting.
Look out for the kids’ Easter egg scramble on Sunday.
School holiday program Fantastic friends
When:Tuesday 6 April
Wednesday 7 April
Thursday 8 April
10.30am to 2pm
Where: Plant Craft Cottage, near H-gate
Cost:free for adults $4 per child
Bookings/enquiries:Bookings not required
For further details, contact: Jean on (03) 85881824 or Christina (03) 96902145
Create a fantastic friend using a range of items straight from the garden, including gum nuts, seed pods and banksias. This activity runs continuously and is recommended for children pre-school age and above.
Twilight exclusive ~ Guilfoyle’s Volcano
When: Saturday 10 April
Thursday 15 April
Friday 16 April
4.30pm - 6pm
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost: $49 adults, $45 concession
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required
Group bookings can be made by special arrangement. Minimum of 15 people per group.
Join us for sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres as we celebrate the opening of Guilfoyle’s Volcano by twilight.
Guilfoyle’s Volcano, hidden for decades, is now erupting in full glory. Lava flows of plant material surge down from the crater. A bold, contemporary landscape design features fascinating and unusual plants – succulents, arid-zone and native species – all adapted to survival in a changing climate. Climb easy-access ramps for stunning views of Melbourne. Look inside the volcano (in fact, an 1876 water reservoir) and see floating gardens that act as a natural water treatment system. Experience Guilfoyle’s grand design as you walk down the lava¬flow lawns to Nymphaea Lily Lake. A plant will be given to you as a memento of this new and inspiring feature in the Gardens.
Guilfoyle’s Volcano

When: Friday
16 and 23 April
10 – 11am
Thursday
22 and 29 April
2 – 3pm
Sunday
11 and 18 April
2 – 3pm
Where: Meet at D gate, Birdwood Avenue, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost: $15 adults, $12 concession
Bookings/enquiries: Tel: (03) 9252 2429
Bookings required
Group bookings can be made by special arrangement. Minimum of 15 people per group.
Guilfoyle’s Volcano, hidden for decades, is now erupting in full glory. A bold, contemporary landscape design features fascinating and unusual plants – succulents, arid-zone and native species – all adapted to survival in a changing climate. Climb easy-access ramps for stunning views of Melbourne. Look inside the volcano (in fact, an 1876 water reservoir) and see floating gardens that act as a natural water treatment system.
Experience Guilfoyle’s grand design as you walk down the lava flow lawns to Nymphaea Lily Lake. A plant will be given to you as a memento of this new and inspiring feature in the Gardens.
The autumn 2010 plant sale

When: Saturday 17 April 10.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday 18 April 10.00am to 3.00pm
Where: Inside Gate E, RBG Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
Cost: entry free
Bookings/enquiries: Bookings essential on booking form
Budding green thumbs
When:Thursdays:
22, and 29 April and 6, 13, 20
and 27 May (6 sessions).
10 – 11am
Where: The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:$60 per child
for the 6 sessions
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9252 2429.
Bookings required.
Suitable for children aged 4–5 years. Adult participation is required.
Experience the magic of gardening in autumn. An opportunity for little people to explore the world of plants and gardening by getting their hands in the soil and enjoying a range of fun, plant-related activities. A chance to grow a little with The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden.
The Terrace: Anzac Day
When:Sunday 25 April
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Enjoy home baked ANZAC cookies and if the weather is fine, a traditional Aussie barbecue with sausages and beef burgers at 12 noon.
Natural Dye workshop – ancient dyes
When:Saturday /Sunday:
1 and 2 May
10.30am to 2pm
Where: Plant Craft Cottage, near H-gate
Cost:$125
Bookings/enquiries:Bookings essential.
For further details, contact:
Rosemary Cerny (03) 9723 3867 or Pam Borchardt (03) 9859 4880
‘ANCIENT DYES ‘ Workshop Using wool and silk samples and working with a selection of dyes, cochineal fustic, indigo, logwood and madder. All materials are provided.
The care and value of trees during climate change
Illustrated Talk by Greg Moore
When: Thursday 6 May at 10.00 am for 10.30 am
Where: Mueller Hall, National Herbarium, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra
Cost: $25 (Friends $15)
Bookings/enquiries:
Bookings essential on booking form
The Terrace: Mother’s Day
When:Sunday 9 May
Where: The Terrace, next to Ornamental Lake. Enter via A Gate on Anderson Street.
Cost:various
Bookings/enquiries:Tel: (03) 9820 9590
Email: theterrace@delawarenorth.com.au
Web: www.terracereception.com.au
Bookings not required
A special Mother’s Day brunch menu will be available to spoil your Mum with. Look out for our Mother’s Day specials and bring her along to The Terrace to celebrate.
Moonlight Cinema ~ Ford Fiesta
When:17 December - 14 March
Gates open at 7pm,
screening at sundown - approximately 8.30pm.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Cost:Adults from $17
Concession from $14
Seniors/children from $12
Gold Grass $32
Bookings/enquiries:Web: www.moonlight.com.au
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema Box Office on the day.
Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema is an outdoor cinema screening latest release, classic and contemporary films.
Gather a group of friends and relax with a picnic as the sun sets before the screen lights up.
A Midsummer Night's Dream ~ Australian Shakespeare Company
When:Monday 21 December 2009 to Saturday 13 March 2010
Tuesday to Sunday at 8.30pm until end of January.
Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm through February until the end of the season, plus Sunday 14 February Valentine's Day at 8pm.
Where: Southern Cross Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Enter through Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance.
Cost:Friday and Saturday nights, and Valentine's Day:
$40 adult
$35 concession
$25 child (5-15 yrs)
$35 groups (10+)
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights:
$35 adult
$30 concession
$25 child (5-15 yrs)
$30 groups (10+)
Handling fee may apply.
Bookings/enquiries:1300 122 344
or online at www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au
Or Ticketmaster: 136 100
www.ticketmaster.com.au
Tickets can be purchased by phone or online, or at the cash only on-site Box Office on the day (up to 1.5 hours prior to start time).
Gift vouchers and school groups call 1300 122 344.
The Australian Shakespeare Company proudly presents Glenn Elston's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
‘Beautiful and wickedly entertaining' THE AGE
"The course of true love never did run smooth!" (but it can be very funny) - especially as the sun is setting over the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer and you're sitting under the stars, the picnic hamper is a lot lighter and the fairies are about to come out to play mayhem with the innocent lovers and well-meaning fools in the madcap world of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Disclaimer: Please note that while the producers of What’s On take care to be accurate, no liability will be accepted under any circumstances whatsoever should the dates, times, telephone contacts, prices or any other description in this publication be found to be inaccurate; this guide should be used solely on this understanding.

