Excursion Planning Information
Excursion Planning Information
Planning an excursion is a lot of work. Therefore, the information below is to make excursion planning as simple as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any additional information.
Booking a program
Booking requests are best made online here. If you have any questions, feel free to call our booking team directly on (03) 9252 2358. Then our booking team will be in touch to confirm your visit and discuss any other details.
Booking Information
When requesting a booking, you will need the following information:
- The education program of your choice
- Preferred excursion date/s
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes
- School Accounts Officer contact details
Program Times
Our programs are offered throughout the Victorian school term and are available Monday to Friday at the Melbourne Gardens and Monday to Thursday at the Cranbourne Gardens.
Programs run for 1.5 hours with two session times:
- 10.15am – 11.45am
- 12.45pm – 2.15pm
Program Cost
Each program is $17 per student (incl. GST). A minimum charge of 18 students per class applies. Teachers and adult helpers are free.
Payment
A Tax Invoice will be sent to your school’s Accounts Officer following your visit. Payment of the invoice is required within 14 days of receipt.
Supervision Ratio
RBGV recommends the following adult to student ratios.
|
Year Level |
Ratio |
|
Early Childhood |
1:3 |
|
Foundation – Year 2 |
1:5 |
|
Year 3 - 12 |
1:10 |
Cancellations
Cancellation of a program must be made by the booking contact at least 14 days prior to the booked program. If not, a cancellation fee of $306 per class will be invoiced to the school. The fee does not apply in the circumstances of extreme weather or RBGV cancellations.
Nurture by Nature Fund
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Nurtured by Nature Fund supports schools, who otherwise would not be able to visit our gardens, to undertake a variety of nature-based experiences. The fund enables schools to apply for subsided travel and programs costs.
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities provided, click here.
Getting here
Melbourne Gardens
Information on how to get to Melbourne Gardens can be found here.
Bus parking for schools is available on Birdwood Avenue.
Cranbourne Gardens
Information on how to get to Cranbourne Gardens can be found here.
Bus parking is available onsite at the Southern end of the car park.
When you arrive – Melbourne Gardens
Entrance and Meeting Point
Schools should enter via the Education Entrance located off Birdwood Avenue and gather on the lawn outside Observatory House.
Bag Storage
Schools may leave bags and other items on the verandah of Observatory House. Items of value should be carried with you at all times, as RBGV takes no responsibility for personal belongings.
Toilets
The closest toilets are located next to the Visitor Centre opposite Observatory House, and there are additional toilets located throughout the gardens.
Running Late
If you are running late for your Learning Program, please contact our booking team on 03 9252 2358.
Download our Melbourne Gardens Pre-visit Information Sheet for more detailed information.
When you arrive – Cranbourne Gardens
Entrance and Meeting Point
Schools should enter the gardens via the Visitors Centre. The Australian Garden is approximately 2.5 kilometres from the main entrance. There is designated coach parking available near the Australian Garden in the main car park.
Bag Storage
Schools may leave bags wrapped in tarps in the Kids Backyard; however, items of value should be carried with you at all times as RBGV takes no responsibility for personal belongings.
Toilets
The nearest toilets are located outside the Visitors Centre. There are other toilets located throughout the gardens.
Running Late
If you are running late for your Learning Program, please contact our booking team on 03 9252 2358.
Download our Cranbourne Gardens Pre-visit Information Sheet for more detailed information.
Excursion Documentation
Provided below are a range of documents that schools may access for planning their upcoming RBGV excursion.
Risk Benefit Assessment – Melbourne Gardens
Risk Benefit Assessment – Cranbourne Gardens
Social Script – Melbourne Gardens
Social Script – Cranbourne Gardens (not yet available)
Access Key – Melbourne Gardens