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 $16.50 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 at least 3 business days prior to the booked program. If not, a cancellation fee of $297 per class will be invoiced to the school. The fee does not apply in the circumstances of extreme weather, RBGV cancellations or if the booking can be rescheduled.

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, school partnerships and digital garden experiences.

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 near the corner of Dallas Brooks Drive.

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.