Regarded as one of the world's most beautiful botanic gardens, Melbourne Gardens spans 38 hectares. Its picturesque lakes, sweeping lawns, magnificent specimen trees and intricately detailed garden beds provide a green sanctuary in the city. Home to more than 8,500 species from around the world, the Gardens house one of Australia's most significant living plant collections, including camellias, cycads, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, and rare and threatened plants from south-eastern Australia. Its landscapes are home to eels, turtles, flying foxes, powerful owls, waterbirds and hundreds of other species, creating a thriving urban ecosystem in the centre of Melbourne.

Though, the story of Melbourne Gardens stretches back far beyond its establishment as a botanic garden. Situated on the lands of the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation beside Birrarung (the Yarra River), this landscape has been a place of gathering, learning and connection for thousands of years under Aboriginal custodianship. 

In 1846, Superintendent Charles Joseph La Trobe reserved land beside the river for a botanic garden, creating a place where science, beauty and public life could flourish together. Under pioneering botanist Ferdinand von Mueller, the Gardens became an internationally recognised centre of botanical discovery, while later Director William Guilfoyle shaped the picturesque landscape visitors know and love today.

Today, Melbourne Gardens welcomes millions of visitors each year and continues to evolve as a leading botanic garden, hosting exhibitions, performances, learning programs, research and cultural events that inspire greater connection with the natural world. 

Much of the Gardens' work, however, happens behind the scenes. 

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is home to the National Herbarium of Victoria, founded in 1853 and recognised as Victoria's oldest scientific institution. Home to the State Botanical Collection, it houses more than 1.56 million preserved plant, algae and fungi specimens, making it the largest herbarium collection in Oceania and one of the most significant scientific collections in the Southern Hemisphere.

The collection includes almost 36,000 type specimens, Australia's largest botanical library and specimens collected by renowned historical figures including Charles Darwin, Lady Jane Franklin and Ellis Rowan. Together, these collections provide an extraordinary record of biodiversity, helping scientists understand environmental change, monitor species decline and guide conservation efforts for future generations. 

As Melbourne Gardens celebrates its 180th year, it also continues to shape the future of botanic gardens globally.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is internationally recognised as a leader in botanical science, horticulture and conservation. Its horticulturalists established the Climate Change Alliance of Botanic Gardens. The alliance now connects more than 600 organisations across more than 100 countries, sharing knowledge and practical solutions to help plant collections adapt and thrive in a changing climate.

The Gardens also inspire future generations through nature-based learning experiences attended by thousands of students each year.  

For 180 years, Melbourne Gardens has brought together nature, culture and science in the heart of the city. As it looks to the future, the Gardens remain committed to caring for its collections, landscapes and knowledge while inspiring future generations to connect with and care for the natural world.

As Melbourne Gardens turns 180, the invitation is simple: come and celebrate one of Melbourne's most loved places and add your story to a collection nearly two centuries in the making.