Snuggle up to nature this winter school holidays at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Warm up with drop-in activities, live performances, guided tours and non-stop family fun that won’t break the budget.
From dazzling nighttime adventures at Lightscape at Melbourne Gardens to heartwarming NAIDOC Celebrations at Cranbourne Gardens, there’s a memory to be made for children of all ages this winter.
At Melbourne Gardens, Lightscape returns with the most ambitious trail yet. This two-time Gold winner at the Victorian Tourism Awards has become a fixture in Melbourne’s winter calendar and features more than 20 showstopping displays.
At Cranbourne Gardens, program highlights include NAIDOC Celebrations, The Megaphone Project led by City of Casey and the half-price School Holiday Explorer Bus all holiday long.
“The Gardens, to some people’s surprise, truly come alive in the winter with fragrant blooms, misty mornings and creative programs that are exciting for the whole family,” shares Chris Russell, Director and Chief Executive. “Both Gardens have a full program that bring each sites’ distinctive character to life in new and surprising ways.”
Other Gardens highlights include the The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden at Melbourne Gardens which features an exploratory trail adorned with surprising sculptures and whimsical botanical wonders. At Cranbourne, little nature lovers can enjoy the Nature Playground at Woodland Picnic Area or settle in for a family barbeque at the Stringybark Picnic Area with free electric BBQs.
Little tummys can be topped up with delicious bites at The Terrace or The Observatory Kiosk in Melbourne Gardens and Boon Wurrung Cafe at Cranbourne Gardens.
Background Information
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Lightscape: An award-winning immersive light experience which transforms the Gardens after-dark with a trail of installations by local, national and international artists. Warm up along the trail with mulled wine, hot chocolate and delicious treats as you soak in the surrounds of the Gardens beneath the night sky.
School Holiday Explorer Bus: Children ride HALF PRICE on The School Holiday Explorer Bus during the school holidays.
Aboriginal Heritage Walk: Visitors will gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia with a First Peoples guide at this significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation. Topics include Aboriginal plant uses, customs, ongoing connection to Country and significant native plants within the Gardens.
Forest Therapy: Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” strengthens mental and physical wellbeing by boosting the immune system, reducing stress levels, regulating blood pressure and improving sleep quality. Participants will learn simple nature connection and sensory practices.
Sonica Botanica: Stories and sounds from the Gardens by Patrick Cronin: Visitors can bring their mobile and headphones and scan the Sonica Botanica QR code to listen to six episodes that each explore a special landscape or plant collection at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, from the Arid Garden to Fern Gully to Long Island and more.
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
NAIDOC Celebrations: A series of welcoming and family-friendly events to celebrate First Peoples culture and knowledge. Children and adults alike will enjoy drop-in craft activities, performances from First Peoples artists and guided walks that highlight the bushfood plants growing in the Gardens.
The Megaphone Project: A large-scale installation featuring 25 vivid red megaphones that invite visitors to discover the surprising ways sound can travel. Visitors will rediscover the childhood wonder of tin telephones and the playful possibilities of acoustics while they sing, speak or listen to the soundscape of the natural world.
School Holiday Explorer Bus: Children ride HALF PRICE on The School Holiday Explorer Bus during the school holidays.
Forest Therapy: Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” strengthens mental and physical wellbeing by boosting the immune system, reducing stress levels, regulating blood pressure and improving sleep quality. Participants will learn simple nature connection and sensory practices.
Free Australian Garden Walk: Led by an experienced guide, visitors can experience through the highlights of the Australian Garden including its award-winning design, unique landscapes and flowers of the season.
To source images and interviews, please contact:
communications@rbg.vic.gov.au
(03) 9252 2300
