Getting Here
General Information
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is approximately two kilometres from Melbourne's city centre.
Melbourne Gardens is open every day of the year (including public holidays). Entry is free, except for special ticketed events.
The current opening hours are 7:30am to 5:30pm.
Please note that between 1 October and 30 March, these hours change to 7:30am to 7:30pm. Opening hours are subject to change; please check the homepage for the current opening hours.
Additionally, the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden only opens at 10am and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (school and public holidays excluded). Between July 11 and September 3, it is closed for its annual winter rest.
For detailed accessibility information, please visit our accessibility page.
Visitor Centre
Located near Observatory Gate, the Visitor Centre is open between 9:30am and 5pm daily (except Christmas and New Year's Day). Our friendly staff can assist with bookings, mobility hire, and information on our self-guided experiences. Find the Visitor Centre on the Interactive Map here.
Public Transport
Bus: Route 605
(Stop: Melbourne Observatory/Birdwood Avenue. It is a 200m walk from the bus stop to Observatory Gate.)
Tram: Routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72
(Stop: 19 - Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd. It is a 650m walk from the tram stop to Observatory Gate.)
For detailed public transport information, visit Public Transport Victoria.
Car Parking
Street metered car parking for up to four hours is generally easy to find close to entry gates. Please note that parking conditions vary according to nearby events. The City of Melbourne enforces parking restrictions in the area.
Disabled parking bays are marked on the Interactive Map.
Bike Parking
Designated bicycle paths along the Yarra River and Melbourne CBD lead to Melbourne Gardens. Please note that the riding of bicycles and electronic scooters in the gardens is not permitted.
Dedicated bicycle parking is available near Observatory Gate, next to the visitor centre.
Walking
You can enter Melbourne Gardens from any of our ten gates. Check our map to see which gate is best for you.
Travellers Aid Companion Service
In 2024, Travellers Aid Companion Service volunteers will be available to support people with disability or those with additional mobility requirements travelling to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, from Monday to Friday (starting 08/01/2024).
A Companion volunteer can meet you at a public transport hub and provide wheelchair assistance or personal guidance to and from the Gardens or provide mobility assistance during the tour.
Bookings for this service are essential, and to book or learn more about how Travellers Aid can support your journey, please contact Travellers Aid on 1300 700 399 or book online at travellersaid.org.au.