Useful Information
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Event dates
01 September 2026 - 31 May 2027
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Location
Punting Desk next to The Terrace café
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Duration
30 - 60 mins
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Session Times
Daily 11am - 5pm
Find out more and book via link below.
Punting on the Lake
01 September 2026 - 31 May 2027
Let us take you on a serene cruise around the islands of the picturesque Ornamental Lake in Melbourne’s stunning Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Settle back in an elegant wooden punt to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s finest gardens as our professional guide tells you about it’s history and wild life.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, taking the family out, or just catching up with friends, punting on the lake will be a memorable occasion.
Bringing sunscreen and mosquito repellent is strongly advised for all outdoor activities.
What's On at the Gardens
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Daily ToursDiscover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus. Admire rolling lawns and the stunning living collections at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Due to works, tours will depart from Oak Lawn from 26 October 2026 until further notice. Guests must still check in at the customer service desk in the Visitor Centre. For private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au. School Holiday Explorer Bus Children ride for HALF PRICE on the School Holiday Explorer Bus during the Victorian school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through Melbourne Gardens on this tour designed especially for families.Daily ToursDailyFrom $1230 mins -
First Peoples' KnowledgeAboriginal Heritage Walk
wominjeka! Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide. Gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia with a multi-sensory journey of identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Your guide may encourage you to use taste, touch and smell to learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and ongoing connection to Country. What to expect during your experience Meet our First Peoples guide at the visitor centre Journey through the Gardens engaging your senses with touch, taste and smell as you learn about plants traditional uses, cultural significance and enduring connection to Country See and feel First Peoples cultural items Ask questions and learn about First Peoples history and enduring connection to Country For private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au. A note for participants. At Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria we acknowledge the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, representing more than 250 language groups across Australia. We invite you to join this walk with an open heart and mind to deepen your understanding of First Peoples' heritage and living culture—especially in relation to the plants and landscapes of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.First Peoples' Knowledge Tour01 January - 31 December 2026From $401.5 hrs -
WellbeingForest Therapy at Melbourne Gardens
Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a preventative health practice that improves and strengthens mental and physical wellbeing. Recognised as a public health practice in Asia and Europe, Forest Therapy is gaining global acclaim as an evidence-based, cost-effective and natural remedy – a ‘green prescription’ for a healthier you. You will learn simple nature connection, sensory and creative practices to help calm your mind. Other proven health benefits of Forest Therapy include boosted immune system, reduced stress levels, regulated pulse and blood pressure and better sleep. For exclusive group experiences, team-building, or staff wellbeing programs please email: events@rbg.vic.gov.au. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).Wellbeing25 October - 29 November 2026$502hrs -
Nature LoversSecret Life of Birds
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is full of incredible birdlife, from coots to cormorants, spinebills to swans. On this guided walk, spot water birds nesting around Ornamental Lake and delight in the sights and sounds of the birds that call the Gardens home. Continue your discovery with a take-home bird guide.Nature Lovers Tour15 August - 25 November 2026From $151.5 hrs -
Daily ToursFree Guided Walk
A free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny weather in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Led by a passionate guide, discover the remarkable plant diversity of this sanctuary in the middle of bustling Melbourne. For paid private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au.Daily ToursDailyFREE1.5 hrs -
Audio ToursSonica Botanica: Stories & Sounds from the Gardens by Patrick Cronin
Immerse yourself in intertwining stories, atmospheric music and mesmerising sounds of the natural environment in Sonica Botanica. Six standalone episodes 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. Pop in your headphones and discover these places through the voices of Gardens staff, visitors and expert guests. Visit the featured locations, scan the Sonica Botanica QR code and take in these sublime sonic experiences, or listen online now. Best enjoyed through headphones. Image credit: Igor SapinaAudio ToursDailyFREE -
FamiliesSeek and Find Nature Cards
Set your young ones on an adventure exploring the wondrous scenery, plants and creatures of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with our Seek and Find Nature Cards, especially developed by artist Claire Mosley. Collect a card from the Visitor Centre and explore the different landscapes and living collections as you search for all things big and small.FamiliesDailyFREE -
Special ToursSolar Tours
Solar Tours is sold out for spring. Join our mailing list below to be the first hear about future ticket releases. Come and experience the wonders of our closest star—the Sun—like never before at the historic Melbourne Observatory. You’ll be expertly guided through safe solar viewing using the beautifully restored 4-inch Photoheliograph telescope, as well as solar projection with the Troughton & Simms telescope. Expect to see incredible details on the surface of the Sun, including sunspots and solar granulation, and discover the rich history of solar astronomy at Melbourne Observatory. This program aims to educate and inspire, offering a rare glimpse into both the science and history of solar observation. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned space enthusiast, this is a daytime astronomy experience not to be missed! Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and The Astronomical Society of Victoria. Image credit: Astronomical Society of VictoriaSpecial Tours23 August - 15 November 2026$251.5 hrs -
Special ToursRobin Boyd's Neighbourhood
Join our friends and neighbours from the Robin Boyd Foundation on this expertly curated walking tour through South Yarra’s diverse architectural streetscape. In 1958, architect powerhouse Robin Boyd completed his experimental and instantly iconic modernist home in Walsh Street, a stone’s throw from Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Boyd joined a celebrated list of architects and landscape designers who contributed to the design excellence of the precinct, including the Gardens’ own William Guilfoyle. Starting at the Gardens and over a leisurely 2.5 kilometres, you’ll explore a slice of South Yarra remarkable for its architectural diversity and sheer number of well-preserved, heritage listed residences. Your guide will highlight the history, landscapes and stories of this unique pocket of Melbourne. Presented by Robin Boyd Foundation in association with Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Image credit: Mike Lam @mikelamwz
Special Tours17 October - 14 November 2026From $302 hrs