Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has won best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ for the third time in a row, at the Victorian Tourism Industry Awards. 

“I am proud that Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has won this award and will now enter the VTIC Hall of Fame,” says Chris Trotman, Royal Botanic Gardens Board Chairperson.  

“The Gardens are a precious Victorian tourism asset, and we look forward to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards next year, where we are in the running to win back-to-back awards as Australia’s Major Tourism Attraction”. 

The judges selected Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria from many outstanding competitors, based on tourism, business planning, marketing, customer service and sustainability achievements. The organisation now goes into the running to win the national Major Tourist Attraction at Qantas Australia Tourism Awards, after winning the award in 2021. 

“This award recognises that Cranbourne and Melbourne Gardens are not only centres for learning, science, health and wellbeing, but both among the world’s great tourist attractions,” says Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria offers a strong program of visitor experiences, including guided walks, nature education, Indigenous led walks, mini-bus tours, picnic packages, retail, food and beverage and arts and cultural experiences. Both Gardens attract interstate and overseas visitors, with over 1.5 million people visiting both Gardens combined last year. 

The future of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria continues to get brighter. The organisation has many improvements on the way, including improved signage and a lakeside function centre and café at Melbourne and at Cranbourne Gardens, upgrades to tourism infrastructure, such as the visitor centre and cafe, signage, walking paths, playgrounds, and improved accessibility. 

Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive is available for interview to discuss the win and future plans for the Gardens.