In Search of Nature’s Treasure
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to join a scientific field expedition? The usually desk-bound Maraika van Wessem recently found out.
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Meet Ornamental Lake’s cutest new residents
Congratulations to proud parents Francis and Louise who are raising 6 beautiful cygnets on Ornamental Lake!
In Pursuit of Australia’s Murderous Flora
Did you know that the Australian continent is the single richest region of carnivorous plant diversity in the world?
Safekeeping is an Ode to Nature’s Preciousness
Artist Cara Johnson’s new installation in the Indigenous Grassland on Observatory Lawn is an ode to the fragility and preciousness of...
Why everyone should get on the Urban Greening bandwagon
24% of Melbourne is covered by trees or shrubs. This might sound like a good chunk of our city, but given continued housing development and...
Wimmera orchid introductions thriving
With orchids comprising 17% of our most rare and threatened native flora, ensuring these species survive is more important than ever before.
950,000th specimen record added to the Herbarium collections database
Congratulations to our National Herbarium of Victoria team who have added their 950,000th specimen record to the collections database!
Kids Explorer - Cranbourne
Children ride free on the Kids Explorer during the school holidays!
Melbourne’s Grand Old Trees
Large old trees are biological treasure troves. The many unique characteristics that they develop as they age including hollows, bark...
A Day in the Life of Learning Facilitator Lenka Vanderboom
Lenka Vanderboom, a multi-cultural Yawuru woman, has been a Learning Facilitator at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria since 2016, and gave...
Helping Plants Keep Their Cool
The majority of home gardeners probably haven’t tried their hand at bulb and seed chilling or freezing, but it’s a great way to have...
Apollo 11 Gardens eNews Competition Terms and Conditions
Terms & Conditions The prize consists of one double pass to see Apollo 11. 1. The Competition is conducted by Royal Botanic Gardens...
Apollo 11 Gardens eNews Competition
Sign up to the Gardens eNews for your chance to win a double pass to see Apollo 11 directed by Todd Douglas Miller. Celebrate the 50th...
Talking Trees and Tools with Will Jones
There are almost 6000 trees growing in the Melbourne Gardens, and the arboriculture team, made up of Manager Will Jones and his two...
Eureka Skyeck Gardens eNews Competition
Sign up to the Gardens eNews for your chance to win a family pass to visit the Eureka Skydeck 88 and a family ride on the Garden Explorer....
Eureka Skydeck Gardens eNews Competition Terms and Conditions
Terms & Conditions The prize consists of one family pass (2 Adults + 2 children) to visit the Eureka Skydeck 88 and one family trip on the...
Branch Out: Music to Play to Plants
Welcome in the spring with music entwined with nature.
The Race to Save Ballantinia antipoda
This tiny native herb, Ballantinia antipoda (Southern Shepherd’s-purse), is a member of the mustard family and one of Victoria’s rarest...
Stored Seed Could Save Grevillea barklyana
Known only from small populations located in and around Bunyip State Park, fires have potentially entirely exhausted the soil seed store of...
How the Victorian Conservation Seedbank is Saving Caladenia audasii
Known from just a handful of plants in the wild, Caladenia audasii (Audas’ spider orchid) has long been one of Victoria’s most...
Helping Nematolepis wilsonii Rise from the Ashes
The only known Victorian population of Nematolepis wilsonii was completely eradicated in 2009 as Black Saturday Bushfires tore across the...
Mountaintop Mission to Save Plants in Peril
Queensland’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is a temperate refuge for the tropical plant species. Sheltered from human impact at more...
Tecoma Pavilion to be Restored to Former Glory
The Tecoma Pavilion is being restored to its former glory thanks to the help of generous donors. The restoration project has been...
140 year old Bunya Bunya Pine nominated for Victorian Tree of the Year
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria launches meditative Wellbeing Gardens to encourage inner peace
1600 New pots of Variegated Coastal Rosemary planted in the Cranbourne Gardens Red Sand Garden
48°C Heat and Snow in Summer: What it’s like to collect rare flora specimens for the Botanic Gardens Seedbank
The Devoted Botanist – Helen Isobel Aston (1934- )
From her first role as a temporary Technical Assistant through to numerous published works and impressive award honours, Helen Isobel Aston...
A Melbourne Gardens Icon: The Lions Head Tree
You Are What You Eat: Red Algae Specimens Illustrate Odd Insights into Gut Health
The Joy of Collecting – Alice Eastwood (1859 -1953)
When Alice Eastwood first visited the California Academy of sciences in 1891 she arrived unannounced ready to consult with renowned...
Step back 200 million years in the Gondwana Garden at Cranbourne Gardens
The Gondwana Garden at Cranbourne is a lush haven of ancient plant families which have existed since Australia was part of Gondwana and...
A Great Collector – Mary Harriet Bate (1855-1951)
When Mary Harriet Bate began collecting in 1881 she made quite a salubrious start. That very same year, Victoria’s first Government...
The Essence of Insult – Flora Campbell (1845-1923)
Historically, women in natural history have often been relegated to the rank of amateurs, but many 19th-Century female plant collectors and...
Wellness Experiences
Forest Therapy (Shinrin-yoku) Slow down, immerse your senses and move through a range of beautifully calming and healing activities in this...
Guilfoyle’s Volcano Tour
Explore the unusual volcano sprouting from Melbourne Gardens.
Welcome to Wareeny
Join a First Nations guide to gain a deeper understanding of wareeny (wombat) season.
Garden Plot
Enjoy contemporary performances exploring the theme of climate change.
The Botanist, the Distiller and the Chef
Dive deep into the world of gin in an evening of sensory discovery.
Six Seasons of the Kulin (Koolin) Nation
Journey through the Gardens with a First Nations guide and learn about the importance of different seasons.
Pathways for Change: Landscape Master Planning for Botanic Gardens
Hear about Melbourne Gardens Master Plan and its evolutionary process to date.
Watering the Gardens
Journey through Melbourne Gardens and discover how the story of water is the story of this precious site.
Our Extraordinary Eucalypts
Celebrate National Eucalypt Day with a free guided tour.
Break it Down: A Composting Workshop for Families
Uncover composting techniques in this earthy workshop for families.
Raising Rarity is using a new approach to help rare native flora
The Raising Rarity project team have been working on an exciting project which has the potential to save rare and threatened species from...
Saving the Leafy Anchor Plant from Extinction in Orbost
Discover the amazing work David Robbins and his team are doing to save the Leafy Anchor Plant from Extinction in the Orbost region.
Happy Birthday Darwin!
A rare specimen collected by Charles Darwin himself has been discovered in the depths of the Herbarium.
Working together to help an extinct species
From Melbourne to Montreal, seeds from extinct Toromiro tree have crossed the globe.
Discover the hidden colours beneath these beautiful native flowers
Discover the hidden world of biofluorescence and how it creates such stunning, alien-like flowers.
New deck chair hire arrives in Melbourne Gardens
Unwind in style, enjoy a picnic and embrace nature.
Victorian Government Announces Major Funding Commitment for Gardens
$5 million has be dedicated to a feasibility study for a new Nature and Science precinct. Find out more.
New program helps engage seniors in nature play
Today, in partnership with Regis Aged Care, we launched a new Seniors Engagement Program.
New research uncovers the sweet secrets of the Candy Spider Orchid
Our world-leading Orchid Conservation Program has uncovered some surprising new information about the Candy Spider-Orchid.
Unusual ants captured on camera
Why were ants in Cranbourne Gardens seen ripping off their own wings?
Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct at Cranbourne Gardens receives well-earned upgrade for the Summer
Fantastic new facilities include lawn games, beanbags and more!
Summer school holiday adventures at the Gardens
Botanica returns and new outdoor activities soon to launch for school holidays at the Gardens.
Watch out for the little ones
With the onset of the deliciously warm weather (and torrential rains) we have seen a recent spike in wildlife activity on our paths and...
What’s going on in the Research Garden?
See this great new project in action at Cranbourne Gardens!
It’s snake season at Cranbourne Gardens
Cranbourne Gardens is a special place for people, plants and animals – including snakes.
Celebrate the Duke and Duchess’ visit at Melbourne Gardens
Did you know that our ‘Royal’ prefix was bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit in 1958?
Red Sand Garden refresh
The cornerstone of Cranbourne Gardens is undergoing a refresh!
Beautiful endangered orchid on display in Melbourne Gardens
It can take ten years for this plant to flower!
Bringing the purple pea back from the brink
Once declared extinct in Victoria, the Nursery team have reintroduced this pea into the wild.
Holidays in the Kids’ Backyard
Enjoy free, nature-based experiences for families these school holidays.
Paper Planet
Join Polyglot Theatre and let your imagination run wild in this planet made of paper and natural materials from the Gardens.
Crawl Me Blood: Gardens, Voices, Histories
Go deeper into the world of Crawl Me Blood with this free talk with the artists.
Discovery of a specimen collected by Charles Darwin
The National Herbarium of Victoria joins a shortlist of herbaria that hold collections made by Darwin.
Monterey Cypress damaged by extreme wind
After thorough inspection, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s team of expert aborists have ascertained that unfortunately it will not be...
Cranbourne Friends Expo
July is the time for meeting and making new Friends.
Unravelling the secrets of the orchid
The secret to conserving the endangered Metallic Sun Orchid isn’t in the plants you can see, but the fungi you can’t.
Christmas in July lunch at Boon Wurrung Cafe
Celebrate the mid-year Yuletide with a two course winter-warming feast at the Boon Wurrung Cafe.
Winter Plant Sale
Select from a whole range of species, many of which you will find in the Australian Garden.
Card Making with Plant Materials
Crafty kids, let your creativity run wild while making cards decorated with natural materials.
Origami Workshops
In this workshop, learn the basics of origami in a fun and accessible way for kids.
Wangka Kutjara, Tjukurpa Kutju Exhibition
Linda Puna’s paintings combine Tjukurpa (foundation of Anangu life and society) with day-to-day observations.
Storm
Storm presents the work of three artists who have embraced the storm, allowing the wind, rain and snow to influence their actions and...
Wildlife Corridors Workshop
Impacts of habitat destruction, and the need for reinstating wildlife corridors.
Restoring the home of a historic icon
New funding will allow us to reopen the roof of the Great Melbourne Telescope.
Statewide plant conservation in full swing
The first Care for the Rare planting took place on Sunday 19 May.
Crawl Me Blood - Sold out
Under the southern sky on the land of the Koolin nation, we invite you to listen to a story about three generations of Caribbean women.
Become a Volunteer Garden Ambassador at Cranbourne Gardens
We are now recruiting friendly plant enthusiasts to join our Garden Ambassador Team at Cranbourne Gardens.
Optimism for the survival of the endangered Euroa Wax Flower
Propagating endangered plants with the help of the Victorian Conservation Seedbank.
Spotting the Death Cap
Mycologists search for Death Cap mushrooms.
Rare specimens illustrate Australia’s botanic explorations
Fancy a peek? We’ve got great news!
How to Spend 72 Unforgettable Hours in Melbourne
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria made the list!
High Tea at Boon Wurrung Cafe
Enjoy a mix of our special homemade sweet and savoury items served with tea and coffee while overlooking the stunning Australian Garden.
Botanic Gardens Day 2018-Ecologist in Action
Join our Ecologist, Dr. Terry Coates to learn how he helps protect the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.
National Eucalypt Day Tour
Join us on a guided walk and discover the Garden’s eucalypt collection this National Eucalypt Day.
The Future of Cranbourne Gardens
Join John Arnott for a walk and talk around the Australian Garden to discuss the Cranbourne Gardens Master Plan and what it means for the...
FREEZE!
Nick Steur balances rocks; no tricks involved. Share some of his focus, experiencing being occupied with one thing only.
Accessibility - Melbourne
All Abilities Access Key Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria now has an access key for both Cranbourne and Melbourne Gardens. This tool allows...
#StateoftheArk Herbarium Discovery Campaign
Have you ever wondered what lies within this building as you jog past on the Tan?
Top 5 things for kids to do
With the school holidays in full swing, check out the top 5 things for kids to do at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
The Boy Who Loved Tiny Things
Part performance, part museum, The Boy Who Loved Tiny Things invites families to slow down and spend time together exploring the Gardens...
The Boy Who Loved Tiny Things
Part performance, part museum, The Boy Who Loved Tiny Things invites families to slow down and spend time together exploring the Gardens...
Gardens Shop
Our products are available in store, where staff will be at hand to help you select the perfect gift. Melbourne Observatory at Melbourne...
Science
Children’s Garden
There’s lots of fun places to explore including the Ruin Garden, the Meeting Place (which has a water feature that sprays up out of the...
Gifts Registers
Family Activities
There's plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy coming up at the Gardens this spring, so come along and make the most of the...