Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Make your visit to Melbourne one to remember at the Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne has been a treasured part of Melbourne’s cultural life for almost 180 years – much loved by generations of Victorians, as well as by many visitors from interstate and overseas.

Design X Nature

As part of Melbourne Fringe, the Gardens’ Australian Drylands Precinct becomes a living gallery shaped by connections between design and scientific research, featuring new works by Courtney Coombs, Cara Johnson, Bethany Kiss, and Soft Meadow Collective.

Welcome the longer evenings of daylight saving with a refreshing drink from the Brunswick Aces Gin Pop-Up on selected dates throughout the exhibition. See the Walks, Talks and Workshops page for dates.

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What's On at Melbourne Gardens

Visit the Gardens Shop

Nothing commemorates a trip quite like a local treat or trinket. Visit the Gardens Shop next to the Visitor Centre to pick up some Gardens merchandise or Australian made delights.

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What to See

Melbourne Picnic Areas

Discover the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy delicious food, and immerse yourself in nature at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a quiet escape, or a larger social gathering, there’s a perfect location for you. Explore our top picnic spots below, organized into four easy categories to help you plan your visit.

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The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden

The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden, located at Melbourne Gardens, is a magical place for children to discover the world of plants. It is a tourism award-winning Children's Garden full of interesting and interactive places to play and explore.

Open Wed-Sun from 10am to Gardens closure.

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Explore the Gardens

From towering oaks to delicate flowers, there are over 8,000 different plant species at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Learn more about the plant and tree collections that make up the Gardens and hear from the curators about their work.

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Eat & Drink

The Terrace

Enjoy all day breakfast and seasonal lunches along with delicious coffee or something stronger next to the gorgeous surrounds of Ornamental Lake.

Café

Monday - Friday: 8am - 3pm

Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 4pm 

Kiosk

Daily: 8am – 4pm 

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The Observatory 

A place for delicious breakfasts & lunches whilst visiting the Gardens. With a European menu that shifts with the seasons and an ambience that feels grand and inviting.

Need something quick? Come and see what the kiosk has to offer! Serving up barista coffee, decadent cakes plus home-made toasties, pizzettas and sandwiches.

Restaurant:

Open Daily from 8am - 4pm.

Kiosk:

Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm
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