Explore the Living Collections
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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Summer in the Gardens
This summer, discover a world of vibrant experiences at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Whether you’re seeking adventure, calm, or family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.Discover Now -
Forest Therapy at Melbourne Gardens
This guided wellbeing experience will bolster your mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, regulating pulse and blood pressure and elevating your mood.Book Now -
Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema is back this summer at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Enjoy movies under the stars with your favourite cult classics, box office blockbusters and family flicks. Don’t miss the chance to spend a summer evening in this spectacular green oasis.Book Now -
The Wind in the Willows
Celebrating over 35 years in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, The Wind in the Willows is Australia’s best-loved affordable family entertainment.Book Now -
Nature Play
Learning Facilitators and volunteers will support your child to find joy in connecting with the natural world through a range of free nature-inspired activities.Learn More -
Aboriginal Heritage Walk
Womin Djeka! Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.Book Now -
Shakespeare's Best Bits
Celebrate the most comically chaotic characters Shakespeare ever imagined! Join The Mechanicals from A Midsummer Night’s Dream as they barrel head-first through the Bard’s greatest hits in Peter Quince Presents: Shakespeare’s Best Bits.Book Now -
Stellar Nights
Embark on a captivating journey through time and space with our guided tours at the Melbourne Observatory.Book Now -
Secret Life of Birds
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.Book Now -
Gardens House High Tea
Hosted inside the historic surrounds of Gardens House, this season’s High Tea is inspired by the whimsy of a garden party - fresh, floral, and full of indulgence. Let the teapots pour and the good times bloom.Learn More
Melbourne 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. It is a picturesque haven for recreation and an important resource for education, conservation, science and horticulture.
The Gardens are located on the fringe of Melbourne's CBD in the popular arts district, which is also home to other cultural organisations including The Shrine of Remembrance, The Arts Centre, The National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square as well as the nearby tourism hub in the Melbourne Town Hall.
Melbourne Gardens extends over 38 hectares and houses a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from Southern China and, in the Rare and Threatened Species Collection, plants from south-eastern Australia.
Tours and Activities
Families
Explore our full range of nature-based activities designed for the whole family.
Self-Guided Experiences
Explore Melbourne Gardens at your own pace with these self-guided experiences.
Free Programs
Expand your appreciation of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with these free tours and activities.
What's on today
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The Explorer - Melbourne Gardens
Discover 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. 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 $1030 mins -
Aboriginal 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 through a journey of identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and ongoing 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 2025 - 31 December 2026From $22.51.5 hrs -
Forest 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).Wellbeing01 January 2025 - 22 February 2026$502hrs -
Secret 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 Tour01 January 2025 - 28 February 2026From $151.5 hrs -
Free 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.Daily ToursDailyFREE1.5 hrs -
ClimateWatch Walk
Do you want to understand how climate change is affecting our plants and wildlife and contribute to climate change research? Join our ClimateWatch advocates on this free guided walk to monitor biodiversity at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Learn about indicator species of plants and animals and how climate change is affecting their seasonal behaviour. The data you observe and record will help shape Australia’s scientific response to climate change. Make a real difference in your local community. Download the ClimateWatch app prior to the tour. Learn more at www.climatewatch.org.au.Nature Lovers Tour01 January 2025 - 12 February 2026FREE1.5 hrs -
Sonica Botanica: Stories & Sounds from the Gardens by Patrick Cronin
Pack your headphones, set off along the meandering path andimmerse yourself in Australian Drylands, the latest episodein our much-loved audio series Sonica Botanica. Explore the stories, themes and science behind this experimental new garden, created in response to the challenge of climate change. Big topics need big voices; you’ll hear interviews andconversations with horticulturists and scientists from ourexpert team as well as biogeographer, Prof. Michael-ShawnFletcher (Wiradjuri) and award-winning poet Dr Jeanine Leane(Wiradjuri), whose words have become a material part of theAustralian Drylands landscape. Visit the featured locations, scan the Sonica Botanica QR code and take in these sublime sonic snapshots or listen online now. Best enjoyed through headphones. Image credit: Igor SapinaAudio ToursDailyFREE -
Punting on the Lake
Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.Tour01 September 2025 - 31 May 2026From $9030 - 60 mins -
Stellar Nights
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Stellar Nights on Monday 1 December 2025 will not be going ahead. Embark on a captivating journey through time and space with our guided tours at the Melbourne Observatory. Dating back to 1861, discover the Melbourne Observatory’s significant place in Victoria’s history and its continued importance as a cultural and heritage site. Experience two of the iconic telescopes housed in the buildings of the Observatory and learn how to use a telescope yourself on the Observatory Viewing Lawn. Delve into distant nebulae, lunar landscapes, and planetary wonders. Join the Astronomical Society of Victoria’s passionate guides for an unforgettable night, where the present, history and cosmos converge. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and The Astronomical Society of Victoria.Special Tours06 January 2025 - 23 February 2026From $252h 15mins -
Seek 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 -
The Garden Against Time
Visitors to the Gardens can listen to an exclusive podcast interview with celebrated writer Olivia Laing, interviewed by Sophie Cunningham. Olivia discusses her new book, The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise, which moves between real and imagined gardens, exploring how new modes of living can and have been attempted amidst the flower beds. Listen as you walk through the Gardens, and experience first-hand the joy of wandering in nature. Available online to listen anytime. Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre. Image credit: Olivia Laing, image by Sandra MickiewiczArts & Culture27 August 2024 - 31 December 2025FREE