At the spur of the moment one weekend, we decided to take a pretty long drive to visit the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens.
Having been to a few other gardens in Victoria, we kind of assumed that it would be somewhat similar to what we have already experienced elsewhere. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. For one thing, the location wasn’t just yet another plot of land filled with very old trees planted hundreds of years ago by the British settlers.
This is different.
The Cranbourne Botanic Gardens is a part of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria network. It is known for its striking Australian landscapes and conservation-focused initiatives.
Its key features are:
- Australian Flora: The garden specializes in native Australian plants, showcasing the diversity of the country’s unique plant life. It’s a prime example of Australia’s diverse ecosystems, with many rare and endangered species.
- Bushland and Wetlands: The gardens span 363 acres and feature a variety of landscapes, including native woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. It offers a fantastic insight into Australia’s natural environment, offering both a place for recreation and conservation.
- The Australian Garden: A key highlight of the gardens is The Australian Garden, which is one of the most celebrated modern horticultural projects in Australia. It displays Australian plants in a series of thematic and visually striking landscapes, designed to reflect the beauty of Australia’s ecosystems. This part of the garden features red, orange, and yellow color themes, representing the colors of the Australian outback.
- Living Collections: The gardens hold a rich living collection of Australian plants and other species of global botanical importance. There are over 1,700 plant species found here, making it a vital resource for research, education, and conservation.
- Conservation & Education: The gardens play an important role in conservation efforts, particularly in protecting Australian flora. It also offers educational programs, events, and exhibitions aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
- Walking Trails and Visitor Facilities: There are several walking trails that guide visitors through the gardens, providing excellent opportunities to explore its natural beauty. Visitors can also enjoy amenities like a café, shop, and visitor center.
- Wildlife: The gardens support various native wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and other species, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.
Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens is well planned and built from the ground up to wow visitors. Carparking is a breeze with its huge number of well laid out parking spaces. Upon entry to the garden, one could see modern amenities like a restaurant, a souvenir shop, clean toilets and many informative displays. The best part would be that entry is free!
The Ephemeral Lake Sculpture was the first display to greet us and it frankly blew us away. At $15 per adult, visitors have a chance to sit on a mini train and be driven round the gardens by a very entertaining driver who clearly loved his job.
We opted to take a slow walk instead to be able to take in the wonders of each display.
The modern landscaping of this development makes for a very unique experience as we walk through the different gardens within.
Having a unique blend of natural beauty, conservation, and cultural heritage the garden offers a tranquil space for locals and tourists alike to experience the wonders of Australia’s native flora and the country’s diverse ecosystems.
You must come visit and do bring along a picnic basket!
