The Royal Botanic Gardens
Australian Gardens In Cranbourne

The Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne are pleased to announce that as of 7 July 2011, entry to the Australian Garden is now FREE for all visitors.

The permanent removal of entry fees to the Australian Garden has been made possible through increased annual funding from the Victorian Government and will allow more people than ever to experience the sights and sounds of the Australian Garden.

Viewing Australia's indigenous flora at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is an experience that the whole family can enjoy. Valuable, entertaining and educational and a different family getaway.

The Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne VictoriaThe Australian Garden Cranbourne Compliments of Steve Curle

At the Gardens in Cranbourne you can learn what native plants grow best and where to grow them.

How to sustain their growth and how to preserve our most precious resource water.

Rock Pools at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne VictoriaRock Pools At The Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Compliments of Steve Curle

Where Are The Botanic Gardens In Cranbourne?

1000 Ballarto Road

Cranbourne Victoria 3977

(03)5990 2200

The Botanic Gardens Cranbourne are open from

9:00am to 5:00pm everyday except Christmas day.

The drive from Melbourne City should take around 45 minutes along the South Gippsland Hwy.


View Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne in a larger map

Visiting the Gardens can be a full days experience with:

  • wonderful nature walks
  • enjoying picnics in secluded spots
  • use of free BBQ facilities
  • surrounded by a wonderland of unique Australian flora and Australian wildlife

Or you can take a short stroll through the awesome display of Australia's native plants in the more formal planted gardens.

Bush Walks - The Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Compliments of Steve Curle
Peaches and Cream Grevillia at the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/sneedleflipsock/5322563620/ Peaches And Cream Grevillea Botanic Gardens

When most people think of the word "Botanic" or "Botanical" they probably conger up pictures of sweeping, well manicured lawns and tranquil lake settings.

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne are very different.

Pause for a moment and picture this:

  • Rugged and Rustic Bushland
  • Harsh red Desert Sands
  • Dried up River Beds
  • A magic and majestic Oasis
  • Billabong Wetlands
  • Walking tracks through thick natural Eucalypt Bushland
Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne surrounded by natural native bushlandNative Bushland Surround The Botanic Gardens Compliments of Steve Curle

The Royal Botanic Gardens Australian Gardens - Sections

At the Gardens in Cranbourne there is an amazing, unique and award winning garden exhibit. In this section can be found several different display areas.

The Red Sand Garden

This garden features vibrant red sand, circles of saltbush and shapes that typify the central regions of Australia.

Seasonal shows of wildflowers bring a special excitement to this area.

Australian Garden At Botanic Gardens Cranbourne compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/darrenkrause/3105779785/ Australian Garden At Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

The Rockpool and Escarpment Wall

This area has been inspired by places like Uluru and Kings Canyon. The plantings are typical of those found in and around these types of waterways.

The Escarpment Wall Sculpture is over 100 meters in length!

Rock pool and Escarpment Wall Cranbourne Botanic Gardens Rock Pool And Escarpment Wall Compliments of Steve Curle

The Arid Garden

Here we are in the desert Area with a feeling of vast open spaces, dry creek beds and sparse vegetation.

Discover here at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, very unique native plants that have evolved to counter the effects of the Drought and Flooding Rains.

Emu bush and Black Boys Cranbourne Botanic Gardens Victoria compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/sneedleflipsock/2184048331/ Black Boys (Xanthorrhoea) and Emu Grass

Cactus Country Garden Entry

If you like an arid garden, then you will love this garden just a few hours drive from Melbourne. Makes for a very unique day trip.

Take a journey to the border of New South Wales for a whimsical stroll through Cactus Country. Just under a 3 hour drive. This peculiar collection of succulents and cacti has been growing for over 40-years, with many plants towering over admirers.

Here you can chow down a plate of Mexican, get lost on 8 trails spanning some 10 acres of gardens and snap Instagram worthy photos aplenty. Best of all, you can take home a tiny cactus to call your very own. Cactus Country gives new meaning to the term 'hidden gem'. And don't even get us started on the cactus ice-cream...

Highlights

  • See species from South America, Mexico, North America and South Africa
  • Relax in the cafe and courtyard while enjoying a margarita or beer
  • 12 acre garden features over 4000 plant varieties
  • Explore the largest collection of cacti in Australia
  • 8 different garden trails to journey through
  • Try out cactus cake and cactus ice cream

Click through on the Buy Now button for more information

blue buy now button

The Eucalypt Walk

In this Garden you will find young, immature examples of ... Ironbark

  • Boxwood
  • Peppermint
  • Stringybark
Flowering Eucalypt Botanic Gardens Cranbourne compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/wlcutler/3069379288/  Flowering Eucalypt Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Excellent Picnic Experience up in the Dandenong Ranges

If you would love to see more Australian Eucalypt trees, there's no better way to experience the 'Aussie' bush than a ride on Victoria's heritage train through the rainforest north of Melbourne

Experience Oz Puffing Billy tourPuffing Billy steam train travelling through the Dandenong rainforest

Share in a piece of Victoria’s history with an iconic railway journey through the Dandenong Ranges on the Puffing Billy steam train. The scenic journey will take passengers through the tranquil rainforest, fern gullies and towering Mountain Ash trees along a 24km track from Belgrave to Gembrook and back.

Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise through the ranges on the open carriage railway while you take in the sights and listen to commentary about the local region. This is an experience for the children, parents, grandparents and railway enthusiasts who will all love taking a ride through Victoria’s history. Be sure to pre-book online as Puffing Billy tickets are in demand.

Book your experience, click the Buy Now button below.

blue buy now button

Wander through this section and listen to the Australian Native Birds that fly throughout the trees and bushes in this beautiful garden.

Do you love birds?
Check out these beautiful posters of some of Australia's best. 

King Parrot - Australian Native Bird Series Poster

King Parrot - Australian Native Bird Series Poster

You will find these and other Australian native birds throughout these gardens as the flora is perfect for their diet.

The King Parrot is an Australian Native bird found in humid and heavily forested upland regions of the eastern portion of the continent, including eucalyptus wooded areas in and directly adjacent to subtropical and temperate rainforest.


Australia's Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Poster


Australia's Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Poster

In Australia sulphur-crested cockatoos can be found throughout the north and east part of the continent. Most times found in built up areas within the cities and surrounding suburban parklands.

Their call is very loud and when flying in flocks their noise can sometimes be deafening!  

Check out more in the Australianna Store

Banner link to the Australianna Store

The Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens Exhibition Gardens

Water Conservation Garden

This area shows how to group plants with similar water needs and choose plants which require minimum watering in a garden.

Water Conservation Garden ki/File:WaterSavingGarden,RBG-CranbourneVIC.jpg
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.Water Conservation Garden Botanic Garden Cranbourne

The Children's Backyard Garden

This Garden shows the use of natural plant materials that have been recycled into a children's play area--an alternative to Plastic.

The Garden of the Future

This garden features various alternate ways of gardening, such as special plant choices and novel mulches.

The Home Garden

A Section that shows a number of gardens featuring native plants for some common types of homes found in Australia.

Drop into the modern Visitor's Center for lots of informative literature, the service desk staff are very helpful and ever so friendly.

For that unique gift with a real authentic Australian theme, visit the Gift Shop at the Botanic Gardens. It is crammed full of some beautiful arts and crafts and plenty of unique souvenirs.

Then, when you feel like a break, enjoy a cuppa or a glass of local vintage wine and a bite to eat at the Licensed Cafe overlooking the Australian Garden.

Cafe/Restaurant At the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/el-don/4327453950/  Cafe/Restaurant At the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
Elvina-Track-Flying-Duck-Orchid

Below the Visitor's Center in the Undercroft where you can experience the glorious and breathtaking beauty of The Australian Orchid Collection.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm everyday except Christmas day.

The bushland area is free to the Public and there is a small fee to visit the Australian Garden.

There is FREE ENTRY for children under 16.

Click this link, Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne for more detail on the actual areas within the Gardens. This is also recommended as there are often Special times to visit the gardens. Check out the School Holiday Programs.

For a full day's experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne you can begin by entering the main entrance and turn left down Stringybark drive

Have yourself a picnic at the Stringybark Picnic Spot, then walk through the Native Forest, past the wetlands and swamp areas. Make your way to the Visitor's Center and then explore The Australian Garden(small charge applicable).

Head back to your car through more bushland and if you are lucky you may come across some of Australia's unique wildlife.

Australian EchidnaAustralian Echidna

For a shorter experience drive directly to the car park at the Royal Botanic Gardens and park under the unique Paperbark trees.

Watch as you drive through this area as the Australian wildlife roam freely everywhere.

Stroll up to the Visitor's Center and from there really start to have some great family fun.

Road Signage At The Botanic Gardens Cranbourne compliments of http://www.flickr.com/photos/subsonix/2303559939/  Road Signage At The Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Please note that some links on this page are to companies that I have an affiliation with. By that I mean that if you purchase a product through them I receive a very small commission. This way of earning income is termed Monetization and it is a way for me to keep my site out here for you to enjoy. I will only affiliate with companies that I feel offer value for money and excellent back up service. These are Companies that I personally have used to purchase products for myself, my family and my friends.
To learn more please refer to the Disclaimer page

Click Any Social Media Button And Follow

follow me on pinterest image
Family Getaways Melbourne on Facebook button
Family Getaways Melbourne on Instagram button
Family Getaways Melbourne on Twitter button

You might like to explore Parks and Gardens as well.

  • The man made Lillydale Lake recreactional parkland is a great place for family fun, an excellent day trip from Melbourne and a fantastic venue for everyone to unwind.

    Lillydale Lake

    The man made Lillydale Lake recreactional parkland is a great place for family fun, an excellent day trip from Melbourne and a fantastic venue for everyone to unwind.

  • Enjoy the Parks and Gardens in and around Mellbourne, explore nature where park areas designed to display unique plants as well as others from around the world.

    Parks and Gardens in and around Melbourne

    Enjoy the Parks and Gardens in and around Mellbourne, explore nature where park areas designed to display unique plants as well as others from around the world.

  • The top facilities at Emerald Lake Park make exercising, picnicking and generally having fun hassle free.

    Facilities at Emerald Lake Park

    The top facilities at Emerald Lake Park make exercising, picnicking and generally having fun hassle free.

Whilst in Melbourne book an amazing 'Touring Experience'
Just Click the Image below and choose what to do

image banner linking to Viator Melbourne Star experience

Please note that some links on this page are to companies that I have an affiliation with. By that I mean that if you purchase a product through them I receive a very small commission. This way of earning income is termed Monetization and it is a way for me to keep my site out here for you to enjoy. I will only affiliate with companies that I feel offer value for money and excellent back up service. These are Companies that I personally have used to purchase products for myself, my family and my friends. To learn more please refer to my Disclaimer page

What's your Hobby? Ever considered turning it into a website?
This is the 'BEST TIME' ever to do so!
Just click the image here and the Magic will happen!


Solo Build It!

Back to Top