Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: Your Ultimate Guide

Getting There

Public transport is often the easiest way to get to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Several tram lines run along St Kilda Road, including routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, and 72. The Domain Interchange tram stop is the closest to the gardens.

If you'd rather walk and see the city, it's about a 20-30 minute walk from Flinders Street Station to the garden entrance, which is nice if you're already downtown.

If you're driving, metered street parking is available on the streets around the gardens. But parking can be limited, especially when it's busy, so keep that in mind. Public transport or walking might be easier.

What to Expect

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne cover a lot of ground (38 hectares), so wear comfortable shoes. There's a lot to see, so take your time.

You'll see over 8,500 kinds of plants, arranged in different themed areas. Expect seasonal flowers, peaceful fern gullies, and unique Australian plants.

Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours to see most of the gardens. There's a visitor center with information, restrooms, and accessible paths.

Tips & Tricks

Start at the Visitor Centre to get a free map. It'll help you find your way around and see the main attractions.

Don't miss Fern Gully, a cool and quiet spot. Also check out the views around Central Lake.

You can bring a picnic to eat by the lake, or grab something at one of the cafes in the gardens.

If you have kids, take them to the Ian Potter Children's Garden. There's interactive play and learning activities for younger kids.

Best Times to Visit

Mornings are usually the quietest time to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Weekdays are also usually less busy than weekends, so you can walk around without the crowds.

Spring (September to November) is a great time to see the gardens in bloom. The gardens are colorful and green, which is great for taking pictures or just walking around.

Autumn (March to May) is another good time to visit. The leaves change color, which makes for some nice scenery.