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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Ngarrgu Djerring Aboriginal Heritage Walk
Join our First Peoples guides for a special weekend of connection to culture and Country, combining the Aboriginal Heritage Walk with a unique native food experience delivered in collaboration with the Killara Foundation. September 12 & 13 only.Book Now -
Design X Nature
An outdoor exhibition of artworks exploring how natural systems can inform creative practice.Learn More -
Design X Nature: Walks, Talks and Workshops
Expand your experience of the Design X Nature exhibition through a series of events exploring the creative possibilities of the natural world.Book Now -
Forest Therapy
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 -
The Explorer
Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus.Book Now -
Live at the Gardens
Melbourne’s most magical music series under the stars, where world-class music meets a beautiful outdoor stage at the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.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 -
Punting on the Lake
The iconic experience returns to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for Spring!Book Now
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 $1230 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 with a multi-sensory journey of identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Your guide may encourage you to use taste, touch and smell to 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 AIɫɫ 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 - 31 December 2026From $401.5 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 AIɫɫ, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).Wellbeing16 August - 29 November 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 Tour15 August - 25 November 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. For paid private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au.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 Tour20 August - 19 November 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 2026 - 31 May 2027From $9030 - 60 mins -
Stellar Nights
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. 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 AIɫɫ and The Astronomical Society of Victoria.Special Tours10 August - 30 November 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 -
Solar Tours
Come and experience the wonders of our closest star—the Sun—like never before at the historic Melbourne Observatory. You’ll be expertly guided through safe solar viewing using the beautifully restored 4-inch Photoheliograph telescope, as well as solar projection with the Troughton & Simms telescope. Expect to see incredible details on the surface of the Sun, including sunspots and solar granulation, and discover the rich history of solar astronomy at Melbourne Observatory. This program aims to educate and inspire, offering a rare glimpse into both the science and history of solar observation. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a seasoned space enthusiast, this is a daytime astronomy experience not to be missed! Presented by AIɫɫ and The Astronomical Society of Victoria. Image credit: Astronomical Society of VictoriaSpecial Tours23 August - 15 November 2026$251.5 hrs -
Robin Boyd's Neighbourhood
Join our friends and neighbours from the Robin Boyd Foundation on this expertly curated walking tour through South Yarra’s diverse architectural streetscape. In 1958, architect powerhouse Robin Boyd completed his experimental and instantly iconic modernist home in Walsh Street, a stone’s throw from Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Boyd joined a celebrated list of architects and landscape designers who contributed to the design excellence of the precinct, including the Gardens’ own William Guilfoyle. Starting at the Gardens and over a leisurely 2.5 kilometres, you’ll explore a slice of South Yarra remarkable for its architectural diversity and sheer number of well-preserved, heritage listed residences. Your guide will highlight the history, landscapes and stories of this unique pocket of Melbourne. Presented by Robin Boyd Foundation in association with Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Image credit: Mike Lam @mikelamwz
Special Tours15 August - 14 November 2026From $302 hrs -
Botanical Art: Science, Specimens and Stories
Botanical illustration has long played a vital role in the study and communication of plant diversity. This talk explores the enduring relationship between botanical art and botanical science through a selection of illustrations and specimens from the State Botanical Collection, housed in the National Herbarium of Victoria. Along the way, it uncovers the stories of the artists, botanists and collectors whose work has contributed to our understanding of the world’s flora, revealing the rich scientific and cultural history preserved within the Collection. Plants from the Growing Friends Nursery will be available for sale on the day. Presented by the Melbourne Friends. Part of TABI (The Art of Botanical Illustration) 2026. Image: An illustration of Hymenophyllum fucoides by Olof Swartz (1760–1818) that accompanies a specimen in the State Botanical Collection.Hosted by the Friends10 September 2026From $201hr