Royal Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities

Royal Botanic Gardens featuring a garden
Royal Botanic Gardens showing a park and a waterfall
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens showing a garden
Royal Botanic Gardens which includes a lake or waterhole and a garden


Find a leafy haven or attend an educational workshop amid the magnificent array of exotic and native flora at one of the world’s finest botanic gardens.

Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a spacious Victorian-era landscaped garden and educational and horticultural treasure in the heart of the city. Established in 1846, the 38-hectare (93.9-acre) garden showcases over 50,000 plants, including rare exotic species and threatened native plants. Explore the complex of gardens, groves and conservatories and learn about the breathtaking diversity of the plant kingdom, as well as local Aboriginal cultural heritage, intriguing ecosystems and historic artifacts.

Stroll along the gardens’ paved pathways and experience a showcase of exotic and native plants. You’ll see heritage 19th-century plantings and ancient river red gums that pre-date European settlement in the area. Wander down to the edge of the lake and see if you can spot native ducks and black swans.

Delve into the shady bamboo grove or visit the Fern Gully to find a magical garden of tranquil greenery. At the southeast corner of the gardens, look for Guilfoyle’s Volcano, a man-made water reservoir that was built in 1876. Explore the reservoir’s landscaped gardens and see a fantastic viewpoint over the city.

Check out the Tropical Glasshouse to inspect an international collection of ferns, orchids and bromeliads. Kids can have an exciting hands-on experience at the Children’s Garden, while visitors of all ages can enjoy the interactive program of events and workshops held daily. Experience the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or get creative at the Plant Craft Cottage. Rest at one of the picnic areas or pavilions, or take a seat at one of the gardens’ two cafés.

Make the most of a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens by getting on board the Garden Explorer, a hop-on, hop-off service that completes a loop of the gardens in 50 minutes and includes live commentary. The gardens’ Visitor Centre contains maps and brochures for planning your visit, as well as a gift shop.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is located on the southern banks of the Yarra River in inner Melbourne and is easily accessible by bike, tram and car. The Melbourne Visitor Shuttle also makes a stop at the gardens. This popular Melbourne attraction is free to visit daily until sunset.

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Top Royal Botanic Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
View Melbourne

View Melbourne

4 out of 5
562 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC
View Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Botanic Gardens

At the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, you can enjoy a variety of activities including a free guided tour to explore the stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections. Nearby, the Emporium Shopping Centre offers excellent shopping options, while the vibrant arts and theatre scene adds to the cultural experience. It's a perfect blend of nature, commerce, and creativity for an unforgettable visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Royal Botanic Gardens, visit Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, just 1.6km away. Also, check out Melbourne Central and Queen Victoria Market, both 3.2km away, offering vibrant city vibes and unique gifts.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 3.2km from the Royal Botanic Gardens, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 966m away, hosts vibrant concerts in a picturesque setting. For families, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, just 1.6km away, provides fun aquatic activities.

Adventure

Experience the Tan Track, an outdoor haven 161m from Royal Botanic Gardens, perfect for a refreshing stroll. For a scenic adventure, embark on the Merri Creek Trail, located 4.8km away, or soar above the city with Melbourne Seaplanes, a thrilling scenic flight 8.0km from the gardens.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Royal Botanic Gardens is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the Regent Theatre or the Melbourne Arts Centre, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a more relaxed vibe, head to Young & Jackson's pub for drinks and a romantic atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Botanic Gardens

When visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, you'll find a vibrant mix of attractions such as historic colleges and urban parks. This stunning location offers a rich cultural experience for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the chance to discover famous Melbourne landmarks, including the beautiful gardens themselves, which are a highlight of Victoria. Whether you're strolling through the flora or soaking up the atmosphere, there’s plenty to enjoy in this picturesque setting.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience the excitement of world-class concerts and sporting events at this iconic venue. With its vibrant atmosphere, it's perfect for families and entertainment seekers alike, located a mere 966m from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Immerse yourself in Australia's rich sporting culture at this historic stadium. Known as the 'G', it offers a unique glimpse into the national passion for cricket and AFL, just 1.1km away from the gardens.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 3.2km from the gardens, this modern venue hosts a variety of business events and exhibitions, making it a hub for professionals and a vital part of Melbourne's business landscape.

Best time to go to Royal Botanic Gardens

The best time to visit Royal Botanic Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Botanic Gardens falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Botanic Gardens falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Botanic Gardens

To save money during your visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, consider travelling in May, June, or August when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays tend to have the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options for sustainable stays. Additionally, look for package deals that include flights and activities to maximise savings. Public transport is a cost-effective way to explore the area, and don't forget to enjoy the many free activities the gardens offer!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Botanic Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by booking an Expedia package that combines your accommodation at the Royal Botanic Gardens with your flights and activities.