Melbourne’s metro area is also home to a number of lush and leafy public parks and botanical gardens. While some of these are used as everyday walking and cycling spots, some are exclusively meant for a weekend picnic and seasonal events. The Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular gardens located in Melbourne.
These botanic gardens are some of the oldest parklands in the city, being over 160 years old. It is, therefore, no wonder that Melbournians love these gardens as they form such a large part of the history of this great city.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Address & Parking Map
Additionally, the Royal Botanic Gardens also play an important role in promoting ecological conservation and horticulture in the City. The garden is stretched over 38 hectares of lush grassland; featuring a diverse selection of native and exotic plants. In total, the gardens boast over 8,500 species of plant types that include many native, rare and threatened species.
One of the most notable and popular features is the Children’s Garden. This small and beautiful garden features mini cottages, a volcano water reservoir, tropical hot-house and many other children-oriented attractions. Every year, this small garden attracts over 150,000 young visitors from all across the world.
Those visiting Melbourne for the first time should make sure to stop by the Royal Botanic Gardens during their next say in Melbourne. Bring a picnic and enjoy one of the many shady spots in the gardens and then take a quiet stroll and enjoy one of the most beautiful spaces in Melbourne.
Can you bring ball games to the gardens such as cricket, footy or bocce?
Hi Anna,
Unfortunately no, the local council has sucked the fun out of playing games around the gardens with the following prohibited under local laws:
– Bicycle or scooter riding
– Damaging or removing plants
– Ball games
– Roller blading or skate boarding
– Climbing trees or plants
– Jogging
– Commercial activities or functions unless a permit is granted
You can get a fine if you do. I suggest walking over to Kings Domain parklands right next to the Botanical Gardens which have no such restrictions.
Best regards,
Jess
I wish to spend a day there, is there all day parking somewhere close by?
Hi Anne,
There is all day parking at Federation Square or the Arts Centre. Weekend rates at Fed Square are about $16 for the full day, otherwise earlybird weekday parking if you enter before 10am and leave after 3pm is also $16. The Arts Centre is closer to the gardens but is a little more expensive.
There are also plenty of metred 4 hour parking around the gardens, but be mindful that there are underground sensors, so you need to make sure to move your car after the allocated time to avoid a parking ticket.
Enjoy your day at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Regards,
Jess
I am attending Stephen Ryan tour of Plant Conservation Society at the Gardens on Saturday 10-3pm & I wondered where I would be able to park for this period?
Hi Leigh,
You will find plenty of parking spaces along St. Kilda Road, Alexandria Avenue or Domain Road which surround the park. Parking will cost around $3.20 per hour and you will find a number of 2hr and 4hr spots here. Make sure to obey the signs though for time limits as parking inspectors lurk around these areas.
If you want to place your car in a carpark, you can try the Arts Centre ($19 on weekends) or Ace Parking – 2 Bowen Cres ($25 max per day).
Enjoy your day in the gardens!
Jess
Hi, we have a wedding that we are going to next Saturday near the Nymphaea Lily Lake. Is it far to walk from gate E? As I’ve just had an operation, so I just wanted to make sure that it wasn’t to far to walk. Thanks, Carol
Hi Carol,
I have attached a map for you here which shows you how close it is. (See the bottom right of the map).
The distance is around 200-300 metres to the lake from gate E.
Regards,
Jess