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Going green - Melbourne’s best gardens

/ 30 Jan 2018
The 23rd annual Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is fast-approaching this Autumn, from March 21 – 25, transforming the Royal Exhibition Building into a sanctuary of the most exquisite floral displays and landscape design.

While more than 100,000 visitors get ready to converge on Carlton Gardens for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest horticultural event, here are the native gardens across the city and beyond where visitors can get their nature fix anytime of year.

Alexandra Gardens on the south bank of the Yarra River, has striking views of the river towards Melbourne’s city centre, the historic rowing boathouses, the MCG and Melbourne’s Olympic Park and tennis precinct. Riverfront barbecues make it a popular place for family gathering or lunch with friends.
Boathouse Drive – Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne. Ph: +61 3 9658 9658.

Alowyn Gardens nestled in the Yarra Valley wine region, just 60 mins from Melbourne, is four-acres of perfectly manicured delight. There are eight clearly defined gardens on the grounds, each leading off from the 100m long wisteria and rose covered arbours.
1210 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen. Ph: +61 3 9730 2400.

Burnley Gardens in Richmond is a hidden gem, designed by Alfred Lynch, the gardens were home to the first horticultural school in Australia in 1861. The location backs onto the Yarra River which makes it perfect for a weekend bike ride, picnic or event.
500 Yarra Boulevard, Burnley. Ph: +61 3 9035 6800.

Cloudehill Gardens, nestled at the top of the Dandenongs, is a picturesque maze of stone walls and garden rooms found within woodlands of magnificent and historic, cool climate trees. Visitors can take a guided tour and discover the history and inspiration behind this magnificent garden while enjoying the garden art scattered through out the space. 89 Olinda Monbulk Road, Olinda +61 3 9751 0584

Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens are set in Victoria’s precious native bushland and home to an amazing range of plants and wildlife, just 45 minutes from Melbourne. More than 170,000 individual Australian native plants call Cranbourne Garden home across an incredible 363-hectares.
Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne. Ph: +61 3 5990 2200.

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Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

Edinburgh Gardens in the heart of North Fitzroy is a popular spot for a picnic or some activities involving the tennis courts, lawn bowls, basketball court, skate park, table tennis tables or a kick of the football on Alfred Crescent and W.T. Peterson ovals.
Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North. Ph: +61 3 9205 5555.

Fitzroy Gardens is a lush, green escape just a short stroll from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s city centre. Home to Captain Cook’s Cottage, the carved Fairies Tree, the model Tudor Village, the conservatory, myriad foundations and statues. Visitors can unwind with a book under the shade of one of the many grand trees.
230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. Ph: +61 3 9658 9658.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is without a doubt the city’s most well-known and treasured garden oasis. From the Children’s Garden, to cafes The Terrace and Jardin Tan, to live concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, or movies under the stars every summer, there’s always something to see, do or explore in the city’s most loved park. 
Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne. Ph: +61 3 9252 2300.

Victoria State Rose Garden located in the magnificent Werribee Park is a site to behold, with over 5,000 roses to stop and smell, across five colourful hectares. The internationally acclaimed garden is fun for all ages and the natural perfume will keep visitors coming back time and time again.
Gate 2, K Road, Werribee South. Ph: +61 3 9742 0777.

St Kilda Botanical Gardens are a hidden oasis within the lively bayside suburb. The gardens boast 810 mature trees, the stunning Alister Clarke Rose Garden and a sub-tropical rain-forest conservatory as well as a giant chess board and an eco-centre which facilitates lessons on sustainable living practice.
Accessed via Blessington, Tennyson, Dickens and Herbert Streets, St Kilda. Ph: +61 3 9209 6777

Williamstown Botanic Gardens are one of Victoria’s first public gardens opened in 1860, nestled between the sea and the leafy suburban streets. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a stroll along the palm lined pathway or soak up the relaxing ambiance beside the Edwardian ornamental pond.
Corner Giffard and Osborne Streets, Williamstown. Ph: +61 3 9932 1000.


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