What is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria?
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a major botanic garden organization with two sites: the Melbourne Gardens beside the Yarra River and the Australian Garden at Cranbourne, southeast of the city.
The Melbourne Gardens were founded in 1846 and cover about 38 hectares of lawns, lakes and plant collections. They were shaped by director William Guilfoyle in the late 1800s, who created sweeping landscapes that remain admired today.
The gardens hold tens of thousands of plants from around the world, including rainforest species, cacti, roses and Australian natives. Visitors come to picnic, walk and watch the black swans on Ornamental Lake.
The Australian Garden
The Cranbourne site focuses on Australian plants. Its Australian Garden, which opened in 2006, includes the striking Red Sand Garden, inspired by the colors of the outback, and areas showcasing native plants from different regions.
The organization also runs the National Herbarium of Victoria, which holds more than a million preserved plant specimens used by scientists.
Next to the Melbourne Gardens is the Shrine of Remembrance and Government House. The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden is a favorite for families, with water play and hidden paths. Entry to both sites is free, though some special exhibitions and events charge a fee.