Explore the Australian Garden's Living Collections of Plants
Explore the Cranbourne Living Collections for a deeper understanding of the plants of the Gardens and hear from the curators.
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Lightfall
Embrace the spirit and beauty of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne as it transforms after-dark with Lightfall. A world-first event for Melbourne’s South East, this exciting new experience will premiere exclusively during the 2025 April school holidays.Book Now -
National Eucalypt Day Walk
Come and learn more about these fascinating trees and celebrate National Eucalypt Day by joining these guided tours which explore the eucalypt collection at Cranbourne Gardens.Learn more -
Explorer Adventure Tour: Secrets of Australian Plants
Explore the fascinating world of Australian plants and their incredible relationships with birds and animals on this specialised Explorer bus tour. Be guided on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Australia within our meticulously curated Australian Garden, from the arid deserts to the vibrant coastal zones and lush bushlands.Book Now -
Growing Friends Autumn Plant Sale
The Growing Friends are hosting a plant sale at Cranbourne Gardens in March. Choose from a range of small and large plants including grasses, climbers, border-plants, ground-cover, bushes, trees and more, many of which you will find in the Australian Garden.Learn more -
The Explorer
Discover the iconic Australian landscape on an open-air bus tour of the Australian Garden. On school holidays, children ride for free!Learn More -
Birds in the Australian Garden
Discover the wonderful world of the birds that call the Australian Garden home in this guided tour.Book Now -
Bandicoot Storytime & Nature Play
These school holidays, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and Connected Libraries invite you and your family to a special Bandicoot Storytime - a fun-filled outdoor event celebrating nature, stories, and play!Learn more -
Gardens for Wildlife & Bandicoots
Cranbourne Gardens is a unique haven for endangered Southern Brown Bandicoots, along with a wide array of native wildlife. Enjoy a guided walk through the Australian Garden to learn all about these marvelous marsupials, and be empowered to transform your own garden into an oasis for wildlife including native bees, butterflies, birds and more.Learn more -
ClimateWatch Walk
Join our ClimateWatch advocates on this free guided walk to monitor biodiversity at Cranbourne Gardens.Book Now -
Free Australian Garden Walk
Be led by a passionate guide on a venture through the highlights of the Australian Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.Learn More
Cranbourne Gardens
The road between Cranbourne Gardens and South Gippsland Highway, Ballarto Road east, is currently under roadworks. Detours are in place to the Gardens entrance. Entry through Ballarto Road west is from Cranbourne-Frankston Road at the intersection including Pearcedale Road.
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne offers a natural bushland experience alongside the Australian Garden, an award-winning, contemporary botanic garden celebrating the beauty and diversity of Australian landscapes and flora and featuring over 100,000 plants from 1,900 plant varieties.
The bushland has over 450 indigenous plant species and includes over 10km of walking tracks, six kilometres of cycling tracks, a lookout tower, picturesque shelters, barbecues and playgrounds. It is a precious remnant of the vegetation that once covered the broader region and is actively managed to control the number of non-indigenous plants and exotic weeds.
There is a range of visitor programs, as well as self-guided walks available throughout the year.
During Fire Danger season, some facilities and tracks at Cranbourne Gardens may be closed.
Please note that for the safety of your beloved pet, and the native wildlife, no domesticated animals are allowed at the Cranbourne Gardens (unless they are a registered assistance animal).
Please note that the Rockpool Waterway is currently not available for water play until further notice.
Last entry is 4.30pm with the Gardens closing at 5.00pm daily.
Plan Your Visit
Getting Here
All the information you need for visiting Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Accessibility
Learn more about accessibility for all visitors to Cranbourne Gardens.
Boon Wurrung Café
Take in the sweeping views of the iconic Red Sand Garden and relax in our charming café.
Gardens Shop
Browse our large range of botanic gifts in-store.
What's on today
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The Explorer - Cranbourne Gardens
Daily ToursDiscover the iconic Australian landscape and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air electric bus. From the Red Sand Garden, journey through the themed display gardens ending with the Eucalypt Walk, featuring only Australian plants. For private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au. Kids Explorer Children ride FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Australian Garden on this tour designed especially for families. Breathe in the fragrances of different eucalypt trees as you take in the colours of the landscape and find out why plants are so important for our planet. Learn more here.01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2025From $1030 mins -
Free Australian Garden Walk
Daily ToursVenture through the highlights of the Australian Garden, see what’s in flower, breathe in the fresh air, smell the plants and hear interesting stories about our Australian plants from your experienced guide. For private group bookings, please call 03 5990 2200 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au.01 Sep 2022 - 31 Mar 2025FREE1.5 hrs -
Free Shuttle Bus
DailyThe Cranbourne Gardens Shuttle Bus can be booked for transport between Cranbourne Train Station and Cranbourne Gardens for community members and tourists, including those with mobility requirements. The 9 seater bus is comfortable, wheelchair accessible (x1 chair) and has 1 compliant anchored baby seat for infants and up to 4 years and 1 additional booster seat suitable from 4 to 8 years. We can accomodate additional children if you provide your own booster seat, where anchoring is not required. Please contact the Cranbourne Gardens Visitor Centre on 03 5990 2262 to make a request. We will do our very best to assist you, pending availability. All children must be accompanied by an adult.01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025Free -
ClimateWatch Walk
Nature Lovers TourDo 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 Cranbourne. 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.08 Dec 2024 - 17 May 2025FREE1 hr -
Birds in the Australian Garden
Nature Lovers TourDiscover the wonderful world of the birds that call the Australian Garden home. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how they have shaped the country’s forests and wildflowers on a guided tour through the Australian Garden. See and hear them flying, feeding and nesting as you explore the landscape. Some of the unique species you may come across include the Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus), the New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) or the Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys).07 Dec 2024 - 10 May 2025From $81 hr -
Gardens for Wildlife & Bandicoots
Nature Lovers TourCranbourne Gardens is a unique haven for endangered Southern Brown Bandicoots, along with a wide array of native wildlife. Enjoy a guided walk through the Australian Garden to learn all about these marvelous marsupials, and be empowered to transform your own garden into an oasis for wildlife including native bees, butterflies, birds and more. Whether you live in the bush or the heart of the city, learn which plants and garden features can support your favourite critters, and some simple steps to act for bandicoots and help them thrive in the suburbs. Participants will also receive a complimentary wildlife gardening booklet. Proudly supported by the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Program. Image credit: Sharon Start.03 Mar 2025 - 18 May 2025From $81.5hrs