Useful Information
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Event dates
01 September 2024 - 31 May 2025
Daily (except Christmas Day) - weather permitting
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Location
Punting Desk next to The Terrace café, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
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Duration
30 - 60 mins
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Session Times
Weekdays 11am - 5pm
Weekends 10am - 5pm
Call 0481 455 410 for bookings, or book via link below.
Punting on the Lake
Let us take you on a serene cruise around the islands of the picturesque Ornamental Lake in Melbourne’s stunning Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Settle back in an elegant wooden punt to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s finest gardens as our professional guide tells you about it’s history and wild life.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, taking the family out, or just catching up with friends, punting on the lake will be a memorable occasion.
Bringing sunscreen and mosquito repellent is strongly advised for all outdoor activities.
What's On at the Gardens
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Daily ToursDaily ToursDiscover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus. Admire rolling lawns and the stunning living collections at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. For private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au. Kids Explorer Children ride for FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through Melbourne Gardens on this tour designed especially for families. Children-specific commentary will be provided on the following tours during Victorian school holidays: 11am and 1:45pm on weekdays, 11am and 2pm on weekends. Learn more here.01 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2025From $1030 mins
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First Peoples' Knowledge
Aboriginal Heritage Walk
First Peoples' Knowledge TourWomin Djeka! Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide. Gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia through a journey of identifying significant native plants within the Gardens. Learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and ongoing connection to Country. For private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au. A note for participants. At Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria we acknowledge the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, representing more than 250 language groups across Australia. We invite you to join this walk with an open heart and mind to deepen your understanding of First Peoples' heritage and living culture—especially in relation to the plants and landscapes of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.20 Feb 2022 - 31 Dec 2025From $22.51.5 hrs -
Wellbeing
Forest Therapy at Melbourne Gardens
WellbeingOriginating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a preventative health practice that improves and strengthens mental and physical wellbeing. Recognised as a public health practice in Asia and Europe, Forest Therapy is gaining global acclaim as an evidence-based, cost-effective and natural remedy – a ‘green prescription’ for a healthier you. You will learn simple nature connection, sensory and creative practices to help calm your mind. Other proven health benefits of Forest Therapy include boosted immune system, reduced stress levels, regulated pulse and blood pressure and better sleep. For exclusive group experiences, team-building, or staff wellbeing programs please email events@rbg.vic.gov.au. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).08 Dec 2024 - 23 Feb 2025$452hrs -
Nature Lovers
Secret Life of Birds
Nature Lovers TourRoyal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is full of incredible birdlife, from coots to cormorants, spinebills to swans. On this guided walk, spot water birds nesting around Ornamental Lake and delight in the sights and sounds of the birds that call the Gardens home. Continue your discovery with a take-home bird guide.04 Dec 2024 - 26 Nov 2025From $101.5 hrs -
Arts & Culture
Moonlight Cinema
Arts & CultureMoonlight Cinema is back this summer at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Enjoy movies under the stars with your favourite cult classics, box office blockbusters and family flicks. Don’t miss the chance to spend a summer evening in this spectacular green oasis.01 Dec 2023 - 30 Mar 2025From $25 -
Daily Tours
Free Guided Walk
Daily ToursA free guided walk is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny weather in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Led by a passionate guide, discover the remarkable plant diversity of this sanctuary in the middle of bustling Melbourne.01 Jan 2022 - 30 Apr 2025FREE1.5 hrs -
Nature Lovers
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 Melbourne. 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.27 Mar 2023 - 17 Jan 2025FREE1.5 hrs -
Special Tours
Stellar Nights
Special ToursEmbark on a captivating journey through time and space with our guided tours at the Melbourne Observatory. Dating back to 1861, discover the Melbourne Observatory’s significant place in Victoria’s history and its continued importance as a cultural and heritage site. Experience two of the iconic telescopes housed in the buildings of the Observatory and learn how to use a telescope yourself on the Observatory Viewing Lawn. Delve into distant nebulae, lunar landscapes, and planetary wonders. Join the Astronomical Society of Victoria’s passionate guides for an unforgettable night, where the present, history and cosmos converge. Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and The Astronomical Society of Victoria.18 Mar 2024 - 24 Feb 2025From $252h 15mins -
Audio Tours
Sonica Botanica: Stories & Sounds from the Gardens
Audio ToursImmerse yourself in intertwining stories, atmospheric music and mesmerising sounds of the natural environment in Sonica Botanica, created by Melbourne sound artist Patrick Cronin. Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, favourite memories, childhood impressions, historical anecdotes and cultural viewpoints. Introducing a brand-new episode this summer, Sonica Botanica: Kids Get Down to Earth. Students from Ardeer South Primary School take over the mic with stories and interviews from across the Gardens. Visit the featured locations, scan the Sonica Botanica QR code and take in these sublime sonic snapshots or listen online now. Best enjoyed through headphones. Image credit: Igor Sapina20 Feb 2021 - 31 Dec 2025FREE -
Families
Seek and Find Nature Cards
FamiliesSet your young ones on an adventure exploring the wondrous scenery, plants and creatures of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with our Seek and Find Nature Cards, especially developed by artist Claire Mosley. Collect a card from the Visitor Centre and explore the different landscapes and living collections as you search for all things big and small.01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2024FREE -
Families
The Wind in the Willows
Families Arts & CultureJoin Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and, of course, Mr Toad as they bring Glenn Elston’s adaption of Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank to the stage. This critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production delivers music, songs, and laughs for the whole family. There is fun for young and old as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms the audience into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. The young ‘rabbits’ are encouraged to get involved in the action and are given every opportunity to scream out loud, sing along and become part of the adventure. With laughs and surprises for children and adults, this is interactive theatre at its best. Celebrating over 35 years in Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, The Wind in the Willows is Australia’s best-loved affordable family entertainment. Presented by Glenn Elston & The Australian Shakespeare Company.21 Dec 2024 - 25 Jan 2025From $251.5 hrs -
Arts & Culture
The Garden Against Time
Arts & CultureVisitors to the Gardens can listen to an exclusive podcast interview with celebrated writer Olivia Laing, interviewed by Sophie Cunningham. Olivia discusses her new book, The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise, which moves between real and imagined gardens, exploring how new modes of living can and have been attempted amidst the flower beds. Listen as you walk through the Gardens, and experience first-hand the joy of wandering in nature. Available online to listen anytime. Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre. Image credit: Olivia Laing, image by Sandra Mickiewicz27 Aug 2024 - 31 Dec 2025FREE -
Special Tours
Robin Boyd's Neighbourhood
Special ToursJoin our friends and neighbours from the Robin Boyd Foundation on this expertly curated walking tour through South Yarra’s diverse architectural streetscape. In 1958, architect powerhouse Robin Boyd completed his experimental and instantly iconic modernist home in Walsh Street, a stone’s throw from Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Boyd joined a celebrated list of architects and landscape designers who contributed to the design excellence of the precinct, including the Gardens’ own William Guilfoyle. Starting at the Gardens and over a leisurely 2.5 kilometres, you’ll explore a slice of South Yarra remarkable for its architectural diversity and sheer number of well-preserved, heritage listed residences. Your guide will highlight the history, landscapes and stories of this unique pocket of Melbourne. Presented by Robin Boyd Foundation in association with Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Image credit: Mike Lam @mikelamwz19 Oct 2024 - 15 Feb 2025From $302 hrs -
Arts & Culture
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Arts & CultureA lively new outdoor production of The Merry Wives of Windsor is set to grace Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Watch Sir John Falstaff's outrageous attempts to woo two clever wives, only to find himself the target of their cunning revenge. With the beautiful backdrop of the Gardens, this production promises an enchanting evening of outdoor theatre, perfect for Shakespeare lovers and newcomers alike. Packed with love, jealousy, and laugh-out-loud pranks, this lively tale of mischief and mayhem will leave you smiling. Don’t miss this classic romp in Windsor! Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company.21 Dec 2024 - 25 Jan 2025From $352 hours, 55 minutes -
Families
Free Kids Explorer Bus
Families Daily ToursChildren ride FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Gardens 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 learn why plants are so important for our planet.21 Dec 2024 - 29 Jan 2025FREE (Child), Adult $1530 mins