Useful Information
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Event dates
27 August 2024 - 31 December 2025
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Price
FREE
Available online to listen anytime. -
Location
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
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Podcast Link
The Garden Against Time
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A Conversation with Olivia Laing
Visitors 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 Mickiewicz
What's On at the Gardens
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Daily 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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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 -
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 - 25 May 2025$452hrs -
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 - 28 May 2025From $101.5 hrs -
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 -
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. Please note that there will be no Free Guided Walk tours on Fri 18 Apr (Good Friday) or Fri 25 Apr (ANZAC Day).01 Jan 2022 - 30 Apr 2025FREE1.5 hrs -
Harp Meditations
WellbeingRelax and take in the colours of sunset at the Arid Garden whilst listening to the soothing sounds of music composed by harpist Michael Johnson. Michael leads a calming guided meditation followed by a gentle concert interwoven with tales of the inspiration he draws from the Gardens. Draw down on a sense of peace, calm and wellbeing within stunning surrounds of cacti and succulents.10 Feb 2025 - 03 Mar 2025$251 hr -
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 - 14 May 2025FREE1.5 hrs -
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 - 26 May 2025From $252h 15mins -
Punting on the Lake
TourGlide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.01 Sep 2024 - 31 May 2025From $9030 - 60 mins -
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 -
Summer Sunset Series
Arts & CultureThe Summer Sunset Series of live musical events promises something for everyone to enjoy whether it’s classical masterpieces, chart topping hits or Broadway showstoppers, sit back and soak up the sounds under the stars. Sun 2 & 9 Feb – We May Never Meet Again: The Music of Amy Winehouse: a moving tribute to Winehouse’s lifelong love of jazz. Fri 14 Feb – The Burt Bacharach Songbook in Concert: make Valentine’s Day extra special with a line-up of brilliant guest singers performing the classic hits from the Bacharach songbook. Sun 16 Feb – The Piano Men: a tribute to two of the greatest Piano Men of all time – Billy Joel and Elton John. Take a musical journey from the early years through both of their greatest hits! Sat 1 Mar – Mozart by Moonlight: immerse yourself in the extraordinary talent of Melbourne’s finest artists, accompanied by the exquisite sounds of the Melbourne Opera orchestra. Plus stay tuned for more exciting concerts to be announced soon on Sundays throughout February! Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company.02 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025From $25 -
Macbeth
Arts & CultureThe Macbeths are back with their unparalleled thirst for the power of the throne. A stunning mix of mind games and manipulation, sparked by the prophesies of three witches and leading to madness and murder. Australian Shakespeare Company unleashes a sumptuous production of Shakespeare’s darkest and most streamlined tragedy. Invading armies, blood, dark magic, sabotage, power, storms and ghosts of our pasts. Take all the spirits of those who have strived for power and relentlessly fought for control, this, is the story of Macbeth. Come and experience Shakespeare’s greatest drama in Victoria’s greatest garden! Presented by The Australian Shakespeare Company.31 Jan 2025 - 28 Feb 2025From $352hr 10min -
Plant Printing Workshop
Arts & CultureLearn the craft of printing with plants. Liz Milsom, artist and printmaker, will teach you how to make a botanical transfer print onto fabric using the actual plant to make the print. This method of transfer printing requires polyester chiffon, transfer paint and a hot iron. You will come away with the most beautiful scarf where one half is printed with the negative print of the plant and the other half with the positive print. No experience is necessary as all materials and tools are provided. Find all events from the Melbourne Friends at rbgfriendsmelbourne.org. Image credit: Liz Milsom11 Feb 2025From $552 hrs
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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 -
Australian Plants: Nature's Wonders Unveiled
Nature Lovers TourExplore 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.16 Dec 2024 - 21 Feb 2025From $101 hr