Dec – Feb Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens€¦ · Melbourne Gardens Moonlight Cinema Kick back with a ﬁ lm under the stars at Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema

Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens

What’s OnSummer 2019-20Dec – Feb

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Melbourne Gardens

Summer Nature Play Delight in connecting with the natural world through free nature play experiences. Take a break from busy schedules and captivate your senses as you kick o� your shoes and paddle in the rill, plant a seed to grow at home or unwind in the bamboo forest.

FAMILY ACTIVITYWed 12 Feb

10am – 2pm, drop in anytime

Free

0 – 8 years, with an adult

Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden

Designated quiet space and visual story available

See rbg.vic.gov.au/visualstory for details

Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours

3Bookings rbg.vic.gov.au | 9252 2429

Melbourne Gardens

Botanica:A Village Among the Oak TreesUnleash your imagination as you create cubbies and craft creatures from natural materials gathered from the Gardens.

Curated by artist Darryl Cordell and inspired by his childhood in the bush, this school holiday favourite brings families together to create a community village under old oak trees.

Transform palm fronds into roofs, bamboo into walls and construct fl ooring from sticks and leaves. Stop by the communal mud kitchen to cook up a feast and fashion new critters from clay, pods and seeds.

FAMILY ACTIVITY SCH HOLS

Wed 15 Jan – Sat 18 Jan


Free

All ages

Oak Lawn

Quiet Session

Tue 14 Jan, 2pm (1.5 hrs)

Visual story available online


Families

Wellbeing

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Talks & Tours


Melbourne Gardens







Free

All ages

Oak Lawn

Quiet Session




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Melbourne Gardens




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Melbourne Gardens

Harp MeditationsSoak in the calming chords of live harp and the lush green tones of tree ferns and palms in this series of special concerts.

Set in the rest house on the cusp of Fern Gully, composer and harpist Michael Johnson moves you through a guided mindfulness meditation before embarking on a soothing harp performance.

Unwind as Michael intertwines music inspired by the Gardens with stories of how his compositions came to life. Draw down on a sense of peace, calm and wellbeing as you sit back and surround yourself with nature.

WELLBEINGSun 22 DecSun 5 & 19 JanSun 2 & 16 Feb

1pm (2 hrs)

$20 per personBookings essential

6+ years

Meet at the Visitor Centre

Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours

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Melbourne Gardens

Forest Therapy (Shinrin-yoku)Originating from Japan, shinrin-yoku, or forest therapy, is a preventative health practice that immerses your senses in nature. This guided Forest Therapy experience will bolster your mental and physical health by reducing stress levels, lowering pulse and blood pressure and lifting you into a more positive mood.

Recognised as a public health practice in Asia and Europe, forest therapy is gaining global acclaim as an evidence-based, cost-e� ective and natural remedy – a ‘green prescription’ for a healthier you.

Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, In My Nature and the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).

WELLBEINGTwo-hour sessions

Sun 1, 8 & 22 DecSun 5, 12 & 26 JanSun 2, 9 & 23 Feb

10am (2 hrs)

$35 per person

Three-hour sessions

Every third SundaySun 15 Dec, Sun 19 Jan & Sun 16 Feb

10am (3 hrs)

$45 per person Bookings essential (all sessions)

12+ years (all sessions)

Meet at the Visitor Centre (all sessions)

Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours


Melbourne Gardens

The Wind in the WillowsJoin Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and Mr Toad as they bring to life Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank. This critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production delivers music, songs and laughs. Scream out loud, sing along and become part of the adventure.

Presented by Glenn Elston & The Australian Shakespeare Company.


Mon 23 Dec 2019 – Sun 26 Jan 2020

Performance days and times vary

See website for details

$25 – $30 per person

Group of 4 discount available

All ages

Princes Lawn

Families

Wellbeing

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Melbourne Gardens







Free

All ages

Oak Lawn

Quiet Session




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Melbourne Gardens




Free





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Melbourne Gardens

Bookings rbg.vic.gov.au | 9252 2429

HamletExperience Shakespeare under the stars with the tragic masterpiece, Hamlet. Feel yourself transported from a balmy evening in Melbourne Gardens to the palace of Elsinore as the court of Denmark spirals from order to chaos before your eyes.

Presented by Glenn Elston & The Australian Shakespeare Company.

THEATREFri 20 Dec 2019 – Sun 9 Feb 2020

Performance days and times vary

See website for details

$25 – $110 per person

All ages

Southern Cross Lawn

Image: Nicole Cleary

Watercolour HerbariumCreated by Caitlin Klooger as part of the Metro Tunnel Creative Program, this large scale artwork was inspired by the State Botanical Collection at the National Herbarium of Victoria.

Presented by Metro Tunnel Creative Program in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

EXHIBITIONThroughout summer

Free

All ages

Anzac Station site, corner Domain and St Kilda Roads

Image: Phoebe Powell

Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours


Melbourne Gardens

The Botanist and the DistillerBranch Out: Experiences in the Gardens for the over 60sWelcome in the festive season with a herbaceous G&T and a gin-inspired canapé – thanks to our friends at the spectacular Matilda restaurant.

Gone are the days when juniper was the most thrilling ingredient in gin – the local gin craft movement has introduced dozens of other botanical ingredients, including saltbush, Kakadu plums, mountain pepper – even South Australian green ants!

Learn about Australia’s gin as you journey through Melbourne Gardens and dive into the world of this famous spirit with Botanist, Professor Tim Entwisle (Director and Chief Executive of the Gardens) and Distillers, Dr Dervilla McGowan and Sebastian Reaburn; two of Australia’s leading liquor experts from the Anther Spirits team.

See the 2020 program at rbg.vic.gov.au/branchout

TASTE & TALKTue 10 Dec, 5pm (1.5 hrs)


60+ years


Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

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Melbourne Gardens

Moonlight CinemaKick back with a fi lm under the stars at Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema. As the sun sets, relax with friends and family as you settle in for a summer’s night of entertainment surrounded by the beauty of Melbourne Gardens. Pack your own picnic or enjoy delicious food and drinks from the bar.

CINEMA28 Nov 2019 – Sun 29 Mar 2020, Daily except Mon

Gates open at 7pm. Movie starts at approx. 8.45pm

General Admission - $20 per person

Premium seating available in Gold Grass & Connoisseur Lounge

Bookings essential

Visit rbg.vic.gov.au/moonlight

All ages

Central Lawn, enter from Gate D (o� Birdwood Ave)

Families

Wellbeing

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Melbourne Gardens







Free

All ages

Oak Lawn

Quiet Session




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Melbourne Gardens




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Melbourne Gardens

Free Guided WalkSee the highlights of our green sanctuary in the middle of bustling Melbourne with a free guided walk. Find sensational views and photo opportunities, and uncover the heritage and plant diversity of Melbourne Gardens with a passionate guide.

DAILY TOUR Daily, 10.30am (1.5 hrs)

Free

8+ years


Garden ExplorerDiscover the beauty of this inner-city oasis in the comfort of the open-air Garden Explorer bus. Enjoy live commentary and stunning views as you wind your way through the picturesque landscapes of Melbourne Gardens.

DAILY TOURMon – Fri, 12pm – 5pm (30 mins)

Sat, Sun & public holidays, 11am – 5pm (30 mins)

$10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 ChildGroup bookings by arrangement

All ages

Melbourne Gardens

Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours


Melbourne Gardens

First Nations Climate Justice Walk First Nations people have long lived in balance with nature. Come together with those who care about our mother Earth to celebrate and learn from the environmental knowledge and practices First Nations people have employed from time immemorial. Become versed in Indigenous land management, culturally important endangered species and more as you walk in solidarity to help protect and care for this precious planet.

Presented as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival 2020.

TOURSat 8 Feb, Sat 15 Feb & Sat 22 Feb

10am (1.5 hrs)

$25 Adult, $20 Conc, $13 Child

8+ years


Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

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Melbourne Gardens

Aboriginal Heritage WalkWomin Djeka! Welcome to Melbourne Gardens, a signifi cant cultural site for the local Kulin (Koolin) Nation. Set o� into these ancestral lands with an Aboriginal guide and gain insight into the area’s rich history and thriving culture.

Experience a traditional smoking ceremony and develop an understanding and appreciation for the customs and heritage of the local Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung people. Discover their connection to plants and explore the traditional uses of plants for food, medicine and tools.

TOURDaily except Sat, 11am (1.5 hrs)

$35 Adult, $29 Conc, $12 ChildBookings essential

8+ years


Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours


Melbourne Gardens







Free

All ages

Oak Lawn

Quiet Session




Families

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Melbourne Gardens




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Families

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Melbourne Gardens

Secret Life of BirdsMelbourne Gardens is full of incredible birds, from coots to cormorants and spinebills to swans. Spot water birds nesting around Ornamental Lake and delight in the sights and sounds of our diverse birdlife. Continue your discovery with a take-home bird guide.

TOURSun 15 Dec, Sun 19 Jan & Sun 23 Feb

9.30am (1.5 hrs)


8+ years


ClimateWatch WalkBecome a citizen scientist and help monitor biodiversity in the Gardens as you search for the impacts of climate change and collect valuable information for Earthwatch with the ClimateWatch app. The data you record on this guided tour will help shape Australia’s scientifi c response to climate change.

TOURTue 17 Dec, Sat 18 Jan & Thu 20 Feb

10am (1.5 hrs)

FreeBookings recommended

8+ years


Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours

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Melbourne Gardens

Bush Food Experience Explore the delights of bush foods as you discover amazing edible plants growing in Melbourne Gardens with a First Nations Guide, followed by delicious tastings inspired by the native plants seen on your walk.

Presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in association with Charcoal Lane and William Angliss Institute.

TOURSat 7 Dec, Sat 4 Jan & Sat 1 Feb

1.30pm (1.5 hrs)


12+ years


Melbourne Observatory: Solar TourDid you know more than one million Earths could fit inside the Sun? Discover the wonders of the solar system as you enjoy special access to the historic Melbourne Observatory.

TOURSun 8 Dec, Sun 5 Jan & Sun 9 Feb

2pm (45 mins)


8+ years


Families

Wellbeing

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Melbourne Gardens

Gardens UncoveredUncover the rich stories that have shaped one of Melbourne’s most signifi cant landmarks. Venture into the historic Melbourne Observatory and gain a rare glimpse inside the National Herbarium of Victoria before fi nishing at The Terrace with a complimentary drink.

TOUREvery Wed & Sat

1.30pm (1.5 hrs)


8+ years


Melbourne Observatory: Night TourTake an after dark expedition and learn about the history of Melbourne Observatory constructed in the 1860s as the city’s home of weather forecasting, time keeping and star charting. Step behind closed doors and see the amazing night sky brought into focus with powerful heritage telescopes.

TOUREvery Mon, 9pm (1.5 hrs)


8+ years


Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

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Melbourne Gardens







Free

All ages

Oak Lawn

Quiet Session




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Melbourne Gardens




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Melbourne Gardens

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Valentine’s Day: Lakeside PicnicBask in the summer sun as you indulge in a curated picnic from The Terrace with your special someone. Relax on a deck chair on the banks of Ornamental Lake and munch through a delicious spread of savoury snacks and sweet treats as you take in the sights of Melbourne Gardens.

PICNICFri 14 Feb, 12pm (2.5 hrs)


18+ years

Meet at The Terrace


Melbourne Gardens

Punting on the LakeGlide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat ride. View the landscapes as never before and get up close to amazing birdlife and aquatic plants for wonderful photo opportunities. Private tours, large groups and function bookings are also available.

PUNTINGDaily (weather permitting)

10.30am – 5pm (30 mins)

$25 Adult, $15 Child, $75 Family (2 Adults & 3 Children)Bookings recommended

Visit rbg.vic.gov.au/punting or call 0481 455 410 to book

All ages

Opposite The Terrace

Beyond the GardensLet us bring the Gardens to you. Designed to inspire home gardeners and anyone interested in the history of Melbourne’s iconic green sanctuary, this presentation by a passionate volunteer guide will take you on a virtual journey down the garden path.

PRESENTATIONBy arrangement (1 hr)

$65 per visitBookings essential

Adults

Your chosen location, within 30km of Melbourne Gardens

Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours

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Melbourne Gardens

Exclusive Group ToursAn exclusive group tour at Melbourne Gardens is the perfect opportunity for your gardening, photography or community club to enjoy a bespoke experience. Tailor your walk to your group’s needs and interests, or choose from a list of popular themes.

TOURBy arrangement (1.5 hrs)

$10 per person

Minimum 6 peopleBookings essential

Adults


There’s No Excuse for UglinessHear from Clive Blazey, Co-Founder of The Diggers Foundation and the Diggers Club, about his passion for gardening, the importance of preserving heirloom seeds, the best gardening traditions and his philosophies for a sustainable lifestyle.

Presented by the Melbourne Friends.

TALKThu 20 Feb, 6.30pm (1 hr)

$30 Non-members, $20 Members

All ages

Mueller Hall, enter via Gate F

Families

Wellbeing

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Melbourne Gardens







Free

All ages

Oak Lawn

Quiet Session




Families

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Melbourne Gardens




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Families

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Cranbourne Gardens

Balee Koolin Bubup Bush PlaygroupLearn something new every week at this community playgroup for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Grow your skills in the traditional Boonwurrung language, connect to country, hear Indigenous children’s stories amongst native trees and experience the joy of playing in nature.

FAMILY ACTIVITYTue (school term), 10.30am (1.5 hrs)

FreeBookings essential

Suitable for 0 – 5 years, older children welcome

Meet at Stringybark Picnic Area

Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct Picnic AreaBring a picnic and join in the fun with a variety of lawn games like Giant Jenga and Tic Tac Toe at the Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct Picnic Area. The grassy lawn with market umbrellas, chairs, tables and bean bags is one of the top spots for a lakeside picnic.

FAMILY ACTIVITYDaily, 10am – 4.30pm

Free

All ages

Australian Garden

Families

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Cranbourne Gardens

Summer Nature PlayExplore the trees that some of the animals in the Australian Garden call home through a range of nature play activities. Create animal habitats with natural materials under the cooling shade of the beautiful Angophora trees, listen to captivating stories about the animals that fi nd refuge in the canopies at Cranbourne Gardens and dedicate a special message to your favourite tree.


Every Tuesday in January

Tue 7 Jan, Tue 14 Jan, Tue 21 Jan & Tue 28 Jan


Free

All ages

Kids’ Backyard, Australian Garden

Families

Wellbeing

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Talks & Tours


Cranbourne Gardens

Kids Explorer Children ride free on the Kids Explorer during the school holidays in January! Experience amazing sights, sounds and smells as you cruise through the Australian Garden on this tour designed for families. Marvel at the shapes of summer blooms and breathe in the delicious fragrances of di� erent eucalypt trees as you take in the colours of the landscape and fi nd out why plants are so important for our planet.

TOUR SCH HOLS

Thu 2 Jan – Tue 28 Jan

Daily, 10am – 4pm (30 mins)

$10 Adult, $8 Conc, Child freeBookings recommended

All ages

Australian Garden

Families

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Cranbourne Gardens






Free

All ages


Families

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Cranbourne Gardens








Free

All ages

Australian Garden

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Cranbourne Gardens

Story of WaterWater is an essential element of nature that creates and sustains life. Uncover the story of water in the Australian Garden with an immersive walk through the Gardens’ water journey. From the Dry River Bed and Ephemeral Lake Sculpture to the Rockpool Waterway and River Bend, tap into the geographical relationships between water, land and native plants and the ways in which plants have adapted to survive Australia’s extreme weather conditions, including deluge and drought.

TOURSun 2 Feb, 1pm (1 hr)

$8 Adult, $6.50 Conc, $4 ChildBookings essential

All ages


Families

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Cranbourne Gardens

Walk and Gawk: Landscape PaintingCapture the uniqueness of the Australian Garden while putting brush to paper. Join award-winning Australian artist and publisher Erica Wagner on a walk between the living collections, pausing as you go to draw in the landscape. Slow down and sink into the shapes and colours of the natives that surround you and increase your appreciation for nature while deepening your observational skills. Bring a sketchbook and your choice of painting materials.

Presented by the Cranbourne Friends.

ARTSSat 29 Feb, 9.30am (3 hrs)

$25 Non-members, $20 Members, $10 StudentsBookings essential

Book at rbgfriendscranbourne.org.au

All ages


Families

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Cranbourne Gardens

Welcome to the Dry SeasonPut your weaving skills to the test and learn the art of wattle seed grinding in this Indigenous program. Take in the sights and smells of the native bush during the dry season of biderap and enjoy refreshing Lemon Myrtle tea.

FAMILY ACTIVITYSat 8 Feb, 11am (2 hrs)


All ages


Welcome to the Kangaroo Apple SeasonIn this Indigenous season gathering, discover the natives in bloom and seek out tracks from critters that forage in the Australian Garden. Delight in a sweet tasting of seasonal bush food and pot up a native plant to take home.

FAMILY ACTIVITYSat 7 Dec, 11am (2 hrs)


All ages


Families

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Cranbourne Gardens






Free

All ages


Families

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Cranbourne Gardens








Free

All ages

Australian Garden

Families

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Cranbourne Gardens

Valentine’s Day Picnic & Sensory TourTreat your favourite person to a sensory tour through the Peppermint Garden and an indulgent picnic this Valentine’s Day. Graze through a sharing platter while relaxing between the gums in the Bloodwood Garden, and bring along some bubbly to add extra sparkle to the day.

PICNICFri 14 Feb, 12pm (2 hrs)


18+ years


Valentine’s Day Explorer & LunchEnjoy the summer breeze and delicious treats with your valentine. Tour the Australian Garden in open-air comfort on The Explorer mini bus, before enjoying an antipasto lunch and a glass of sparkling in the Boon Wurrung Café while overlooking the beautiful landscapes.

TOUR & LUNCHFri 14 Feb, 11.45am (2 hrs)


18+ years


Families

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Talks & Tours

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Cranbourne Gardens

Exclusive Group ToursGet to know the wonders of the Australian Garden as you see its highlights and discover fascinating plants on a walking tour with an expert guide. Choose from a selection of favourite itineraries or have one curated for your group’s interests and needs.

TOURBy arrangement (1 hr)

$6.50 per person

Minimum of 6 people

Bookings essential


Birds in the Australian GardenCome along to a free walk and discover the wonderful world of the birds often spotted in the Australian Garden. Uncover how they have shaped the country’s forests and wildfl owers and see and hear them fl ying, feeding and nesting as you explore the landscape.

TOURSat 7 Dec, Wed 8 Jan & Sun 9 Feb 10am (1 hr)



Families

Wellbeing

Arts & Culture

Talks & Tours


Cranbourne Gardens

Snapshots of Australia Venture into the Australian Garden with an expert guide and unearth the curiosities of Australian plants. Have your camera ready as you wander along the Rockpool Waterway, cross the Waterhole Bridge at the River Bend and peer across the expanse of the Red Sand Garden.

DAILY TOURDaily, 11am (1 hr)

$8 Adult, $6.50 Conc, $4 ChildBookings essential

All ages


The ExplorerImmerse yourself in the iconic Australian landscape and see the highlights of the Gardens on an open-air bus tour. From the rich red centre, journey around the River Bend before winding through the Peppermint Garden, taking in the wonders of the native bush.

Kids ride free in January! See page 24.

DAILY TOURDaily, 10am – 4pm (30 mins)

$10 Adult, $8 Conc, $5 Child

Group bookings by arrangement (30 mins or 1 hr)

Australian Garden

Families

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Cranbourne Gardens






Free

All ages


Families

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Cranbourne Gardens








Free

All ages

Australian Garden

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Melbourne GardensBirdwood Avenue Melbourne 3004

Open daily 7.30am to sunset

Cranbourne GardensCorner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne 3977

Open daily except Christmas Day9am to 5pm

Share your special moments#royalbotanicgardensvicw rbg.vic.gov.au� BotanicGardensVictoria� @RBG_Victoria� @royalbotanicgardensvic

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SUPPORT THE GARDENSSupport plant conservation and the future of the Gardens by making a fully tax-deductible donation today.

Visit rbg.vic.gov.au/support

MAJOR PARTNER

MAJOR PARTNER OFFICIAL PARTNERS

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Wine partner

Thank you to our partners

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Dining at the Gardens

The Terrace – Melbourne GardensEnjoy high tea, freshly baked scones with lashings of jam and cream and tasty sandwiches, or order from the à la carte menu.

Jardin Tan – Melbourne GardensChoose from French-Vietnamese delights that celebrate organic, biodynamic produce, some of which you’ll see growing in the eatery courtyard.

Boon Wurrung Café – Cranbourne GardensSettle in with a spectacular view of the Australian Garden and enjoy an Australian High Tea or a delicious breakfast or lunch.

Documents

Dec – Feb Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens€¦ · Melbourne Gardens Moonlight Cinema Kick back with a ﬁ lm under the stars at Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema