Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Hours:
9am to 5pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne offers a unique natural bushland experience alongside the award-winning Australian Garden, celebrating the beauty and diversity of Australian landscapes and flora with over 100,000 plants from 1,900 species. The surrounding rugged bushland features more than 450 indigenous plants, over 10km of walking tracks, six kilometres of cycling trails, a lookout tower, shelters, barbecues, and playgrounds.
Description
Just 45 minutes from Melbourne, visitors can explore native plants displayed in settings that capture Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the Red Centre to coastal fringes. The Australian Garden spans 11 distinct precincts, including boardwalks and viewing platforms on Howson and Gibson Hills, plus an amphitheatre for educational programs and performances. It’s also a space to discover inspiration and practical ideas for using Australian plants in your own garden.
Tours and programs in the Australian Garden provide a range of informative and exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. Ride The Explorer electric minibus with an expert guide, enjoy behind-the-scenes bird watching tour, or try Forest Therapy to enhance your health and wellbeing. Complete your visit with refreshments at the Boon Wurrung Café or browse botanical-inspired gifts at the Gardens Shop.
Whether seeking education, recreation, or inspiration, the Gardens offer an immersive experience that connects visitors with Australia’s extraordinary flora and landscapes.
Map & Directions
and, Ballarto Rd, Cranbourne VIC 3977 Australia
Directions
The best way to travel to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is by car or private coach.
From Melbourne, drive down the Monash Freeway and then turn off at the South Gippsland Highway.
Signs will be for Cranbourne and Phillip Island. Drive through the town of Cranbourne, and on the southern side, there are tourism signs pointing to the turn-off for the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the Australian Garden.
This trip will take approximately 50 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.