Gotta bit of a green thumb? Fancy some exotic plants and well landscaped green patches or red sand? Check out some of Melbourne's eye-catching gardens.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS - City

Alexandra Ave and Birdwood Ave, Melbourne/South Yarra
www.rbg.vic.gov.au

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne was established in 1846. It's large and is a favourite with all ages.
There’s a big lake, cafes, a highly regarded restaurant,  good cafe, a children’s garden, rose garden, hot house, a Visitor Centre, shop, and loads more. It's a great place for a picnic, to have lunch, take the kids, or get some exercise. There's a track around the Botanic Gardens called the Tan and every weekday at lunchtime hundreds of office workers go for a run around the track.


Getting there

Take any tram from Swanston St that runs along along St Kilda Rd and get off at the Shrine of Remembrance. Head towards the Shrine, then cross the road (Birdwood Ave) to one of several park entrances.
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ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS CRANBOURNE (pictured)

Corner of Bullarto and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne (off South Gippsland Highway).
Ph: (03) 5990 2200
 www.rbgcranbourne.com.au/

This garden has one role – to conserve and showcase Australian plants and trees. It has several  absolutely impressive displays and interpretive gardens across 363 hectares. There's a cafe, a kids garden, education centre, and plenty of friendly staff on hand to offer advice.

Getting there

It's best to drive. It’ll take about 55 minutes from the city centre via City Link on the M1 heading south. Take the M420 exit and follow the signs.
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FITZROY GARDENS and CAPTAIN COOK'S COTTAGE, EAST MELBOURNE
 

Landsdowne and Wellington streets, East Melbourne.
This is a19th Century style English park that's extremely popular. It has a fairy garden with a carved fairy tree, an avenue of Elm trees that are more than 130 years old, walking paths, and Captain Cook's cottage. Captain Cook was the man credited with discovering Australia. He lived in the cottage, in England, between voyages. The cottage was taken apart stone by stone and brought to Australia, where it was re-assembled in the Fitzroy Gardens.

Getting there

You can walk to the park from the city centre. Or take the 45 or 75 tram that goes along Wellington Pde (which is the continuation of Flinders St).
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NATIONAL RHODODENDRON GARDENS - in the Dandenongs

National Rhodedendron Gardens

The Georgian Rd, Olinda
entry fees apply
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/

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