Royal Botanic Gardens
Quick Facts
- Location
- Australia, Sydney
- Category
- Park & Garden
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 7:30-19:30 · The getting-here page states the gardens open every day of the year including public holidays, currently 7:30-19:30, changing to 7:30-17:30 between 1 April and 30 September, with the day hours shown on the home page. The Visitor Centre by Observatory Gate works 9:30-17:00 daily except Christmas Day. The Ian Potter Foundation Childrens Garden opens at 10:00, stays shut Mondays and Tuesdays outside school and public holidays, runs every day through Victorian state school holidays and public holidays, and closes for winter from the start of Term 3 until around Fathers Day; the garden page lists it as Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-19:30.
- Ticket Price
- Free Admission: Entry is free except for special ticketed events · Adult: Paid extras: the guided trolley tour, punting on the lake, selected tours and ticketed shows · From 26 October 2026 the trolley tours depart from Oak Lawn because of works, while check-in stays at the customer service desk in the Visitor Centre. Punting returns for the spring season and needs a booking. Many of the guided walks are listed as free.
- Address
- Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
- Coordinates
- -33.8680, 151.2150
Introduction
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne sits on the south bank of the Yarra River, one of Australia's most prestigious botanic gardens, vast and picturesque. Rolling lawns, tranquil lakes and over eight thousand plants from around the world are arranged throughout, with pleasant scenery in every season, and home to black swans, water birds and possums. With both carefully designed theme gardens and greenhouses, it is also Melburnians' favorite place for morning runs, picnics, weddings and afternoon sun. Summer nights host open-air cinema and the Moonlight Cinema, a quiet elegant green space beside the busy city.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 7:30-19:30 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30-19:30 |
| Wednesday | 7:30-19:30 |
| Thursday | 7:30-19:30 |
| Friday | 7:30-19:30 |
| Saturday | 7:30-19:30 |
| Sunday | 7:30-19:30 |
The getting-here page states the gardens open every day of the year including public holidays, currently 7:30-19:30, changing to 7:30-17:30 between 1 April and 30 September, with the day hours shown on the home page. The Visitor Centre by Observatory Gate works 9:30-17:00 daily except Christmas Day. The Ian Potter Foundation Childrens Garden opens at 10:00, stays shut Mondays and Tuesdays outside school and public holidays, runs every day through Victorian state school holidays and public holidays, and closes for winter from the start of Term 3 until around Fathers Day; the garden page lists it as Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-19:30.
Ticket Information
| Free Admission | Entry is free except for special ticketed events |
|---|---|
| Adult | Paid extras: the guided trolley tour, punting on the lake, selected tours and ticketed shows |
| Student | Children ride half price on the School Holiday Explorer Bus during Victorian school holidays |
From 26 October 2026 the trolley tours depart from Oak Lawn because of works, while check-in stays at the customer service desk in the Visitor Centre. Punting returns for the spring season and needs a booking. Many of the guided walks are listed as free.
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Royal Botanic Gardens?
Monday: 7:30-19:30; Tuesday: 7:30-19:30; Wednesday: 7:30-19:30; Thursday: 7:30-19:30; Friday: 7:30-19:30; Saturday: 7:30-19:30; Sunday: 7:30-19:30; The getting-here page states the gardens open every day of the year including public holidays, currently 7:30-19:30, changing to 7:30-17:30 between 1 April and 30 September, with the day hours shown on the home page. The Visitor Centre by Observatory Gate works 9:30-17:00 daily except Christmas Day. The Ian Potter Foundation Childrens Garden opens at 10:00, stays shut Mondays and Tuesdays outside school and public holidays, runs every day through Victorian state school holidays and public holidays, and closes for winter from the start of Term 3 until around Fathers Day; the garden page lists it as Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-19:30.
How much is the admission for Royal Botanic Gardens?
Free Admission: Entry is free except for special ticketed events; Adult: Paid extras: the guided trolley tour, punting on the lake, selected tours and ticketed shows; Student: Children ride half price on the School Holiday Explorer Bus during Victorian school holidays; From 26 October 2026 the trolley tours depart from Oak Lawn because of works, while check-in stays at the customer service desk in the Visitor Centre. Punting returns for the spring season and needs a booking. Many of the guided walks are listed as free.
Any practical tips for visiting Royal Botanic Gardens?
The lakeside black swans and lawns are great for photos and picnics. The Moonlight Cinema open-air films in summer are atmospheric, worth experiencing.
How long should I spend at Royal Botanic Gardens?
A typical visit takes 1–2 hours.
