Tucked away in Melbourne’s southeast, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is a breathtaking gateway into Australia’s unique natural world. Home to native gardens, remnant bushland, wildlife, and tranquil walking tracks, this sprawling reserve offers a perfect mix of inspiration, education, and outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, birdwatcher, or simply looking for a day in nature with the family, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is a destination that truly has something for everyone.
Image courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Two gardens, one iconic destination
The gardens are divided into two main sections, each offering a distinct experience:
The Australian Garden – a stunning 15-hectare landscape showcasing the diversity and beauty of Australian native plants.
Cranbourne Bushland – over 340 hectares of protected natural vegetation and wildlife habitat.
Image courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
The Australian Garden: Native plants in full bloom
This award-winning display garden is a vivid celebration of Australia’s flora. Designed to educate and inspire, it features a number of themed areas, each with its own unique charm:
Red Sand Garden
This dramatic centrepiece mimics the deep red landscapes of Central Australia, surrounded by native saltbush and desert-adapted species. It’s a striking place to start your journey.
Exhibition Gardens
Perfect for home gardeners, these five model backyards demonstrate how native plants can be used creatively and sustainably:
Diversity Garden – showcasing the variety of native species.
Water Saving Garden – clever design for low water use.
Future Garden – planting with climate resilience in mind.
Home Garden – practical ideas for every Australian garden.
Kid’s Backyard – a playful, eco-friendly space made from natural and recycled materials.
Arid Garden & Dry River Bed
Learn how plants adapt to extreme conditions with this dry landscape design featuring drought-tolerant natives and seasonal wet/dry features.
Eucalypt Walk
Wander through five sub-gardens dedicated to iconic eucalypt species: Ironbark, Box, Peppermint, Bloodwood, and Stringybark.
Weird and Wonderful Garden
Delight in rare and quirky plants such as the Queensland Bottle Tree, brought to life through sculptural elements and creative landscaping.
Ephemeral Garden
This ever-changing space reflects the unpredictable nature of Australian rainfall, with wildflowers and ephemeral species that bloom after rain.
Image courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
Cranbourne Bushland
Surrounding the Australian Garden is 340 hectares of wild bushland, one of the most significant remnants of native vegetation in the region. This ecologically rich area is carefully managed to control invasive weeds and maintain its natural integrity.
Visitors can explore over 10 kilometres of walking tracks and 6 kilometres of cycling paths that wind through diverse landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, heathlands, and peaceful open spaces. The area is also well-equipped for recreation, featuring picnic areas, barbecues, a playground, and the scenic Trig Point Lookout Tower.
With more than 450 species of indigenous plants and over 215 species of native wildlife, including endangered Southern Brown Bandicoots, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies, koalas, reptiles, frogs, and a range of insects, the bushland is a haven for nature lovers. Birdwatchers and photographers will also delight in spotting endangered and migratory bird species that frequent this unique environment.
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
Trig Point Lookout
For panoramic views, take a walk up Trig Track to reach Trig Point Lookout Tower. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy 360° views across:
- Melbourne’s CBD to the northwest
- The Dandenong Ranges to the northeast
- French Island to the south
It’s the perfect spot to pause and take in the scale and beauty of the landscape.
Visitor Information
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Address: Ballarto Road & Botanic Drive, Cranbourne VIC 3977
Opening Hours:
Australian Garden: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cranbourne Bushland: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission: Entry is free!
Parking: Free on-site parking is available.
Whether you’re drawn by the curated beauty of the Australian Garden or the rugged serenity of the Cranbourne Bushland, this expansive garden is a celebration of Australia’s natural heritage. With walking trails, wildlife spotting, picnic spots, and endless native plant inspiration, it’s the ideal escape just under an hour from Melbourne’s CBD.
Pack a picnic, grab your walking shoes, and immerse yourself in one of Victoria’s most impressive natural spaces.
If you’re interested in exploring more gardens throughout Victoria, you may also enjoy Alowyn Gardens.
