Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens is the most wonderful attraction of Melbourne. It is a perfect escape from the city that lies within the city. It is only 15 minutes drive away from Melbourne city centre. You can take a tram or bus or hire a car. Royal Botanic Garden is spread over 94 acres of land. More than 8,500 plant species from around the world are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture. It has a wide range of wildlife. You will come across many extensive lawns, peaceful lakes and grand trees.
The top thing to do here is to take the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. An Indigenous guide leads the walk. During this walk, you will learn about various plants and their uses in food, medicine and tools. It takes one and a half hour to finish the walk. This walk starts with a traditional smoking ceremony and ends with a refreshing cup of lemon myrtle tea. Listen to the astounding stories about the aboriginal Australian culture.
If you are visiting with kids, they are plenty of activities that they will love. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is the perfect place for kids who love to play in the garden. Children can explore places like a Wetland Area, Bamboo Forest, The Gorge, Plant Tunnel, Kitchen Garden and The Rill. It has different zones, plants, water features and pathways. It provides an interactive educational environment for the children of all age group. This experience teaches them the importance of conservation and the environment. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is open from Wednesday to Sunday, on public holidays, and seven days a week during the Victorian school holidays. It is also a great place to have a picnic. You can pack a meal and make a day out of it.
Guilfoyle’s Volcano is a must-see while visiting the Royal Botanic Garden. Once used to store water now is a vital landscape of the garden. This place showcases law-water plants. There are boardwalks and viewing platforms which provide the visitors with views of Melbourne skyline. You will find this site in the south-east corner of the garden. You can join the Melbourne observatory tour to observe the southern night sky. In the park, you will come across some unusual lakes. Central Lake, Fern Gully, Nymphaea Lily Lake, and Ornamental Lake. At the Ornamental lake take the punt boat ride. It is a great way to see birds and water plants.
Keep your camera handy as there is a high possibility to spot local animals and mammals. Look out for various birds, bellbirds, black swans, cockatoos and kookaburras. They arrange different workshops to spread awareness regarding environmental and animal conservation. If you are visiting in Summer, make sure to go to the outdoor cinema and in Winter, take part in Chocolate and Spice Tour.
