Royal Botanic Gardens.

Established in 1846, this 36-hectare expanse on the south bank of the Yarra River is a masterclass in Victorian-era landscaping. While it honors its colonial roots with rolling lawns and an ornamental lake, the gardens have evolved to meet modern environmental shifts. The 2020 Arid Garden showcases over 3,000 cacti and succulents, while the historic Guilfoyle’s Volcano—a 19th-century water reservoir—now functions as a clever gravity-fed irrigation system. Visitors can weave through the cool, mossy depths of Fern Gully or explore the Australian Forest Walk before heading to the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden. During the warmer months, the lawns transform into a cultural hub with punting on the lake and outdoor cinema screenings. It is a dense, diverse sanctuary that balances rare tropical glasshouses with deep respect for the local Wurundjeri and Bunurong heritage.