Top 10 Gardens To Visit In Melbourne Australia
What are the top gardens to visit in Melbourne Australia? While popular spots like the Royal Botanic Gardens (drawing over 2 million visitors yearly) and Fitzroy Gardens (with its charming fairy trees and historic Cook’s Cottage) are wonderful, Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens is a life-changing experience. It turns grief into growth, using special methods to transform loved ones into thriving trees. Imagine having a picnic under a living tribute that your family will gladly want to visit. Also, Melbourne’s fantastic green spaces, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens, are more than just city parks. They’re event venues and real community hubs inviting you to explore, learn, and make new memories.
What Makes Melbourne's Gardens Exceptional?
Have you ever thought about how much a city’s green spaces impact your daily life? In many cities, gardens are just … gardens. Different in Melbourne, gardens are much more than pretty patches of grass and flowers. They are super important parts of the city’s “infrastructure,” almost like roads or buildings, but designed to make life better for everyone.
Think of Melbourne’s gardens as vibrant community spaces, not just plant displays. They’re great for learning about nature, enjoying cultural events, and simply relaxing with your loved ones. You’ll love how easy they are to visit: most are free, have smooth paths for strollers or wheelchairs, and offer longer hours. So, whether you’re a plant lover, looking for family activities, or seeking peace, these gardens provide memorable experiences that boost Melbourne’s charm. Why don’t we explore them one by one and see where your interests are. Let’s continue exploring the top gardens to visit in Melbourne Australia.
1. Mornington Green: A Revolutionary Way to Remember (and Live On With Nature!)
Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens is one of the top gardens to visit in Melbourne Australia. This garden is a 6,000 tree masterplanned botanic memorial forest designed by the same team that design the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens. The first 2,000 trees are already in, an array flowering botanic trees and native species planted on what used to be a golf course.
Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens have weekly tours of the gardens and can request private tours as well. They have flower shows through the year and one of them is the famous “worlds largest sunflower” which comprises of 3,000 sunflowers planted in the shape of a giant sunflower that you can walk through.
Ever wondered if there’s a more hopeful way to remember someone special after they’re gone? Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens, nestled in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, is truly offering that. This isn’t just a pretty garden; it’s a place where life literally continues.
What makes it so unique? They use a special, patented technology that turns cremated ashes into actual food for trees. Imagine: instead of a traditional headstone, your loved one becomes a thriving tree, a “Living Legacy Tree” that grows stronger and more beautiful with every passing season. You can choose from over 16 different tree types, from delicate cherry blossoms to vibrant red flowering gums. This creates a place where families don’t feel sad and disconnected, but instead gather to celebrate life, make new memories, and feel a lasting connection.
But it’s not just about personal remembrance. Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens is incredibly good for the environment too. For every “Living Legacy Tree” planted, it helps offset carbon and genuinely contributes to healing our planet. Why is this needed? Because cremation has a high carbon footprint and because regular ashes are actually harmful to plants, with a pH like bleach and high salt levels that kill most plants. Their special treatment changes all of that, turning the ashes into good nutrients that feed the tree for about seven years.
Families come back season after season to see their tree grow, hold special gatherings under its branches, and simply feel close to those they’ve lost. It’s a protected, cared-for space where future generations can visit for decades, keeping those memories alive.
Location: 125 Tyabb-Tooradin Road
Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens Opening Hours: Open daily for visits
2. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Melbourne Gardens)
Looking for a fantastic escape right in the heart of Melbourne? You’ve found it at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria! This massive, stunning garden covers 38 hectares and welcomes nearly 2 million people every single year. Why is it so popular? Because it’s like a living museum, featuring more than 8,500 types of plants collected from every corner of the globe.
From Guilfoyle’s Volcano, you’ll get amazing views of the city. The Ornamental Lake is a peaceful spot where you can relax and watch the black swans and other local birds. And on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, you’ll learn lots about how Indigenous people use plants and connect with the land.
Location: Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM daily
Cost: Free (specialized tours may charge fees)
3. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Are you looking to connect with Australia’s natural world? The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is your destination. This huge garden, covering 363 hectares, is dedicated to showcasing native Australian plants. It’s an amazing place to see the country’s unique plants in all their glory.
In the famous “Australian Garden” part alone, you’ll discover over 100,000 individual plants representing 1,900 varieties. It’s like a botanical encyclopedia of Australia! Beyond that, there are many sections with 10 kilometers of walking paths, protecting more than 450 native species in their natural environment. This garden happens to be a critical conservation site and a wonderful place for learning. You can join tours to understand topics like climate change impacts, spot native wildlife, and learn about indigenous bushfood. By focusing on Australian plants, the garden provides perfect homes for many animals, including some very rare and special ones.
Location: Ballarto Road & Botanic Drive, Cranbourne
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
Cost: Free
4. Fitzroy Gardens: Victorian Charm and Whimsical Wonders
Do you like classic English gardens? If you have such preference, then you’ll love Fitzroy Gardens. This historic park located in East Melbourne is full of old-fashioned charm. Imagine walking through beautiful “golden tunnels” created by mature English elm trees. During the autumn season, it gets more beautiful.
Despite the appealing landscape, this park has a magical side too. You’ll find whimsical spots like the Fairies Tree and a tiny miniature Tudor village that are sure to delight both kids and adults. And for a real dose of history, check out Captain Cook’s Cottage. This house was built in England way back in 1755 and then removed, brick by brick, all the way to Melbourne in the 1930s. It’s going to be a unique historical experience for you. Also, don’t forget the Conservatory, which always has seasonal flower displays, so there’s something beautiful to see no matter when you visit. These things makes this garden one of the top gardens to visit in Melbourne Australia.
Location: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Opening Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free (Cook’s Cottage charges admission)
5. Carlton Gardens: UNESCO World Heritage Excellence
Looking for a graden that feels grand and historic, but also family-friendly? Carlton Gardens is your answer! This park is famous for housing the Royal Exhibition Building (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the fascinating Melbourne Museum. So, you can easily combine a walk in a park with a visit to these iconic landmarks.
For families, the award-winning playground is a huge hit. It’s designed with a nod to old-fashioned mazes and packed with climbing frames, fun musical elements, swings that all ages can enjoy. If you’re visiting in autumn, prepare to be amazed. The enormous elm trees create beautiful “golden avenues,” providing the most photographed scenes in Melbourne. And if your help falls in spring, you’re in for a treat as the gardens transform into a dazzling display for the famous Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. It’s a perfect place where history, beauty, and family fun all come together.
Location: Nicholson Street, Carlton
Opening Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
6. Treasury Gardens
How about Melbourne’s reflective escape? That’s what you’ll find at Treasury Gardens, located right next to Parliament House. As you walk through, the lines of mature trees create these amazing, dramatic effects that photographers love.
What makes this top gardens to visit in Melbourne Australia so special is the mix of trees, namely Moreton Bay figs, elms, oaks, and poplars. This mix creates amazing contrast throughout the year, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Beyond its beauty, Treasury Gardens also serves as a place for quiet thought. You’ll find monuments like the Robert Burns memorial, the John F. Kennedy monument, and the Victorian Emergency Services Memorial. These provide meaningful spots for you to reflect on the importance of public service and our links to the wider world.
Location: Spring Street, East Melbourne
Opening Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
7. Queen Victoria Gardens: Horticultural Precision
Another captivating place to visit is Queen Victoria Gardens, where you can see a clock made of flowers. This unique garden, right across from Arts Centre Melbourne, is home to the famous Floral Clock. It’s a huge, 9-meter (about 30 feet) timepiece decorated with 7,000 flowering plants that change their look twice a year. How cool is that
Around the Queen Victoria Memorial, you’ll find an extensive rose garden that puts on a stunning display of color and fragrance throughout the year. If you have a kid with you, they’ll be captivated by the interactive sculptures like “the Genie” and “Water Children,” which are perfect for playful exploration. And for something modern, keep an eye out for the annual MPavilion architecture project, which brings cutting-edge design and events to this beautiful, historic setting. It’s a garden where art, nature, and fun all come together!
Location: St Kilda Road, Southbank
Opening Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
8. Alexandra Gardens: Riverside Activity Hub
Check out Alexandra Gardens! You’ll find it right along the Yarra River, just south of Princes Bridge. This garden is a cool mix of old history and lively fun.
You’ll see historic rowing boathouses here, giving the area a really energetic vibe, especially if you’re there when the rowing crews are out! And if you love action, the Riverslide Skate Park is buzzing with skaters. But it’s not all about fast-paced fun; there’s also a touch of history with the Federation Star Bed, planted way back in 1906 with 200 roses to celebrate Australia becoming a country. This garden is also a major hotspot for big events like the famous Moomba Festival and awesome New Year’s Eve celebrations, transforming it into one of Melbourne’s top outdoor spots for community fun. Here is detailed location of this top gardens to visit in Melbourne Australia.
Location: Princes Bridge, Melbourne
Opening Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
9. Rippon Lea Estate: 19th Century Aristocratic Life
Fancy a walk through history surrounded by breathtaking beauty? Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick offers you Melbourne’s historic garden gem. This incredible National Heritage-listed property keeps the spirit of Victorian high society alive across its 14 acres of historically rich gardens, where some trees have stood since the 1880s.
You can even take part in the estate’s long-standing recreational traditions, as the perfectly restored heritage tennis court is available for you to hire for a game. For those who love a deeper dive, specialized garden tours and “significant tree walks” provide fascinating insights. You’ll learn not just about the plants themselves, but also about the social world and daily lives of Melbourne’s prominent families from the 19th century. It’s an enchanting place where you can feel connected to a bygone era while enjoying some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes.
Location: 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick
Opening Hours: Seasonal variations (website confirmation recommended)
Cost: Adult $15, Family $40
10. Como Historic House and Garden: Regency Elegance Preserved
Want to walk through a piece of living history? Como Historic House and Garden, located in charming South Yarra, is considered the finest example in Australia of a perfectly preserved old home, blending beautiful “Regency” and “Italianate” designs.
As Australia’s first house museum acquired complete with original contents, Como offers unparalleled insights into 19th-century domestic life across different social classes through preserved servant’s quarters, kitchens, and family rooms.
Location: Corner Williams Road & Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM-4 PM, Sun 10 AM-4 PM
Cost: Gardens free, House tours Adult $15
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Gardens In Melbourne?
Are you ready to explore top gardens to visit in Melbourne Melbourne Australia? Here’s the best time to visit the gardens in Melbourne to get the most out of it!
- Spring (September-November): This is when all the flowers burst into color – it’s absolutely spectacular!
- Autumn (March-May): Watch the trees change into stunning golds and reds. It’s like walking through a beautiful painting.
- Summer (December-February): Long, sunny days are perfect for enjoying outdoor events and lingering in the gardens.
- Winter (June-August): If you prefer a more peaceful visit for personal space or reflection, winter is your season.
Most of the gardens in Melbourne are super easy to visit. You can use public transportations like trams and trains. Plus, many of the central ones are close enough that you can just walk. To make your visit even better, wear comfy walking shoes, bring sun protection (like a hat and sunscreen), and maybe even a picnic blanket. Melbourne’s gardens are perfect for taking your time, strolling around, and enjoying a meal outdoors.
No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s learning about plants, helping the environment, having fun with family, or finding a peaceful spot to remember someone, Melbourne’s gardens offer something special for everyone. They truly create lasting memories and help you feel connected to the city’s beautiful natural side.
Mornington Green Is One Of The Top Gardens To Visit In Melbourne Australia
Melbourne has lots of lovely gardens where you can relax, but Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens is the best garden to visit in Melbourne Australia because it offers an experience that’s totally different and truly special. It’s a place where you can witness how love can be transformed into something beautiful and alive. This is where scientific breakthroughs meet the deep desire to remember, creating what is truly Australia’s most remarkable memorial garden. You’ll find a unique sense of peace and connection here.
Living Legacy Trees: A Growing Way to Remember
What makes Living Legacy Trees special? Imagine a memorial that keeps changing and growing, just like life. That’s what Living Legacy Trees offer you. Instead of a traditional, unchanging tombstone, these trees literally grow from the treated remains of loved ones. It’s a truly special way to create a living, breathing tribute that changes with the seasons. A unique, patented process even turns what would normally harm plants (untreated ashes) into good nutrients that feed the trees for years.
You can walk through groves of cherry blossoms in spring, knowing each tree holds the essence of someone special. Or gather your family under a majestic red flowering gum in summer, sharing stories and feeling connected to those you miss. The gardens themselves transform with each season, giving you fresh experiences year-round.
The gardens at Mornington Green are legally protected, guaranteeing these living memorials will be cared for over many generations. Professional gardeners ensure everything stays beautiful, and conservation agreements mean the land can never be built on or cut down. So, you can always visit, knowing your memorial trees will continue to flourish.
Visit Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens During Our Open Days
Want to grasp the unique beauty of Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens? We think the best way is to experience it firsthand. Our regular Open Days give you the perfect chance to stroll through the gardens, meet the friendly and supportive team, and truly see how these Living Legacy Trees create spaces filled with peace and a strong sense of connection. Come and feel the difference for yourself.
During Open Days, visitors can:
- Take guided tours through the various garden areas and tree groves
- Learn about the scientific process that transforms ashes into tree nutrients
- Explore different tree species and understand seasonal changes
- Enjoy refreshments in the beautiful café overlooking the gardens
- Ask questions about the process, costs, and ongoing care
Ready to discover how love can literally grow into something beautiful?
Visit Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens during one of our Open Days or book a personal tour to experience this revolutionary approach to memorial gardens. Call (03) 9059 4959 or visit morningtongreen.com.au to learn more about creating a Living Legacy that will flourish for generations to come.
At Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens, the memory of your loved one helps a beautiful tree grow, connecting you to them in a beautiful way.
