Gardens of Melbourne Private Day Tour

The Royal Botanic Gardens has been a treasured part of Melbourne’s cultural life for more than 170 years – much loved by generations of Victorians, as well as by many visitors from interstate and overseas. It is a picturesque haven for recreation and an important resource for education, conservation, science and horticulture. Melbourne Gardens extends over 38 hectares and houses a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from Southern China and in the Rare and Threatened Species Collection, plants from south-eastern Australia.

Melbourne Gardens is also home to the National Herbarium of Victoria, which houses the internationally important State Botanical Collection, where key scientific research in botany, taxonomy, mycology and conservation takes place.

Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most historic and beautiful Gardens. Originally set aside as a reserve in 1848, the layout follows a classic Victorian–era design, featuring pathways lined with magnificent Elm trees, and a variety of flowers, ornamental shrubs and trees which together with extensive lawns create a diverse and layered landscape. Points of interest include the magnificent floral displays in the Spanish mission style Conservatory. Cooks Cottage, a scarred tree, the Fairies’ Tree and model Tudor village, sculptures, fountains and a stormwater cleaning and re-use system.

Carlton Gardens – the exquisite Royal Exhibition Building, built for the exhibition of 1880, sits resplendent in these city gardens, surrounded by mature deciduous trees, huge figs, flowerbeds, fountains and two ornamental lakes. Home of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show at the end of March.

Rippon Lea is a National Heritage Listed site and one of the last surviving examples of a grand estate. The estate has a large Victorian pleasure garden and fernery, an original mansion, lake, waterfall, grotto, orchard and tower.

Built in 1847, Como House & Garden is an intriguing mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture. Established by Edward Eyre Williams as a new home for himself and his wife Jessie Gibbon, Como has been immersed in glamour and romance since its early beginnings.