Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Explore a free inner-city garden oasis

Botanic Garden
Outdoor
Free
Melbourne

About

A free, family-friendly garden destination in the heart of Melbourne, with expansive lawns, lakes, living plant collections and the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden. Visitors can enjoy self-guided exploration, nature activities, guided walks and seasonal family experiences.

Opening Hours

Monday
7:30am – 5:30pm(Current winter hours. From 1 October to 31 March, the Gardens normally close at 7:30pm. Check the official site before travel.)
Tuesday
7:30am – 5:30pm(Current winter hours. From 1 October to 31 March, the Gardens normally close at 7:30pm. Check the official site before travel.)
Wednesday
7:30am – 5:30pm(Current winter hours. From 1 October to 31 March, the Gardens normally close at 7:30pm. Check the official site before travel.)
Thursday
7:30am – 5:30pm(Current winter hours. From 1 October to 31 March, the Gardens normally close at 7:30pm. Check the official site before travel.)
FridayToday
7:30am – 5:30pm(Current winter hours. From 1 October to 31 March, the Gardens normally close at 7:30pm. Check the official site before travel.)
Saturday
7:30am – 5:30pm(Current winter hours. From 1 October to 31 March, the Gardens normally close at 7:30pm. Check the official site before travel.)
Sunday
7:30am – 5:30pm(Current winter hours. From 1 October to 31 March, the Gardens normally close at 7:30pm. Check the official site before travel.)

Admissions

Free entry — no ticket required.

Where you'll be

Second World War Memorial Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance

Birdwood Avenue
2.3 km

Second World War Memorial Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance

Birdwood Avenue

What you'll experience

Disability Inclusive

Explicit inclusive support, adapted delivery, or disability-inclusive design beyond physical access.

Food & Drinks

Cafe or food/drink options are available.

Outdoor Space

A materially usable outdoor play, exploration, or relaxation area is part of the experience; not merely an outdoor setting.

Parking Available

Visitor parking is explicitly available, but the source does not establish whether it is free or paid.

Public Transport

Accessible by public transport

Good to know

Gardens open daily from 7:30am. Closing time varies seasonally (often 5:30pm; can extend in summer). Temporary early 3pm closes apply Wed–Sun 11 Jun–2 Aug 2026 plus school-holiday days — confirm on rbg.vic.gov.au. Structured hours left empty due to seasonal/temporary variation.

Organiser

RB

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria cares for Melbourne’s botanic gardens, including the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden.
Free
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne | Fun for Kids