Camperdown botanic gardens

Camperdown Botanic Gardens is a botanical garden in Australia, featuring a fenced 1.2-hectare botanical area at the center of a larger 25-hectare arboretum situated on a hill overlooking volcanic lakes. The entire property benefits from nutrient-rich volcanic soil and combines cultivated garden spaces with natural woodland.

William Guilfoyle, director of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, recommended establishing this park in 1869, leading to its development as a municipal garden. It was subsequently registered as a heritage site under Victorian heritage protection due to its historical significance.

A sandstone statue of the Scottish poet Robert Burns stands within the grounds, marking the lasting influence of Scottish migrants who settled in this region during the colonial era.

The grounds feature a pavilion from the 1920s that serves as a barbecue area, along with dedicated spaces for events like weddings and musical performances. The pathways are well-maintained and the hillside location provides several vantage points suitable for visits throughout the year.

The grounds contain rare plant specimens including the Himalayan Oak, European Linden trees, and African Holly, which flourish in the nutrient-rich volcanic soil. This unusual collection of exotic species thrives because of the distinctive soil conditions at this location.