Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Botanical garden by Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, Australia.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens spread across roughly 40 hectares in three distinct zones, combining traditional Victorian garden design with ornamental trees and planted areas. The central section displays classic English pleasure garden structure with organized pathways and landscaped sections.
The gardens were founded in 1857 when Alfred Ronalds, a noted fly fishing author, supplied trees and plants from his nursery across the lake. This early planting established the foundation of the site's botanical character from the beginning.
Prime Ministers Avenue displays bronze busts of all Australian Prime Ministers and records the nation's political history in this setting. Visitors can discover the faces of leaders who shaped the country while walking through the gardens.
The grounds are open year-round with organized pathways that make it easy to move through the different sections. Plan enough time to explore the expansive layout slowly, especially if you want to see the statues and planted areas.
The Stoddart collection comprises 12 white marble statues from Italy depicting classical mythology figures, including Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Hercules. These decorative works are a rare European addition to this Australian garden and shape its visual character.
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