Geelong Botanic Gardens

Geelong Botanic Gardens is a botanical garden in Eastern Park that covers about 7 hectares and displays plant collections adapted to different climate zones from around the world. The space combines these diverse plantings with modern sculptures and an artificial lake, creating an environment rich in both nature and design.

The gardens were founded in 1850 as one of Australia's oldest botanic gardens, reflecting Victorian ideals about scientific plants and nature. An early curator named Daniel Bunce shaped the place by adding a conservatory and artificial lake, establishing features that remain important today.

The gardens carry the presence of the Wathaurong people, the original inhabitants who cared for this land for millennia before it became public. This connection shapes how the space is experienced and respected today.

The gardens are open daily and let you walk through at your own pace to explore the different plant areas. A plant nursery runs on Wednesday mornings if you want to purchase specimens to take home.

In 2002, a dry-climate section was added featuring Queensland Bottle Trees, an unusual choice for this southern location. Maintaining these arid-zone plants requires significant water, creating an interesting contrast within the gardens.