Rare gardens in Melbourne

Explore Melbourne's most beautiful gardens, parks and green spaces and discover rare species, historic public sculptures, secret oases and more.

Arid Garden

Transport yourself to the deserts of Mexico or the peaks of the Andes at the Royal Botanic Gardens' Arid Garden. Here you’ll find more than 1500 plants and 400 species. Think gigantic cacti, medicinal aloe vera plants and tiny succulents. Hot tip: visit early in the morning when the night flowering cacti are still in full bloom. How magical!

River God Fountain

Did you know Melbourne’s oldest surviving public artwork is in the Fitzroy Gardens? Originally unveiled in the south-east corner in 1862, the River God Fountain was created by leading sculptor of the day, Charles Summers. Topped by a bearded river god carrying a giant clam shell, it was put in storage in 1960. Nearly 40 years later, the restored fountain returned in all its watery glory at the gardens’ northern edge.

Sensory Garden

Experience the beauty of the Sensory Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Be immersed in the fragrance, colour, and sound – some of the plants are crunchy! – of this specially created living collection. This unique garden was developed in consultation with Dementia Australia. It was designed to improve wellbeing through connecting with nature by stimulating the senses.

Rare and Threatened Species Collection

Discover hard-to-find native plants in the Australian Rare and Threatened Species Collection. Seek out a marble daisy bush – Victoria’s rare shrub with the sweetest purple flowers. Or look for the Grampians banksia with its delightful fuzzy buds. The collection is located on the Royal Botanic Gardens' Central Lawn and dispersed throughout the gardens. Or visit the Australian Forest Walk, Fern Gully and the Herbarium bed for more rare and threatened plants.

Government House Gardens

Get exclusive access to one of Melbourne’s most magnificent gardens on a Government House tour. Designed in 1873, this sprawling sanctuary is thought to be the Melbourne's last remaining 19th century mansion garden. Check out the fresh produce and herbs in the quaint kitchen garden. Frolic across the magnificent lawns. And see ceremonial trees planted by members of the Royal Family and previous governors. Keep an eye on the Government House website for new tour dates.

MPavilion by Tadao Ando

Amongst one of Melbourne's most beautiful oases is a modern landmark that you can’t miss. Originally a temporary pop-up, it now has a permanent home at Queen Victoria Gardens. MPavilion is the brainchild of famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando who is known for playing with light and shadows. It’s designed to be a quiet and tranquil retreat with its calming water feature. Pop in any day of the week from 8am to 6pm when you’re in need of some respite.

Birrarung Marr

Next time you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll along Birrarung Marr look out for two sculptures. Each one honours the diverse culture of Victoria’s Indigenous peoples. The five shields represent the five groups of the Kulin Nation and the winding path symbolises the eel – a traditional food source. Other public art works to check out are Deborah Halpern’s towering two-headed Angel sculpture and the Federation Bells.

The Fox: NGV Contemporary

Take note of this exciting new gallery and green space coming to Melbourne in 2028. The Fox: NGV Contemporary is designed by some of the world’s most talented architects, designers and engineers. Once opened, Australia's largest gallery will feature a charming meadow at the entrance. On the upper levels, a beautiful rooftop sculpture garden takes centre stage with its stunning city views.