Spring in Cranbourne Gardens

Discover the iconic Australian landscape and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air electric bus. From the Red Sand Garden, journey through the themed display gardens ending with the Eucalypt Walk, featuring only Australian plants. For private group bookings, please call 03 9252 2429 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au. Kids Explorer Children ride FREE on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays. Experience amazing sights, sounds and scents as you cruise through the Australian Garden on this tour designed especially for families. Breathe in the fragrances of different eucalypt trees as you take in the colours of the landscape and find out why plants are so important for our planet. Learn more here. 

Orchids are among our most beautiful and intriguing native wildflowers, with Victoria home to over 400 species, most of which grow nowhere else in the world. Sadly, however, half of our native orchid species are threatened with extinction in the wild. The RBGV Orchid Conservation Program grows threatened orchids and plants them back out into the bush to create new wild populations and reduce their risk of extinction. Underpinning this work, the Program undertakes cutting-edge scientific research on all aspects of orchid ecology, including on pollination, symbiotic fungi, propagation methods, and reintroduction science. We aim to prevent future orchid extinctions by: Storing a genetically diverse collection of seed and symbiotic fungi Growing suitable numbers of our threatened orchids for reintroductions Reintroducing these species to protected public and private land, where the appropriate vegetation, climate and insect pollinators are present. Back by popular demand, the nurseries of the RBGV Orchid Conservation Program are being opened to the public to showcase endangered orchids up close. Our world-leading team will explain the important work and intricate science behind this exemplary conservation program. You will have the chance to photograph critically endangered species rarely seen in the wild. Please note that the minimum age of attendees on this tour is 12 years old, and that the shadehouses are not suitable for anyone requiring the use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames.

Venture through the highlights of the Australian Garden with one of our experienced guides. Discover what’s in bloom, explore the diversity of Australian plants, and hear stories about the garden’s award-winning design and the unique landscapes it brings to life. For private group bookings, please call 03 5990 2200 or email mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au.

The Cranbourne Gardens Shuttle Bus can be booked for transport between Cranbourne Train Station and Cranbourne Gardens for community members and tourists, including those with mobility requirements. The 9 seater bus is comfortable, wheelchair accessible (x1 chair) and has 1 compliant anchored baby seat for infants and up to 4 years and 1 additional booster seat suitable from 4 to 8 years. We can accomodate additional children if you provide your own booster seat, where anchoring is not required. Please contact the Cranbourne Gardens Visitor Centre on 03 5990 2262 to make a request. We will do our very best to assist you, pending availability.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Discover the wonderful world of the birds that call the Australian Garden home. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how they have shaped the country’s forests and wildflowers on a guided tour through the Australian Garden. See and hear them flying, feeding and nesting as you explore the landscape. Some of the unique species you may come across include the Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus), the New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) or the Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys).

Cranbourne Gardens is a unique haven for endangered Southern Brown Bandicoots, along with a wide array of native wildlife. Enjoy a guided walk through the Australian Garden to learn all about these marvelous marsupials, and be empowered to transform your own garden into an oasis for wildlife including native bees, butterflies, birds and more.  Whether you live in the bush or the heart of the city, learn which plants and garden features can support your favourite critters, and some simple steps to act for bandicoots and help them thrive in the suburbs.   Participants will also receive a complimentary wildlife gardening booklet. Proudly supported by the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Program. Image credit: Sharon Start.

Explore the fascinating world of Australian plants and their incredible relationships with birds and animals on this Australian Plant Safari Bus tour. Be guided on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Australia within our meticulously curated Australian Garden, from the arid deserts to the vibrant coastal zones and lush bushlands.

Set your young ones on an adventure exploring the wondrous scenery, plants and creatures of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne with our Seek and Find Nature Cards, especially developed by artists Claire Mosley and Casey Atkinson (Bangerang / Wiradjuri). Collect a card from the Visitor Centre and explore the different landscapes and living collections as you search for all things big and small.

Explore our award-winning Australian Garden on one of our electric mobility scooters for up to two hours. Our Garden is an all-access facility, providing safe paths for you to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Australian landscapes at your own leisure. For further information on accessibility, please call 5990 2200 or follow the link to our Accessibility – Cranbourne page.  If you would like to hire an electric mobility scooter at alternative time, please call Cranbourne Visitor Centre on 5990 2262 or email us at RBGC@rbg.vic.gov.au