The Royal Botanic Gardens

100 Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia

When you need a break from all the laneways and urbanscapes, head to the sprawling Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Here, 93 acres of landscaped gardens feature more than 10,000 species of native and exotic flora species. On sunny days, locals tend to gather on the grassy slopes that surround the ornamental lake or jog along The Tan (a nearly 2.5-mile walking track that loops around the gardens and past the striking Shrine of Remembrance). If you’re a first-time visitor, however, be sure to also explore the Australian Forest area, Trig Point Lookout, and the Rockpool Waterway. And families will love the interactive Children’s Garden.

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The Royal Botanic Gardens

This green oasis in the heart of the city is one of the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaped gardens in the world. Stroll through the 38 hectares of diverse plant collections and tranquil lakes, and spot native wildlife like black swans, cockatoos and kookaburras. The popular Aboriginal Heritage Walk shows you the land through the eyes of the area’s indigenous people, while other highlights include the Tropical Glasshouse and the Guilfoyle’s Volcano water reservoir.

Great Place for a Picnic

The Royal Botanic Gardens are beautiful and easy to get to. It’s an easy escape from the city, where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful trees and plants as well as birds. A great place to relax and soak it up—with or without the picnic.

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