Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Melbourne, Australia

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Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne is one of Australia's oldest scientific and cultural institutions, established in 1846 when Charles La Trobe selected its site on the southern bank of the Yarra River.

Initially a swampy, rocky area, it was transformed into a picturesque garden under the leadership of Ferdinand von Mueller, the first full-time director, who expanded its scientific collections and introduced many plants. Later, William Guilfoyle redesigned the garden into a beautiful landscape featuring sweeping lawns, ornamental lakes, and diverse plant collections including over 8,500 species.

The gardens include heritage-listed architecture and provide a place for research, education, and recreation. The site also incorporates the National Herbarium of Victoria, holding millions of preserved plant specimens. The gardens are deeply connected to the local Kulin Nation, integrating Indigenous cultural heritage and ecological knowledge, and remain a beloved green oasis in the heart of Melbourne.