Whilst summer might’ve passed, the good weather hasn’t. With some fantastic weather and the shining sun still coming our way, it’s a good as time as any to get to know some of the stand-out gardens that are riddled around the city. If you’re thinking of exploring any of the following gardens, then we highly recommend enlisting our Melbourne bus hire services to make transportation easier.
1. The Royal Botanic Gardens
We’ll start with a staple of Melbourne culture and possibly one of our most well-known gardens – the Royal Botanic Garden. This absolutely stunning piece of land was established way back in 1846 by Lieutenant Governor Charles La Trobe and became royal when Queen Elizabeth II added the prefix to it in 1958. One thing you may not have known is that there are actually two botanic gardens in Melbourne as a Cranbourne location was established in 1970 and covers 363 hectares of Melbourne’s south-east.
Both locations feature dozens of different types of plant collections that are arranged stunningly for visitors to admire and photograph. There are also several events that are held throughout the year such as lake tours, high teas and educational tours that cater to all age groups. You’ll be pretty hard-pressed to find a more stunning series of greenery and flowers.
2. Carlton Gardens
Situated beside the Melbourne Museum, Royal Exhibition Building and the city’s only IMAX complex, the Carlton Gardens are a lush green landscape of gorgeous, towering trees. The gardens were actually used heavily in the 1880 and 1888 Melbourne International Exhibitions, with the southern part of the gardens housing several entertainment attractions.
Nowadays, possums can be frequently seen in the evenings scurrying around the grass or up trees and it is an ideal place to take a stroll or have a picnic as there is ample shade provided by the tall trees. Elaborate fountains are spread out around the garden as well as a tree that was planted by the Dalai Lama.
3. Como House and Garden
This 1847 Regency-era house is a stunning slice of Australian history that has been preserved and can be visited for an immersive experience. Whilst the garden part of the Como House location is much smaller than our last two suggestions, it makes up for it by being pristinely pruned and charmingly striking in its aesthetic. An ornate fountain surrounded by lush, leafy bushes is situated in the centre of the path that’s surrounded by thin, tall trees.
The house itself was named Como after the Lake Como in Italy where the owner, Edward Eyre Williams, proposed to his wife. After exchanging owners a handful of times, it is now owned by National Trust – who are in charge of several other heritage sites such as the Old Melbourne Gaol and the Polly Woodside Tall Ship.
4. Alfred Nicholas Garden
Nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, the Alfred Nicholas Garden is a fabulous hideaway with extensive trails, scenic waterfalls and an unmistakable lake with accompanying boathouse. You can also find a plethora of native birds such as Kookaburras and King Parrots flying around the trees above.
Named after the man who – along with his brother – developed the aspro painkiller formula and patented it after it was lost in the first world war, this park is truly a magical getaway that can be easily reached with the help of our Melbourne bus hire services.
5. Rippon Lea
This green playland is home to extravagant features such as a waterfall, quaint bridge, lake, boathouse and a summer house. Located in Elsternwick, the Rippon Lea garden is attached to the mansion which houses a tennis court, pool and ballroom.
Several types of trees can be found within the garden and multiple garden beds are spread across the area including a dedicated rose garden and orchids which house historically significant fruit varieties. The garden is a fantastic location to wind down in whilst taking in nature. The mansion can also be explored at great length with two levels and a basement to discover.
Are you looking to hire a bus in Melbourne?
Melbourne on the Move offers bus hiring services within Melbourne and Victoria and can cater to small to large groups – whether they be for corporate trips or social ones. Our qualified and experienced drivers will navigate our fleet of busses around the city’s roads like the backs of their hands whilst you enjoy the onboard entertainment.
If you’re interested in taking a trip to one of these luscious gardens, then please call 1300 558 686 or use the contact sheet on our website.