Cranbourne, Vic, Jan 2024
Just 50Kms southeast of Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens have transformed scrublands and what was a sand mine into a most unusual garden. The Gardens opened back in 2012 and although I visited several times back then I haven’t been there since. Until last week, that is. I’d like to say that the Gardens have truly grown into their own skin. They’ve matured beautifully.
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-dsc_0687.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-cranbourne-rbg-3.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-dsc_0684.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-dsc_0701.jpg?w=1024)
The garden consists of 300 hectares of natural bushland and a large stunningly landscaped garden showcasing the uniqueness and variety of our native plants.
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-dsc_0677.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-dsc_0679.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-dsc_0700.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240112-dsc_0698.jpg?w=1024)
The day I chose to visit was particularly hot and I was pressed for time having been caught up in roadworks requiring a few wasted laps of Cranbourne. Of course, I should not have followed a sign to ‘Botanic Gardens’ that turned out to be Botanic Gardens Retirement Village!
I can’t wait to return and enjoy the splendour of these gardens at leisure.
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rbgc-map.png?w=672)
![](https://itchingforhitching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rbgc-aust-garden.png?w=501)
Detail, source, and for more information and maps https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/
They look stunning. The colours are so vibrant!
LikeLike
And the beautiful iron rich red of the Outback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love these Australian Botanic Gardens too and wonderful they’re only a 30 minute drive from home. Cheers
LikeLike
Someone had great foresight in developing them and on land that’s better for growing than building a housing estate.
LikeLiked by 1 person