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Geelong Botanic Gardens - A great place to explore and relax

Thursday, 25 January 2018

 The Geelong Botanic Gardens are an amazing and important feature of the city. Despite being at the edge of the CBD, you feel enveloped by greenery and a sense of tranquility.

Established more than a 150 years ago the Geelong Botanic Gardens are recognised for their heritage value and conserve plants from around the world. The gardens are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Trees in the Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park are some of the best examples in Victoria, with some being listed on the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Register of Significant Trees. Early plantings of exotic trees from around the world are now maturing. Many of these trees like the Copper Beech, have a real 'wow factor' and are not commonly seen.

The gardens are also home to some of the city's heritage buildings:

  • The statue of Queen Victoria and the Ladies Kiosk in Eastern Park were relocated from the city to the park
  • The fountains which used to be in Market Square and the Cabman's Shelter were also moved here

The Curiosity Cabinet lacted in the gardens showcases the weird and wonderful plants.The ‘Pit Glass House’ located at the rear of the gardens is used to house the displays. Believed to have been built in the 1860’s the historic Pit Glass House is a rare example of the half basement design and was built to acclimatise plants to Australian conditions.

The 21st Century Garden within the Botanic Gardens opened in 2002. It's modern, innovative and uses low rainfall plants from Australia and countries around the world.

Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens Inc is a voluntary group that supports the gardens. It is both a voluntary and a social organisation. New members are always welcome to join in the fun working and socialising together in support of the beautiful Geelong Botanic Gardens.

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • growers in the Friends Nursery
  • librarians
  • perennial border and rose gardeners
  • tour guides and discovery table
  • the Friends’ newsletter 'Jubaea'
  • committee members

The Friends have a program of social and fundraising events including plant sales. For more information go to:http://www.friendsgbg.org.au/

The Teahouse provides a meeting place for all, a place for enjoying good company and delicious refreshments. It is nestled into the fern glade, which adds to its charm.

So, stimulate your senses with the colours and scents of the amazing plant collection as you explore these incredible gardens.

Relax on the lawns in peaceful surroundings and experience the tranquility of the gardens.

 More information click here.