There are few things more relaxing and cheerful than taking a stroll with your family through a beautiful Australian garden on a sunny day. Australia offers a wide variety of gardens to choose from. Let’s take a look at some gardens that are ideal for a family outing:
1. Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Ballarat is generally regarded as one of the best cool climate gardens in Victoria. It springs to life in March during the yearly Ballarat Begonia Weekend. With many activities for the kids, entertainment, workshops and tours, it’s a celebration that you shouldn’t miss. The tradition dates back to 1889, when tuberous begonias were first planted in the garden. This was shortly after their initial discovery in Bolivia and northern Peru. You will also encounter plenty of roses, dahlias, camellias and azaleas.
2. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
Located at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, this is a wonderful place to begin teaching your kids about plants. The garden is loaded with interactive places for children to explore and play. The Bamboo Forest is an area that is totally defined by bamboo. The qualities of texture, sound and light all change here. The Wetland Area is a natural pond that is full of life. Kids can use microscopes, aquaspheres, nets and a library to learn about plants and insects.
3. Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
Journey around this 19th Century garden and take a look at the original features including Lake Joanna, the rows of oak and elm trees and the carriage drive. The gardens have recently been subject to a massive refurbishment that cost several million dollars. Improvements have been made to the picnic area, parking area, amenities and the garden’s lake. In addition to this, a new playground has also been installed. The gardens date back to 1860, when 25 hectares next to Barker’s Creek were allotted for the botanic gardens. Many exotic trees can be found here, many of which have been registered with the National Trust. In 1867, the Duke of Edinburgh planted an English Oak here. The tree is still very much alive all these years later. As you might imagine, it is quite massive at this point.
4. Morwell Centenary Rose Garden
Located in Morwell, Victoria, the Latrobe Council and a group of volunteers have created three beautiful acres of roses that reside in a park setting. Roses climb on walls and create splashes of color, while the paths below go through beds of Austin, Floribunda and Hybrid Tea roses. Roses that were bred in New Zealand reside at the southern end.
5. Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens
These gardens were created in 1985 with the goal of promoting the community’s appreciation and awareness of the Geelong Botanic Gardens. In addition, they aim to support the Gardens as a place for recreation, conservation, horticulture, scientific research and education. Volunteer guides give tours for groups and individuals. The Friends Teahouse is available for light refreshments during your visit.
Stacey is a young stay at home mother who enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her 3 young children. She recently employed the services of Premium Pools & Gardens www.premiumpg.com.au to enhance her own backyard in the hope that her children will one day inherit her passion for gardening.
