ballarat botanical gardens

575denisep

Visited again yesterday for the Begonia Festival; fourth time we have visited and well worth the trip from Stawell. Display is fantastic and the rest of the gardens, while not as big an area as other gardens in major cities, it is definitely worth the visit.

merri777

I visited the Begonia Festival at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens with an elderly garden enthusiast. We both enjoyed the trip. At 91 years old she said that this was a "visit of a lifetime".The colours and range of the flowers was exceptional. Not only were the begonias world quality but the whole Festival offered something for everyone from the beautiful colours of the begonias to the wall of Delphiniums, the fun games for children (including a fabulous Scarecrow competition, delicious food and even 'fruit water' and lovely areas to sit and relax (with plenty of toilets). Parking excellent. Lots of advise from Botanical Society experts. A Chance to buy some lovely begonia specimens with help to get them to your car! Everyone was sooooo helpful and kind. It made everything so relaxed and worry free. Some more "Disability Car Parks for the elderly" would be good. We were lucky because we got there early and so parked reasonably close.

yardy07

Great event - lots to see and do. Loved the free tram ride alongside the gardens too. The begonias all out in bloom looked amazing.

720Richard

The Botanical Gardens are very nice, but not particularly big. There are a number of giant redwood trees in an avenue which are worth a look. Unfortunately, on the day we were there, work was underway to install a new exhibition and so there was nothing to see in the glasshouse.

ekc04

The gardens in Ballarat are beautiful but my favourite part is the avenue of Prime Ministers busts, the kids and I enjoy strolling along the path reading their names and what date they led our country. If you come to Ballarat don't miss this path in the Botanical Gardens.

purpleillusion

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens is a brilliant place to visit. The gardens are lovely and well-maintained. I especially loved the walk with the Prime Minister's statue. It was a lovely relaxing afternoon at the Gardens and I'd go back again anytime I could.

SuzyP215

Beautiful gardens , well maintained with manicured garden beds. There is the conservatory with it's statues, the busts of Australia's Prime Ministers and the craft shop and a big clean toilet block with hot water.

602traceyb

A fantastic place to vist at any time of year. The begoina festival is famous and worth the trip on the March long weekend. But there is always something botanical of interest, and the Prime Minister statue walks is certainly worth lingering over.

Careeringalong

The Botanic Gardens at Ballarat are on the western edge of Lake Wendouree. So, whether you're interested in the flowers, (incuding a stunning display of begonias every March for the Begonia Festival), the range of endemic and exotic trees, the great children's playground, browsing through the craft cottage or lazing on the lawns, there is plenty to do.While there you can also stroll or run the 6km around Lake Wendouree or have a coffee or lunch at one of the cafés dotted around the lake.Any time of year, you will find something to do, but spring,summer and autumn are best! In winter months you need to rug up to enjoy the outdoors, or settle in the warmth of a café to watch the bird life on the lake.

Rocdocta

Ballarat Botanical gardens are always lovely. As they are next to the nice large Lake Wendouree theres more than just flowers to see.The Prime Ministers walk is interesting and you can see the PMs that arent well known. I have always found the gardens to be clean, safe and neat. The flowers are always well maintained and looks good.If you get a chance see the Begonia festival. They usually do a floral carpet.The paddle steamers are a nice ride and on a fine day are nice.Lost of BBQ areas under cover as well as playgrounds. Havent been on the trams for a few years now but they are a nice way to see what it was like years ago..

Enjoy_the_breeze

It's a great spot to relax, walk and kill some time. We liked the rows of prime ministers busts. The gardens are very neat and tidy. There was no display in the glass house when we visited. The fernery is quite run down and needs some attention. The marble statues are quite stunning.

jonuske

Just a typical garden, lovely walking areas and great water feature. Well worth a visit even if it's to get out of the hotel and breathe some air. Plenty of lovely places to sit and veg out. The glass house was full of people , having a coffee or chatting, nice place to visit

Andrew_Alin

Very peaceful for a stroll through, and also lots of archways and winding paths, making for very pretty photos. Well worth a visit if time permits.

SandydanLondon

Australia has some of the finest botanical gardens in the world, the one in Ballarat is rich with legacies. If nothing else visit the Prime Ministers Avenue and certainly sit in the conservatory.

Natalie1964

I have been here on a few occasions and love to wander around. The landscape seems to change in different parts and looks impressive anytime of year. The amount of sculptures in the gardens is impressive. The sensory garden is peaceful with the fountain as its backdrop. It was sprinkling rain but even that did not deter my need for nature. The glasshouse was in full bloom and seeing tables and chairs inside and people sitting reading the newspaper and having a coffee meant they had got it just right. Lake Wendouree is on the opposite side of the road and you also have the Tramways Museum next door. Great area to explore !