Royal Botanic Gardens

Need a little nature in your day? Take a quick tram ride (most of the tram running down St. Kilda Road will get you there) and get off at stop 20 (Domain Interchange) and take a walk up the hill to the gardens.
At the entrance to the garden you'll find the Garden Shop and Observatory Cafe, a great place to grab a bite or just an ice cream to eat as you head into the Gardens.

I love the Gardens for the walking paths, I feel like I could get lost in there, which is exactly how I want to feel when I need a break from the city. I love how one minute you can be walking through the bright sun and vibrant colors and the next minute you are in the shady, cool "jungle" (as my kids call it).

The Garden is also an great place for having a picnic, talking your dog for a walk (they must be on a leash and are not allowed in the cafe, visitors center or children's garden). If you're bringing the kids be sure to check out the Ian Potter Children's Garden, found just a few steps through the garden gate. The Children's garden has lots of fun pathway through the trees, over bridges, under tunnels. Once you get far enough back in the garden you just might see a smiling dwarf or water nymph :)

They have loads of special events, guided walks, holiday programs and more. See the "What's On" section of their website to find what is available at any given time of year.

Name: Royal Botanic Gardens Telephone: 03 9252 2300 Website: www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg-melbourne Admission: Free Location: Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra Getting There: Take any tram south on Swanston/St. Kilda and exit at the Domain Interchange/Shrine of Remembrance stop, then head up the hill and cross Birdwood Ave. You can also take the Free Tourist Shuttle, which will drop you right at the Shrine of Remembrance.

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