Today we went to Geelong Botanical Gardens and kids enjoyed their time exploring beautiful collection of trees. Just a short walk from the Geelong town centre and along the amazing Corio Bay frontage, are the Geelong Botanical Gardens, a small but exquisite gem. You can stroll around in half an hour but the variety of plants is amazing.
This is the 4th largest botanical garden in Australia and one of the oldest with parts dating back to the 1830’s!
In 1851 the Government had the foresight to set land aside at the edge of the Geelong settlement for the development of a Botanic Garden.
An exposed site of 200 acres with bay frontage and little vegetation has been transformed during the past 150 years to become Eastern Park and the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park have recognised heritage value for its tree collection and avenues. They are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Trees in the Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park are some of the finest examples in Victoria. These trees were planted as single specimens or avenues. Some trees are listed on the National Trust of Australia Register of Significant Trees.
The garden is laid out nicely with many different types of trees and plants and has 3 distinct divisions that exemplify specific areas, the newest which is a modern section with indigenous plants and ones from some other lands like Africa, the middle section with roses and large grassy areas and big trees. The farthest back section is the oldest with many antiques from old Geelong such as fountains and the old Customs House which is getting renovated.
List of trees you must see:
- Grass Tree (Xanthorrheoa malacophylla)
- Blue Box (Eucalyptus baueriana)
- Bunya Bunya (Araucaria bidwillii)
- Dragon Blood Tree (Draceana draco)
- Variegated Elm (Ulmus minor “Variegata”)
- Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) and Queensland Kauri (Agathis robusta), Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)
- Brown Pine (Podocarpus elatus)
- Canary Island Laurel (Picconia excelsa)
- Giant Redwood or Big Tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Soap Bark Tree (Quillaja saponaria)
- Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica f.purpurea)
- Chilean Wine Palm (Jubaea chilensis)
- Queensland Lacebark (Brachychiton discolor)
- Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)
- American Black Walnut Tree (Juglans nigra)
- Moreton Bay Fig Tree (Ficus macrophylla)
- Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
something for everyone. It is a delightful escape from the city if you go there in the morning before the influx of local mothers and babies as well as tourists, like us.
There is also a very pleasant cafe for a coffee and a homemade scone. Stimulate the senses with the colours and scents of the amazing plant collection as you explore this renowned regional garden.
If you go to Geelong don’t miss this lovely walk.
The gardens are free to come and enjoy. We will definitely be back in summer to see the trees in full glory and then autumn to enjoy autumn colours.
