Founded in 1989, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is a botanic garden in two parts, the Australian Garden and the Bushland, each with its own entrance and car park. Most of what a family needs sits in the Australian Garden: the Visitor Centre, the Boon Wurrung Café with its cakes, toasties, rolls and wraps, and the Explorer, a ticketed people mover that circles the garden every 25 minutes for when legs give out. The café also sells kids packs. Non-motorised wheelchairs can be borrowed free at the Visitor Centre, electric scooters can be booked there free with valid ID, and there is a drop-off bay behind the centre for anyone who can’t manage the gentle slope up to it. Families without a car can take the shuttle from Cranbourne Station, but its fixed pick-up and return times set the shape of the day: you arrive late morning and leave mid-afternoon, whatever the children think.
Family FAQ
How much does Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne cost?
Entry is free, except for special ticketed events.
What are the opening hours of Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne?
The gardens are open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Where are the toilets at Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne?
Accessible toilets are at the Stringybark and Woodland picnic areas.
Is there parking at Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne?
Free car parks at both the Australian Garden and Bushland entrances, with accessible bays at the Australian Garden.
