Gisborne Botanic Gardens Gisborne, Victoria 3437

Welcome to the Gisborne Botanic Gardens, a stunning establishment located in Victoria's Macedon Ranges Shire. As one of three botanic gardens in the area, each with its own unique features and history, the Gisborne Botanic Gardens offers visitors a truly special experience.

Situated to the east of the Council offices and north of Robertson Street, the gardens are easily accessible via pedestrian bridges over Jacksons Creek. Please note that no vehicles are permitted within the gardens, ensuring a peaceful and serene environment for all visitors.

The design of the Gisborne Botanic Gardens is inspired by the former sister city relationship between Gisborne, New Zealand, and Gisborne, Australia. This connection adds a touch of international charm to the gardens, making them a truly unique destination.

Open all year round, the Gisborne Botanic Gardens offer more than just beautiful flora. Adjacent parklands provide toilet and picnic facilities, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely day out with family and friends. Please note that the gardens are still a work in progress and require ongoing funding for completion, ensuring that new additions and improvements are constantly being made.

In 2017, the Council completed a five-year master plan for the Gisborne Botanic Gardens. This plan aims to attract more visitors and expand the gardens' diverse plant collection and infrastructure. As a result, visitors can expect to see an ever-growing variety of plants and a continually evolving landscape.

The gardens boast a rich history, with the southeast corner being the first area to be planted in 1992. Despite a major flood in 1993 that swept away many of the original plantings, the gardens have been restored and now showcase a range of New Zealand genera, including Hebe and Pittosporum.

One of the highlights of the Gisborne Botanic Gardens is the Maori taonga, or treasure, called 'Tanemahuta' or Lord of the Forest. Carved by Derek Lardelli in Gisborne, New Zealand, this stunning piece was unfortunately stolen in 2002. However, a replacement has been created by Derek's nephew, Simon Lardelli, and the Council is currently reviewing options for its future display.

Another notable sculpture within the gardens is 'Raincatcher' by Anton Hasell. This sculpture, installed in the Australian section of the gardens, serves as a thank you to Tanemahuta and adds a touch of artistic beauty to the surroundings.

To support the preservation, maintenance, and improvement of the gardens, the Friends of Gisborne Botanic Gardens Inc was formed in 1995. If you share a passion for these beautiful surroundings, we encourage you to join the Friends and contribute to the ongoing success of the gardens.

If you're looking to explore more botanic gardens in the area, the Kyneton Botanic Gardens and Malmsbury Botanic Gardens are also worth a visit. The Kyneton Botanic Gardens, dating back to 1858, boast magnificent specimen trees and unique features such as a rotunda, a fairy ring of trees, and a historic drinking fountain. The Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, established in the 1850s, offer a wonderful collection of trees and shrubs, including the unique Arbutus (Strawberry Tree).

All three botanic gardens are managed by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, which acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waterways, the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples. The Council also recognizes the ongoing contribution of local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander residents to the vibrant culture of the community.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the Gisborne Botanic Gardens and its sister gardens in the Macedon Ranges Shire offer a truly delightful experience. Book your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of these remarkable institutions.