Williamstown Botanic Gardens

Nestled by the sea, complete with rare and significant trees, a formal palm avenue and a charming Edwardian ornamental pond amongst its many attractions, the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, opened in 1860, provides a peaceful setting in which to enjoy a picnic, take a stroll along the intricate pathways or just relax and daydream on the cool green lawns. An easy 10-minute walk from the ferry service in Commonwealth Reserve and just a few minutes from the Williamstown Beach Railway Station, the gardens have good accessibility with firm gravel paths and facilities nearby. Williamstown Botanic Gardens were one of Victoria’s first public gardens. In a newly developing colony, botanic gardens were established as a way of assessing how well familiar plants would grow, as a place for reliving the English landscape and as a place for social outings and walks. Today the gardens are a place to enjoy the peace and beauty of a mature formal garden and learn about our horticultural heritage. The Northern section includes formal garden beds, lawns and an ornamental pond. The Southern section includes Parker Reserve Pinetum, a collection of Pines trees, and a popular shady place for picnics. The gardens are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as significant for their historical, aesthetic, scientific (horticultural) and social significance to the state of Victoria.