Lush and green turf
While in Bendigo, we visited the
botanic gardens at White Hills and were not disappointed. It has a broad and diverse range of trees as well as turf that is lush and green. This extensive mix makes the place not only fun to explore but also great for a relaxing afternoon with the family.
Picturesque billabong
Picturesque billabong
The garden features ten different precincts with a billabong as its centrepiece. The landscape around the billabong is rather picturesque and we found the nearby pavilion and Edwardian Garden to be very conducive to a picnic lunch. This historic shelter was erected in the early 1900s on what was once an island surrounded by creek waters. Needless to say, it is now heritage listed. The billabong though is the only section of the creek that survives to this day.
Historic pavilion
Historic pavilion
A short stroll from there brought us to the Habitat Garden and walk-through aviary which is home to a number of parrot and rosella species. To enter, you'll need to be there during the week as it is unfortunately closed on weekends. However, the playspace remains open and will surely keep the kids entertained.
Aviary
Playspace
Other precincts include the Rose Garden, Cottage Garden of the Goldfields, Northern Victorian Garden and Indigenous Garden. There is also a collection of lavenders near the maze and World War I
Arch of Triumph memorial as well as some irises and cannas by the Samuel Gadd Centre.
Maze & rose garden
Lavenders
Established in 1857,
Bendigo Botanic Gardens is located at 557 Napier Street in White Hills, approximately two hours drive from Melbourne. Be sure to visit next time you're in the region.
