If you ever want to escape the city of Geelong then the Botanic Gardens is the perfect retreat. Tucked away in a quiet corner near the beach away from the hustle and bustle of town. You will discover a little sanctuary perfect for a stroll, a place to relax and de stress.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens are the fourth oldest in Australia so you can expect some amazingly big trees including a Red Wood at 140 years old. Some are reminiscent of old fairy tales with huge climbing branches and have cute little flowers in the undergrowth, perfect for fairies to hide amongst.
The gardens aren't huge, covering 7 hectares but it's big enough for 11 staff and 80 volunteers to maintain, and enough for little legs to run around and play.
Fern forest
There are many sections to the garden with the fern forest, old world rose garden, Begonia rotunda. The new entrance is boat inspired with metal sculptures, viewing areas and water wise plants is a modern inspiration to the gardens where as the garden down the back is full of old world charm.
The cocktail cabinet
A favourite spot that gets a few giggles is the Cocktail Cabinet, a little shed that's set up as a bar along with the plants that are needed to produce the alcohol.
Geelong Botanic Garden arch with the bollards in the background
Bollards are placed throughout Geelong and here is no exception with George Jones and a very naughty girl.
The story of the bollards can be found here.
Whilst inside the gardens it feels miles from any city however at the front entrance which overlooks Eastern beach and the touristy part of Geelong has a completely different feel with a modern twist of a suburban garden. It's definitely a diverse garden to suit most peoples taste.
Entrance to the gardens
Inside the front gates
Some comments from visitors to the garden include: romantic, exquisite gem, a world away from anything, escapism, beautiful, well worth the trip, explore, peaceful wander, a delight and so many more.
Fern walk
Why not pack some lunch, a rug and indulge your senses in this lovely garden, alternatively the
Tea House cafe located within the gardens is popular but closed during winter.
Begonia rotunda
For more information on the garden check out
friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens website, it's fantastic.
Unusual Begonia
