Victorian Parks and Gardens

Victoria prides itself as the garden state. And there's plenty of green about. Local public parks and gardens, national parks, all of them make an impressive show on the maps. Of course, they differ from beautiful shows of local or exotic plants, through almost-bald sports venues to sparse blocks of land with a bit of a play area and a seat, often on suburban sites too small for contemporary housing.

The National Trust classifies parks and gardens as well as buildings. Classified parks and gardens are still financially the responsibility of the owners to maintain, and they are not necessarily open to the public. Classified sites include pleasure grounds such as Rippon Lea mansion, and small cottage gardens.

The Open Garden Scheme promotes classified sites, and others of general interest with a scheme that opens private gardens to the public for a couple of days each year when they are at their best. The open garden scheme puts out a colour book containing brief descriptions of the gardens and their opening dates.

Guidebook lists: Inner Melbourne Parks & Gardens Melbourne Environs Parks & Gardens Inner Melbourne historic sites Melbourne Environs Historic Sites Art Deco Walk of Inner Melbourne Another View Walking Trail Inner Melbourne museums, galleries and craft markets. Melbourne Environs museums, galleries and craft markets. All lists

Parks Victoria: 13 1963

Note: This list is constantly being updated, contributions are welcome. Contact usAli Kayn Last Tested: 20-Oct-2009

Yarra Ranges National Park
Badger Weir via Slip Creek Track
Badger Weir via Coranderrk Track
Badger Weir via Lyrebird Track
Web site

The largest collection of Australian wildlife in the world.
Ph: (03) 5957 2800; Fax: (03) 5957 2870
Contact details
Web site

200 hectares of grassy plains and sweeping river terraces roamed by animals from the grasslands of Africa, Australia and Asia.

Ph: 9742 7933
Fax: 9742 6339
Web site

Antique Apple Orchard with over 200 different antique apples. Commercial orchard and museum, Pettys Orchard Antique Apple Festival Days held each year during fruiting season (c. March).
Open: festival days or by appointment. Admission charged.
Web site

363 hectares of untouched heathlands, wetlands and woodlands

For opening hours, see web site

Ph: (03) 5990 2200 (+61 3 5990 2200)

Giant microscope, underwater world, theatrette and activities room, nature trails, wildlife in natural habitats. Demonstration farm sponsored by Alcoa Landcare project.
Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or by appt. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Parks Victoria

Mansion, formal gardens, farm, Werribee Riverine, Victoria State Rose Garden

Opening hours, see web site

Ph: 131963
E-mail: bookingswerribee@parks.vic.gov.au

Managed: Parks Victoria