The 6 Best Melbourne Gardens & Botanic Tours

1.Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 314 reviews · from $30Our pick

Join an Aboriginal guide at Melbourne Gardens for a 90-minute walk through a culturally important Kulin site. Learn how native plants support food, medicine, customs, and connection to Country. Guides such as Den, Ben, and Jacobi have shared poems, stories, and hands-on plant insights.

“Great tour. Informative and casual. The guide was great. It was in a gorgeous environment. The group was great.”

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2.The Explorer – Melbourne Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · from $10Best value

Ride through Melbourne Gardens in a purpose-built open-air minibus with a professional guide. In 30 minutes, you’ll see lawns, lakes, rainforest areas, trees, flowers, and living collections while hearing about the gardens’ plants and history. Guides including Eugenie, Eugene, and Verity have earned especially warm praise.

“A great way to see all of the gardens, inexpensive too. Should hsv3 more activities like these in the city”

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3.1-Hour Gardens and Sporting Precinct River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 196 reviews · from $27

Spend an hour on the Yarra River, leaving from Southgate and passing the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Olympic Park, Herring Island, and Princes Bridge. English commentary, panoramic windows, an enclosed cabin, and free coffee or tea make this a simple city overview in any weather.

“I wanted to take my young son to see the city and he was able to enjoy the full hour on the boat while I learnt through the running commentary”

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4.River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 193 reviews · from $29

Spend an hour on the Yarra River with live commentary, complimentary tea and coffee, and views of Princes Bridge, Herring Island, the MCG, Olympic Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Sit inside behind panoramic windows or outside on deck, with the route adjusted for tides and river traffic.

“Nice relaxing cruise, very informative about sights and history. It was raining so it was great that it was all enclosed. Complimentary tea, coffee & water.”

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5.The Explorer – Cranbourne Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · from $10

Ride The Explorer, an open-air minibus, through the 15-hectare Australian Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. A driver-guide explains the plants, stories, and cultural meaning as you pass Red Sand Garden, Howson Hill, Ian Potter Lake, the Arid Garden, and Dry River Bed. The ride lasts about 25 minutes.

“Wonderful native botanical plants and garden, winding paths, water scapes lovely level walking paths. Little garden scenes . Bus ride and commentary Beas excellent. Great for all ages fitness and abilities Great cafe too”

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6.Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 53 reviews · from $10

Spend 30 minutes touring Melbourne Gardens in an open-air minibus with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see rolling lawns, global plant collections, the ornamental lake, and nearby children’s garden. Guides such as Tommy and Clare bring the gardens’ plants and history to life.

“Fun and informative, an excellent introduction to the gardens and left you wanting to wander!”

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