About the Gardens

Established in 1858 it is one of Victoria’s oldest Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to an extensive array of flowering plants, exotic trees, floral displays and an extensive collection of Italian marble statues throughout.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens Wendouree Parade Entrance

On this page

Quick Tasks

See the gardens

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March 2025 closures

Robert Clark Conservatory closed: Monday 10 February to Friday 7 March 2025

Botanical Gardens closed: Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March 2025

Ballarat Begonia Festival

March long weekend: Saturday 8 March to Monday 10 March 2025

Gardens and Conservatory opening hours: 10am – 5pm daily.     

Opening hours return to normal: Tuesday 11 March 2025

Please note some areas of the Gardens will remain closed while Begonia Festival infrastructure is removed. Updates will be provided on  Ballarat Botanical Gardens on Facebook.

Visit for event information visit ballaratbegoniafestival.com

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Open 7 days
7.30am-6pm (AEST)
7:30am-9pm (Daylight saving)

The Botanical Gardens site covers 40 hectares and are a combination of open parkland and traditional style gardens. The Central Gardens feature a conservatory, fernery, heritage listed trees, a unique marble statue collection and extensive garden beds with annual floral displays. Located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, approximately four kilometres from Ballarat’s CBD, the gardens are a popular heritage and recreational location for residents and visitors.

Robert Clark Conservatory

Open 7 days
9am-6pm
Closed Christmas Day

Featuring five displays throughout the year:

  • Summer: Hydrangeas, Fuchsias and Pelargoniums
  • Autumn: Tuberous and non-tuberous Begonias
  • May: Chrysanthemum
  • Winter: Cyclamen, Cineraria and Primula
  • Spring: Schizanthus

*Please note the conservatory closes for floral changeovers and maintenance. Follow Ballarat Botanical Gardens on Facebook for information regarding closures.

Planning your trip

Garden Explorer: search maps, tours, features and plants
Address: 401-405 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree

Parking available

  • Free parking is available along Wendouree Parade and Gillies Street.

  • Accessible parking is located outside the fernery entrance and Pipers by the Lake on Wendouree Parade.

Transport options

Travelling by train: Wendouree Railway Station is located 1.1km from the gardens
View the time table and plan your journey via Public Transport Victoria

Travelling by Bus: View the time table and plan your journey via CDC Victoria

Visit Rome2Rio to see how you can get to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens by train, bus, taxi or foot.

 

Accessibility

View the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Accessible Walk via walkingmaps.com.au here you will find information about:

  • Walking accessibility
  • Description of the paths
  • Rest areas/seating
  • Toilets
  • Parking
  • Points of interest