Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Address, Phone Number, Ballarat Botanical Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
4.5
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Top ways to experience Ballarat Botanical Gardens and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
304 within 3 miles

Park Hotel Bistro
73
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Bar • Pub
Subway
8
240 ft$ • Fast Food

Arch Fish Shop
24
308 ft$ • Seafood • Fast Food • Australian

Arch View Cafe
31
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly

Higher Society
11
0.5 mi$ • Cafe

Pipers by the Lake
493
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly

Providore Cafe Lake Gardens
20
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Golden Nugget Bakery Wendouree
7
0.7 mi
Alfredton Milk Bar & Mixed Business
2
0.8 mi

The Alfredton Fish Shop
22
0.8 mi$ • Quick Bites • Fast Food • Australian
Attractions
128 within 6 miles

Ballarat Tramway Museum
189
0.3 miSpeciality Museums

Arch of Victory
165
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Lake Wendouree
1,131
0.6 miBodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Prime Ministers Avenue
11
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Sturt Street Gardens
41
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground
35
0.7 miPlaygrounds

Art Gallery of Ballarat
695
2.2 miArt Galleries

Sequoiadendron Avenue
3
0.6 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lydiard Street
219
2.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial
215
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
806 reviews
Excellent
543
Very good
230
Average
31
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Rooboy2014
Emerald, Australia383 contributions
This is probably one of the most under estimated or publicised places in Victoria. Well maintained gardens, flowers, trees....statues of various significant people over the years including William Wallace. There is also geese which at certain times of the year cross the road circling Lake Wendouree and they escort their families across the road. If you happen to catch this (Spring time mostly) it is also a gem to see.
Ballarat is a very interesting place to visit and you probably need a good week to see the most important things. The Botanical Gardens are just fabulous. Saw a single jogger but heaps of people picnicking, queuing for an ice cream from the tram shop and people just enjoying the atmosphere. There is a tram that runs alongside the lake (not all of it though which is a shame) for $5 a passenger.
Anyone who does not enjoy the gardens is pretty hard to please. To really appreciate the gardens you need at least three hours but you could do it in less time but whether you would enjoy it so much is another thing.
Ballarat is a very interesting place to visit and you probably need a good week to see the most important things. The Botanical Gardens are just fabulous. Saw a single jogger but heaps of people picnicking, queuing for an ice cream from the tram shop and people just enjoying the atmosphere. There is a tram that runs alongside the lake (not all of it though which is a shame) for $5 a passenger.
Anyone who does not enjoy the gardens is pretty hard to please. To really appreciate the gardens you need at least three hours but you could do it in less time but whether you would enjoy it so much is another thing.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
flyingfrancophiles
Launceston, Tasmania, Australia45 contributions
Must be one of the best regional Botanical Gardens in the country. We first visited for the Begonia Festival and the begonia display alone was worth the trip. Spend half a day wandering through the grounds, the Conservatory, the lily ponds, the floral clock, the Stoddard Collection of Italian marble statues and the sensory garden. We particularly enjoyed the Prime Ministers' Walk with a bust of every Australian PM since Federation.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia10,963 contributions
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are best known for the annual Begonia Festival. Begonias produce a uniquely rich profusion of colourful blooms. The are, however, many more sights to see, including the classical statues in the pavillion. One unique feature is the Avenue of Prime Ministers, with a bust of every national leader since Federation.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kerry L
Melbourne, Australia50 contributions
Absolutely stunning visit to the Botanical gardens. The dahlia beds were outstanding with many varieties of dahlia in full bloom. We reached the house where the begonias were being displayed when there was only a small queue. This is a wonderful display of begonias with so many colors, shapes and sizes (some were enormous.) There were also wonderful floral displays in other garden beds. This is most definitely worth a trip to Ballarat during the March long weekend if you love flowers.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia10,963 contributions
The blooms, especially the begonias, are glorious! But there are many other things to see, including the classical statues. The Adam Lindsay Gordon craft cottage is alluring. But I like the Avenue of Prime Ministers most. They begin with the first PM, Edmund "Toby" Barton and continue to the current era. As I know something about Australian history, I am always fascinated by the statues of these men (and one woman) and speculate what they had inside their heads.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark R
City of Greater Geelong, Australia45 contributions
Friends
These beautifully maintained gardens make for a beautiful walk any day of the week.
Spring is the best time to visit and observe flowers in bloom. The large walk through hothouse houses many variety of plants with seating throughout.
Across the park is a cafe set in an historic building providing all manner of treats.
Highlight of the year is viewing the annual begonias festival.
Plan for a visit to this beautiful garden.
Spring is the best time to visit and observe flowers in bloom. The large walk through hothouse houses many variety of plants with seating throughout.
Across the park is a cafe set in an historic building providing all manner of treats.
Highlight of the year is viewing the annual begonias festival.
Plan for a visit to this beautiful garden.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter S
Melbourne, Australia6 contributions
Nice walk around the gardens, some items of interest such as prime ministers walk, some statues, etc. Plenty of nice places to relax for a while. Some music events and flower festivals too.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dave548
Ballarat, Australia120 contributions
This is at Lake Wendouree Ballarat.See reviews for Lake Wendouree.These are exrensive gardens with a Hot House displaying plants.This weekend it was Begonias as it was the Begonia festival weekend on Labour day weekend in Victoria.The gardens were established in the late 1800's.Many well established trees with superb garden beds maintained by the Ballarat botanical gardens team.Superb statues to view and also a row of past Australian Prime Ministers.
There are often a lot of different things happening around the lake and gardens.If you are on a trip to visit Ballarat make sure you see the Botanical gardens and Lake Wendouree
There are often a lot of different things happening around the lake and gardens.If you are on a trip to visit Ballarat make sure you see the Botanical gardens and Lake Wendouree
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wendingwayward
Victoria, Australia12 contributions
Firstly, the position of the gardens - alongside beautiful lake Wendouree, with its serene vistas, lovely walking tracks, historic tramway and inviting eateries, is a huge bonus which extends both the experience and the sense of space of the gardens themselves. A gorgeous spot for a romantic or family picnic on the lawns beneath huge tress or an idyllic stroll discovering beautiful flower beds, hidden alcoves, historic features or art installations. There are regular feature events such as the begonia festival or displays in the beautiful greenhouse, riverside markets and the like.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sippa
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Although it is not the largest botanic garden, it is definitely one of the best in victoria. The theme in greenhouse changes routinely, and you can see that they are paying a lot effort on that. Unfortunately as of early June 2020 the greenhouse is still temporarily closed.
There are many swans nearby and they are so accustomed to human. And swans here seem to have better temper than in other places (I have met more than enough bad-tempered swans before...)
There are many swans nearby and they are so accustomed to human. And swans here seem to have better temper than in other places (I have met more than enough bad-tempered swans before...)
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl G
Prince Frederick, MD57 contributions
We will be visiting in June. What will be open?
Danielle J
Ballarat, Australia27 contributions
The Botanical Gardens are open year round.
DianneWalshy
Lake Macquarie, Australia1 contribution
Date for Begonia Festival Ballarat
SMTas
Sheffield, Australia463 contributions
The festival is held on the March long weekend so is over for this year. The dates next year should be 9-11 March 2019.
aciamax
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia14 contributions
What are the titles of the statues Ruth, etc?
Patricia P
Ballarat, Australia12 contributions
And of course there are all the previous prime ministers.
Can I take my dog to botanic gardens
Barbara P
Ballarat, Australia69 contributions
Yes on a lead.
_graemejowett
Melbourne, Australia
Hi we can only get to to see the begonias on the friday befor the festival are the displays open thanks
Barbara P
Ballarat, Australia69 contributions
Yes they should be on view by then. They are very beautiful.
Angela S
Aachen, Germany25 contributions
Öffnungszeiten?
Have entry fee for senior visitors to getting in Ballarat Botanical Garden ?
ananyaranjit2004
Melbourne, Australia
Is it a good place to take photos
Wayne B
Warrandyte, Australia30 contributions
Absolutely designed for both the professional and amateur photographer, trees, plants, outbuildings, a wonderful day which can incorporate the military wall of honor. Can easily take care of a full day. A must if you are in Ballarat at the west end of Lake Wendouree.Enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballarat Botanical Gardens
- We recommend booking Ballarat Botanical Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Ballarat Botanical Gardens tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Ballarat Botanical Gardens:
- (0.19 mi) Location location location !
- (1.83 mi) Ballarat Premier Apartments
- (1.37 mi) Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments
- (1.16 mi) Lake Inn Ballarat
- (2.16 mi) The Provincial Ballarat
- Restaurants near Ballarat Botanical Gardens:
- (0.05 mi) Subway
- (0.06 mi) Arch Fish Shop
- (0.13 mi) Park Hotel Bistro
- (0.39 mi) Arch View Cafe
- (2.01 mi) Cafe Merkama