Browse by Tag
BBQ
Educational
Free camping
Gold history
Gold prospecting
Swimming
Walking track
Search

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

  • 20200911 dsc 1972
  • 20200911 dsc 1977
  • 20200911 dsc 1957
  • 20200911 dsc 1979
  • 20200911 dsc 1974
  • 20200911 dsc 1959
  • 20200911 dsc 1960
  • 20200911 dsc 1968
  • 20200911 dsc 1969
 2 Walker Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450

Explore other locations around this area using our interactive map

Features

  • Beautiful parkland
  • Scenic lake
  • Creek
  • Playground
  • Undercover picnic area
  • Free electric barbecues
  • Powerpoints
  • Walking tracks
  • Historical fountain
  • Drinking fountains
  • Information signs
  • Rubbish bins
  • Toilets
The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens have been a gorgeous local favourite for over 150 years! With features such as the picturesque Lake Joanna, a scenic creek, lush grassy lawns shaded by enormous oak trees, excellent picnic facilities, and one of the most outstanding children's playgrounds in the Victorian Goldfields, these gardens absolutely deserve to make the top of your to-do list!


Visitors can enjoy the excellent facilities provided at the park, including a large undercover picnic area with free electric barbeques (and powerpoints!), the superb children's playspace alongside the picnic area, bench seating placed in all the most scenic and peaceful spots around the park, conveniently placed drinking fountains, litter bins and two toilet blocks.

Gazetted in 1860 and curated by Philip Doran, today the garden houses a collection of over 850 trees while retaining much of his original design, character and plantings. 


The following text is displayed on an information sign at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens:

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

These gardens are among the earliest of Victoria's provincial botanic gardens.

In 1866, the Castlemaine Borough Council appointed Philip Doran as the first curator of the gardens. Doran was still curator of the gardens when he died in 1913, at the age of 83.

The present Castlemaine Botanical Gardens essentially retain his original design, character and major plantings.

The range of plants here reflects the global curiosity of botanists throughout the 19th century.

Many trees and shrubs came from the collections of Baron Ferdinand von Mueller at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and from the Sydney and Geelong Botanic Gardens.

Some of the trees planted during that period are indicated on the map. Many are now on the National Trust's Register of Significant Trees. The gardens are registered on the National Estate and the Victorian Heritage Register.



DID YOU KNOW...

  • There are so many excellent playgrounds tucked away in little-known places. Take a look through this great list of playgrounds throughout the Victorian Goldfields.
  • There are hundreds of fantastic barbecue areas throughout the Victorian Goldfields. Some are in parks/playgrounds, others are scattered throughout the bush. Many barbecue areas are located alongside amazing attractions and walks, so go out for a barbecue and get exploring!
 

Comments

No comments

Leave a comment

Follow us on Facebook