Botanical Gardens
Nature & Parks
Just a short 5–10 minute drive from BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a stunning local attraction perfect for a relaxing day out.
Wander through beautifully curated gardens showcasing a mix of native and exotic plant species, displayed for public enjoyment. The seasonal displays change 2–5 times a year, so there’s always something new to see. The gardens are also home to a notable collection of marble statues, heritage-listed trees, and the popular Prime Ministers Avenue, featuring bronze busts of every Australian Prime Minister.
What You’ll Experience
- Colourful seasonal flower displays
- Fascinating historical and botanical information
- The charming Conservatory, open from 9am–6pm
- A unique test garden of exotic plants grown in Ballarat during the 1800s
- The iconic Prime Ministers Walk
- Towering heritage trees
- A wonderful statue collection
- Helpful Visitor Information Centre
- A colony of grey-headed flying foxes
Best Time to Visit
- Gardens: Open 7:30am – 9:00pm
- Conservatory: Open 9:00am – 6:00pm
Suitable For
- Families
- Couples
- International and CALD visitors
- History and nature lovers
- Elderly guests
- Visitors with prams or wheelchairs
Accessibility
- Fully pram and wheelchair accessible
- Pet-friendly for well-behaved dogs on lead
- Family bathrooms available in the adjacent park
Time Needed
Allow at least 1 hour, or more if you’d like to explore at a leisurely pace or enjoy a picnic.
Insider Tip
On a warm, sunny day, take a moment to smell the bark of the Ponderosa Pine – it used to be ground down and used as a sweet flavouring that tastes like vanilla butterscotch.