Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens created by Cee Cee

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Summary

This charming botanic gardens is lovely and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Boasting fantastic play spaces, scenic lake and historic charm, it's a popular spot with locals and visitors.

Description

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Land for this garden was set aside in 1860, and work on its development began soon afterwards. This is one of Victoria's earliest botanic gardens, and boasts many heritage listed native and exotic trees, including an oak planted by the Duke of Edinburg in 1867. The Friends of Castlemaine Botanical Gardens has made a significant contribution to the garden's continued reconstruction, planting and restoration.

Public transport: Accessible by Vline train.
Facilities: the park has excellent BBQ facilities, public toilets, seating and shelter.
Disability access: we saw two people in motorised wheelchairs using the paths.
Dogs: dogs allowed on lead.

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Points of Interest

1. Former Tea Rooms

Opened in 1919, the tea rooms were voluntarily staffed over the summer months to provide refreshments and entertainment to picnickers. The Tea Rooms are now used for exhibitions and events.

2. The Summerhouse

Originally built in 1872, the reconstructed version was erected in 2000, after a successful fundraising effort by the Friends of Castlemaine Botanic Gardens.

3. Playspace

Built in 2011, this unique play area features abundant locally sourced natural materials, and reflects the history of the area (eg. gold miner's hut). There's plenty to climb on and explore!

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4. Assortment of trees

There's a wide variety of native and exotic trees to marvel at.

5. Bridge

You can cross this bridge to take a longer track around the western end of the gardens. It's also a good spot to listen to the local frogs.

6. Lake Johanna

The perfect spot for bird watching (please don't feed them).

7. Wisteria heaven

Come in spring time for an especially heavenly experience. The sight, smell and colour of wisteria is simply stunning.

8. Fountain

What botanical gardens would be complete without a fountain? This was restored in 2011, and as you can imagine, is especially popular in the warmer months.