Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne

Searching for a botanical garden as enchanting as this? Look no further than the Royal Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. A feast for the senses, its vibrant rosy hues and captivating aromas draw you in, while the gentle hum of bees adds to its charm, weaving nature’s melody around the lush bushes.

This isn’t my first visit to a botanical garden. I’ve wandered through a fair share of stunning Indian gardens and even a few international ones, yet this one holds a special place in my heart. Its beauty, both serene and attractive, makes it a new favorite.

Before stepping into the garden for a leisurely stroll with my family, my mom who is an ever caffeine enthusiast, insisted on a cup of coffee to energize her for the tour. It seemed like the perfect way to begin exploring this floral haven.

The coffee shop you see here is part of the Darling Group, with a warm charm sharing its offerings. My mom and dad decided to indulge in a cup of freshly brewed coffee. My mom opted for a cappuccino, while dad chose a latte.

As they sipped on their drinks, their facial expressions told a story no words could. The delight in their expressions was unmistakable, this wasn’t just any coffee. It was smooth, rich, and bursting with freshness, a perfect start to the day’s exploration.

The lonely café itself was quite inviting, with its cozy ambiance and empty chairs. It seemed like the ideal spot to pause. Moments like these, remind me of the little joys that make family outings so memorable.

One thing my mom couldn’t help but miss during our time in Melbourne was her beloved Indian chai. No matter where we went, it seemed almost impossible to find the comforting, lemon grass brew she adored. Instead, we were met with a variety of alternatives like Boba tea, with its playful bites and floral teas, which my mom liked to jokingly call boiled flower water.

Watching her search for it among the city’s cafés was both endearing and a little bittersweet reminder of how the simplest things can hold the deepest connections to where we come from.

I spotted a slushy machine tucked in the corner, offering two tempting options. Watermelon and Coca-Cola, the vibrant red of the watermelon slushy immediately caught my eye, and I was all set to grab one. But to my dismay, it was nearly finished, leaving me with no choice but to go for the cola slushy instead.

The first sip was icy and sweet, but little did I know it came with a price. I suffered with an instant brain freeze that stopped me in my tracks! I couldn’t help but laugh at myself as I held my forehead, waiting for the icy sensation to pass. Despite the initial chill, the cola slushy was refreshing, a perfect treat for a warm day of exploration.

There was a visitor shop near the entrance, offering an array of souvenirs to take back home from postcards, keychains, garden-inspired tote bags and even small fluffy toys. It was the kind of place that made you want to linger.

The staff at the shop eagerly mentioned the vehicle rides available for visitors. These rides came with a guided tour, offering fascinating insights into the garden’s rich diverse wildlife and intricate maintenance work that keeps it so pristine.

So, we grabbed four tickets for the ride, excited to explore the garden in comfort and learn more about its hidden wonders. However, there was a 15-minute wait before the next vehicle arrived, so we decided to wander around the store in the meantime.

They had tote bags with all kinds of animals and plant print on it. From koalas to the parrots to the colorful flora. I couldn’t resist picking up a Rosella tote bag to add to my collection of bags.

The vehicle we boarded was perfect for exploring the vast Royal Botanical Gardens. As we settled in and began the ride, we quickly realized how much ground there was to cover walking the entire garden would have easily taken two days! So, if you’re wondering why we chose the ride, let me assure you, it was a no-brainer for a first visit like ours.

Our guide for the tour was a knowledgeable and friendly lady who brought the garden to life with her stories. She patiently answered all our questions and gave us an incredible background of the garden’s history, its carefully curated flora, and even the wildlife that called it home. As she spoke, we could immediately spot the plants and flowers she described and even see the birds feeding on certain fish and seeds.

To make the experience even easier, they handed us a map with marked locations, so we could walk ourselves later and note spots to explore later. We passed through the stunning Rose Gardens, which seemed so aromatic and not just glazing in their beauty and we spotted a nearby café called Terrace, where visitors could stop for a snack amidst the greenery.

The tour even revealed a serene spot with a small water body where visitors could hop onto rowboats for a tranquil experience. It felt as though every corner of the garden had its own charm, something unique to offer. This ride was an incredible way to soak in the garden’s beauty.

This would be such a magical place to celebrate a birthday. Surrounded by vibrant flowers, towering canopies and the serene atmosphere. Imagine cutting a cake under the shade of those grand old trees, with the sweet fragrance of roses, I'm sure it would be unforgettable.

It’s a bit of a pity that we don’t live here year round or this could easily become our go to spot for a special occasion. Just look at all the beauty we were lucky enough to witness. The gardens seem to have a charm for every mood and moment. It’s the kind of place that makes you dream of coming back, again and again, just to relive the magic.

There was a lady gently rowing the boat, her rhythmic rowing movements across the calm water. Each passenger was handed a white umbrella to shield themselves from the bright sun, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. The water was dotted with beautiful lotuses, their pinks and whites standing out against the serene blue surface. Ducks paddled peacefully alongside us, while a few gulls above screeching and breaking the quiet.

The sky stretched endlessly above us, wide and brilliantly blue, as if nature was making up for the gloomy, rainy days we’d experienced earlier in the week. The warmth of the sun, the gentle sway of the boat and the picture-perfect scenery made it feel like a dream come true. It was the kind of tranquility you want to hold onto forever, soaking in the beauty and simplicity of it all.

These are camellias, aren’t they stunning?

Their vibrant hot pink petals, perfectly layered and in full bloom, made them the showstoppers of the garden. They seemed to radiate a beauty that was impossible to ignore, drawing us in with their charm.

These quickly became our favorites and it wasn’t hard to see why.

Mom, especially, was mesmerized by them and couldn’t resist the idea of capturing the moment. She stood beside the camellias, her smile as bright as the flowers themselves, while we clicked a few photographs that would undoubtedly become cherished keepsakes of the day.

It was a small but joyful moment, one of those simple pleasures that made the trip feel extra special.

The seating benches were in abundance throughout the garden, which was very handy for those who couldn't just lie down on the grass. Many youngsters were seen enjoying with their peers. I saw a couple of them having picnic mats and having brunch on the lawn. The purple swamp hen was seen grabbing their early lunch right around the same corner. Gulls racing each other from the lake to the tree trunks. It was quite an entertaining watch.

I must say this was probably the only time I wasn't on the phone sending messages or on a call. 😂