Buninyong Botanic Gardens
Established in the 1860s around a natural spring, the two hectare Buninyong Botanic Gardens were designed with the support of the director of the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens, Ferdinand Von Mueller. They have a splendid collection of mature trees and plants that are listed on the National Trust of Australia's (Victoria) Register of Significant Trees.
The gardens also contain a number of historical features, including a Courthouse and Police Cottage which date from 1853 and the Queen Victoria Rotunda built in 1901. The former 19th century swimming baths on the site have been elegantly transformed into a courtyard garden. More contemporary amendments to the gardens include playground equipment and electric barbecues.
Adjacent to the Buninyong Botanic Gardens is The Gong (not to be confused with Gong Gong Reservoir Park). This 2 hectare space contains a disused reservoir and an established and young arboretum collection of exotic trees.
Review:
The Gardens are a pleasant place to have a picnic or short walk.
There is a basic playground, shaded tables, huge shelter with seats, BBQ, pond and some historical areas (Old Baths, Historic Courthouse, Miners Court from 1850, Rotunda, Caretakers Cottage Site and Historic Bowling Club)
There are mainly trees (with labels) with not too many flowering plants. The lower level is more formal while across the road (Cornish Street), is the less formal Gong Reserve with a lake which has a variety of waterbirds, unshaded seat, windmill and an example of dry stone walling.
Photos:
Location
Cnr Cornish Street and Scott Street, Buninyong 3357 Map
