Malmsbury Botanic Gardens
The Malmsbury Botanic Gardens were laid out in 1863. It is one of Victoria's earliest regional botanic gardens encompassing a wonderful collection of trees and shrubs along with a few surprises from its rich past.
Like many of the Botanical Gardens that were developed in the 19th Century, the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens were built around a water feature. The lake was originally developed out of a natural low lying area, that was part of the Coliban river flood plain. When completely full the lake will often overflow back into the Coliban River.
The bluestone edge around the lake was laid in 1972, this was simply to define the lakes edges and for ornamental purposes. The fountain was constructed in the 1930's from local bluestone, and was recently (1998) restored to its original working order both for aesthetic purposes and to aerate the lake.
Centred about an ornamental lake, the gardens feature some massive examples of exotic and native trees.
A short walk to the back of the gardens gives the best vista to the Malmsbury Viaduct, an incredible feat of stone engineering. The Malmsbury Viaduct is believed to be the finest example of this particular kind of construction within Australia. It is a keystone construction that is 152 metres in length and consists of five 18m spans. The Viaduct's keystone in the central arch was placed on the 25th October 1860. The railway line between Melbourne and Sandhurst (Bendigo) was opened in 1862. The bluestone used for the construction was sourced locally.
Autumn is a particularly beautiful time of the year to visit, especially in late April / early May when the leaves of the Dutch Elms turn to yellow and contrast vividly with the twigs and dark furrowed bark before falling t carpet the ground below. The Dutch Elms at the front of the lake were planted as a memorial to soldiers of the First World War, 1914-1918.
Plant collections include Arbutus (Strawberry Tree), Bunya Bunya (Araucaria bidwillii), Californian Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx)
The central focal point of the gardens is the Ornamental Lake with the formed island at its centre. The fountain was built in the 1930's from bluestone salvaged from a nearby demolished mill. Both the fountain and the lake edges have been restored in recent years and the Dutch Elms planted at the front of the lake were planted as a memorial to soldiers of the first World War, 1914 - 1918.
There is a former Fish Hatchery at the Gardens. The exact date of construction of the Fish Hatchery is unknown, however records show that it ceased to operate around 1965. During its hey day, the Fish Hatchery received trout that were bred by the Fisheries and Game Department at Snobbs Creek, near Eildon. The yoiung trout, which were known as "Fry" were dispatched to the Fish Hatchery throughout the 1950's and 60's where they were grown on and later released into the local waterways and catchments around Malmsbury. The fry, contained in cream cans, were sent by train to Malmsbury where they were placed in the fish hatchery.
There is also a fenced playground in the Gardens with water taps, BBQs, tables and toilets.
The garden has a nice range of large and shady trees and a number of them are labelled. There are plenty of birds including geese (which are not afraid of people at all) and ducks (which try to waddle away when you approach them). In the middle of the lake is a small island which can be reached by a bridge.
Malmsbury Botanic Gardens Self-Guided Tour
The Malrnsbury Botanic Gardens has a wonderful collection of trees and shrubs, along with a few surprises from its rich past. Enjoy this self-guided tour that tells a little of the garden's history and highlights some of the significant plants and places.
Following the numbers in numerical order will lead you around the gardens on a circular walk.
1. Lake and Fountain
The central focal point of the gardens is the ornamental lake, with the formed island at its centre where native ducks have settled. The fountain was built in the 1930's from bluestone salvaged from a nearby demolished mill and was restored in 1998.
2. The Fish Hatchery
This concrete pit served as a fish hatchery in the 1950's and 60's where trout were brought and bred and then released to stock the nearby Malmsbury reservoir.
3. The Arbutus Lawn
Several species of Arbutus can be found here and we are planning to expand the collection. This collection will be the only Victorian listing of the Arbutus genus.
4. Eucalyptus cladocalyx
A survivor of remnant vegetation pre-dating the gardens? No! This huge specimen hails from South Australia and is one of the garden's early plantings. All the native trees in the area were cleared prior to the garden being set aside and established in the 1850's. Some native understorey and stream-side vegetation can still be found along the banks of the river.
5. The Viaduct
Built around the time of the garden's formation, the Malmsbury viaduct is a magnificent structure. This historical landmark is classified by the National Trust.
6. The Bowling Green
As the town's recreational centre, several sports were played in the gardens. This is the site of the old bowling green.
7. Olea europaea subsp. europaea
Although only a short distance from Malmsbury's sister garden at Kyneton, the change in climate is evident in the more arid, dry climate plantings such as this olive tree.
8. The Poplar Avenue
Most of the original plantings in the avenue have now been replaced. This avenue once served as a running track for children's races with start and finish lines at either end.
9. The Town Hall
Once an integral part of the town and the gardens, on weekends the hall would always be open for cups of tea and refreshments. The venue was also used for local dances and to show films.
There are many picnic spots within the gardens, and many labelled trees that are not covered in this walk.
Opening Hours:
Open all year, every day of the year.
Cost:
Free
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on lead.
Photos:
Location
Cnr Calder Highway and Ellesmere Place, Malmsbury 3446 Map
