Williamstown Botanic Gardens (Williamstown)
.jpg "Williamstown Botanic Gardens (Williamstown)")
Nestled by the sea, complete with rare and significant trees, a formal palm avenue and a charming Edwardian ornamental pond amongst its many attractions, the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, opened in 1860, provides a peaceful setting in which to enjoy a picnic, take a stroll along the intricate pathways or just relax and daydream on the cool green lawns.
An easy 10 minute walk from the ferry service in Commonwealth Reserve and just a few minutes from the Williamstown Beach Railway Station, the gardens have good accessibility with firm gravel paths and facilities nearby.
Williamstown Botanic Gardens are one of Victoria's first public gardens. In a newly developing colony, botanic gardens were established as a way of assessing how well familiar plants would grow, as a place for reliving the English landscape and as a place for social outings and walks. Today the gardens are a place to enjoy the peace and beauty of a mature formal garden and learn about our horticultural heritage.
The gardens:
Northern section - Formal garden beds, lawns and an ornamental pond;
Southern section - Parker Reserve Pinetum, a collection of Pines trees. A popular shady place for picnics.
The gardens are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as significant for their historical, aesthetic, scientific (horticultural) and social significance to the state of Victoria. They are also listed on the National Register and classified by The National Trust of Australia (Vic.)
Toilets - The closest public toilets to the Williamstown Botanic Gardens are on the Esplanade side of the Fearon Reserve. The Fearon Reserve is next door to the Gardens. From the Gardens, walk down the main path towards the beach until you reach the Esplanade, then go right. The walk takes about five minutes if you don't get distracted by the plants...
Review:
The gardens are quite compact (about 180m square) and contain a nice variety of trees, bushes and plants together with a pond which has a fountain. It is a very pleasant location to walk around or relax in the grassy areas. Lookout for the nesting flying foxes in the trees in the north-east corner.
The gardens are criss-crossed with paths and there is a wide central avenue lined with palm trees. At the south end there is a statue of local politician Alfred Thomas Clark.
Dogs must be on leash. Ball games, amplified music, erected structures such as tents, awnings, shelters and umbrellas, BBQs and riding horses or bicycles are prohibited.
The Gardens are located about 100m from Williamstown Beach and close to playgrounds at Hatt Reserve and Sadler Reserve.
To the south of the gardens are some tables and toilets.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on leash.
Photos:
Location
55 Giffard Street, Williamstown 3016 Map
Web Links
→ www.friendsofwilliamstownbotanicgardens.net
→ Friends of Williamstown Botanic Gardens on Facebook
→ Williamstown Botanic Gardens on Flickr
