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We’re celebrating 100 years since the gardens first opened to the public this year. Join us for a free community celebration on Saturday 19 September. Find out more at Marana Botanic Gardens 100th Birthday.

Maranoa Botanic Gardens in Balwyn boasts a stunning display of Australian plants, with more than 4,000 native plants nestled around winding paths.

Steel entrance gate to Maranoa Botanic Gardens brick structures on either side. There is a sign on the left and a thick layer of trees.
Lush area of grass surrounded by a thick layer of trees.
Lush area of grass surrounded by large trees in various shades of green. There is a tree with spiked leaves to the left.
Grass area with a diverse selection of medium-sized trees and a walking path to the left.

Bookings are available for up to 50 people for weddings, celebrations and other social gatherings like picnics.

Learn more about booking Maranoa Gardens

Maranoa Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot for relaxing and immersing yourself in some of Australia’s most fascinating and unique flora.

Public facilities

  • Toilets
  • Seating and tables
  • Walking paths

Address

Parring Road, Balwyn 3103.

There is a car park off Parring Road, or street parking in surrounding streets.

Public transport

Tram 109: get off at Northcote Ave/Whitehorse Rd. Walk east along Whitehorse Road for one minute then turn left into Kireep Road. Walk for about 4 minutes (300 m) until you reach the gardens.

Opening hours

We’re open every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day.

1 November to 31 March: 7:30 am to 8 pm

1 April to 31 October: 7:30 am to 5 pm

We ring a reminder bell 10 minutes before we close the gates each day.

The garden gates are locked outside of these times.

Help us protect this special place

Please help us protect the plants, animals and other special features of these gardens by observing our regulations while visiting.

  • Dogs are not permitted in the gardens. You can exercise your dog in the designated dog off-leash area at Beckett Park next door.
  • Please do not pick flowers, collect seeds, or remove cuttings from any plants.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including around water.
  • The gardens are reserved for passive recreation only, ball games are not permitted.
  • The pathways are for foot traffic only. Cars, bicycles, skateboards, or roller skates/blades are not permitted.

Water safety

There are some bodies of water at the gardens.

Please be aware of shallow water, submerged objects and variable water depths.

No diving or swimming is permitted.

How to spend your visit

As you wander around, you can discover over 4,000 native Australian plants, including many endangered species.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll under our historic trees, listen to bird calls and relax by the creek. 

If you’re short on time, take the main path for a quick look at our unique flora.

If you’ve got more time, take a leisurely stroll along the gravel trails too.

About the gardens

Maranoa Botanic Gardens plays a significant role as one of the most diverse botanical displays of Australian plants. It’s a rich resource for students, researchers, botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Follow the circuit path and discover a collection of around 4,000 native plants, categorised into major vegetation groups from rainforest to arid zone.

History

The story of Maranoa Botanic Gardens began in 1901 when John Watson purchased 1.4 hectares of land for a private garden in Balwyn. He planted a collection of Australian and New Zealand natives.

In the 1920s, the City of Camberwell bought the garden. It was officially opened to the public on 18 September 1926.

The garden was expanded in 1962 to its current 2.6 hectares.

In September 2026, Maranoa Botanic Gardens celebrates 100 years since opening to the public.

Plant conservation

In 2015, we adopted a Conservation Management Plan to guide how we maintain the gardens.

In 2020, the gardens’ name was formally changed from Maranoa Gardens to Maranoa Botanic Gardens in recognition that it has been maintained and cared for over many decades as a botanic garden.

Our team at City of Boroondara continues to manage the gardens sustainably, focusing on climate change resilience and protecting rare native species.

Bookable spaces at Maranoa Botanic Gardens

Maranoa Botanic Gardens – garden area

This impressive native Australian garden is ideal for weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.
Steel entrance gate to Maranoa Botanic Gardens brick structures on either side. There is a sign on the left and a thick layer of trees.

Questions or feedback about the gardens