It’s almost 100 years since Maranoa Botanic Gardens first opened to the public. In that time this peaceful little native gem has hosted, educated and quietly delighted generations of locals.

To regular visitor and botanical researcher Frank Greenhalgh the gardens are ‘a Boroondara treasure’.

‘They showcase thousands of Australian native plants right in the heart of Melbourne.’

Frank has been researching one of these plants, Bolwarra (Eupomatia laurina), which is endangered in Victoria. It originated in the supercontinent of Gondwana more than 100 million years ago.

This plant is pollinated by just one type of weevil, and in conjunction with garden staff, Frank has recently introduced these weevils into the gardens to enable fruit set and the conservation of the plant.

It’s the gardens’ blend of educational and recreational opportunities that make them such a wonderful community resource.

You’re invited to the party

We’re marking the gardens’ big birthday with a party on Saturday 19 September!

Make a day of it by bringing a picnic or grab a bite from a food truck on site. And celebrate with children’s activities, guided walks, live music and more. See the event listings below to register. Spaces are limited.

Back by popular demand, the free garden-tool sharpening pop-up from Botanic Gardens Week will also return. Bookings will open in mid-August.

Stay updated at our Maranoa Gardens turns 100 page.

The facts

• Maranoa Botanic Gardens house one of Australia’s biggest collections of native plants – more than 4,000 plants including many endangered species.
• With those plants come pollinators – the eastern spinebill and red wattlebird are just 2 seen recently by bird watchers.
• The pond in the arid zone is a magnet for native bees, including blue banded bees and cuckoo bees.
• With 300 wattle species there’s always one in flower.
• In 2020, Maranoa Gardens was renamed Maranoa Botanic Gardens, recognising that it’s been maintained over decades as a botanic garden.