Visit and Tour of the Williamstown Botanic Gardens

The Williamstown Botanic Gardens, listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and managed by Hobsons Bay City Council, are historically important as one of Victoria’s most intact and original botanic gardens complete with authentic formal Victorian and Edwardian design features including, shrubberies, a pinetum, marble statuary, an intricate path system, an ornamental lake, a palm walk and rare and significant trees. 

In March 1856, following a petition by the residents of Williamstown to the Government of the Colony, a 10-acre site was formally set aside for ‘a Public Park and Pleasure Ground’. Opened in 1860 and designed by acclaimed artist and landscape designer, Edward La Trobe Bateman (1816-97), the Gardens were laid out by William Bull, appointed as Municipal Surveyor to the newly established Williamstown Borough Council in 1856. 

Since its inception the gardens have been blessed with the careful stewardship of dedicated Curators and Gardeners who have passed along Victorian and Edwardian gardening methods to the present day. The authenticity of the gardens you see today are the result of an unbroken line of horticultural knowledge and tradition. The WBG has always played an important role in the social and cultural lives of the people of Hobsons Bay and visitors from much further afield

In recent years, the gardens, with the help of a supportive Friends Group, have become the scene for many events and activities, as well as providing a peaceful setting. The Gardens are home to more than 400 trees from around the world, a Crinum collection, bats, possums, many birds and around of 160 species of insects.

Join The Friends for a visit to these beautiful historic gardens, with a morning tea, talk and tour of the Gardens hosted by The Friends and Staff of the Gardens. We thank The Friends of Williamstown Botanic Gardens for their generosity and support.

LOCATION:

Gillard Street and Osborne Street WILLIAMSTOWN VIC 3016

Image: Courtesy of The Friends WBG