Thank you for sharing your voice!

Community consultation for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Master Plan (Stage 2: 3 March – 13 April 2025) has now closed.

This round built on previous feedback received in 2023–2024 and gave the community another opportunity to comment on the draft Master Plan.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts – we received 116 contributions through surveys and the interactive map, including feedback gathered both online and in person.

Sentiment was largely positive, with strong community appreciation for the gardens’ beauty, care, and seasonal displays. Common themes raised during this stage included support for:

  • Preserving the peaceful character and charm of the space
  • Improving accessibility through a range of initiatives
  • Introducing more educational features
  • Support for all major projects including the Children’s Garden, Ballarat’s Back Garden and upgrades to North Gardens

We’re now preparing an Engagement Summary Report capturing what we heard across this stage. This will be published here soon – stay tuned!

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens (the Gardens) occupies a 40 Hectare site on the edge of Lake Wendouree and Gillies Street in Ballarat and is considered to be one of Australia’s premier cool climate gardens. Established in 1858, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens are one of the best examples of a heritage botanic garden in Victoria and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

These plans will continue to build on the historic gardens, maintaining their heritage significance and well-loved features.

Your voice formed it - now help us refine it. Let's shape the Gardens' future together.

How can I get involved?

What we've heard so far:

Key recommendations:
  • New picnic areas, sensitive new planting, native species, and additional walking tracks
  • New glasshouse for permanent plant collections
  • Potential for small kiosk-style café and seating area
  • Hands-on learning garden near Tram Museum for all ages to learn about gardening and food production
  • Fenced, interactive garden connected to the Gatekeeper’s Cottage
  • Includes plant tunnels, nature play and growing areas
  • Hedge along the fence with viewing windows and platforms to watch daily trout feeding
  • Completion of the Fernery complex with works to improve the connection between the Gothic entrance and 1950s Fernery.
  • Retain stonework of the 1950's Fernery, expand landscaping, and add more tree and ground ferns.
  • Longer-term initiatives include the addition of a simple, architecturally designed pergola structure to link the Gothic building with the Robert Clark Conservatory and potential to add a canopy walkway connected to the Children’s Garden.
  • Better fencing to protect Black Swans along Gillies Street
  • Traffic slowing measures along Wendouree Parade
  • Replace ageing Sequoiadendron Avenues with climate-resilient species
  • Retain original trees as long as possible, replace with species of similar character
  • Improved access from Wendouree Railway Station
  • New gateway on Gillies Street for Ballarat’s Back Garden
  • Improved safety and accessibility to surrounding streets
  • Safer parking on Gillies Street and sensitive changes to Wendouree Parade to prioritise pedestrians and wildlife
  • Enhance nursery operations and add windows so visitors can see Begonias being grown
  • New nursery area for Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
  • Re-establish decorative planting along Prime Ministers Avenue
  • Replace red scoria gravel with dark gravel to improve accessibility
  • Upgrade irrigation to support plant collections
  • Increase plant conservation opportunities and collaboration with other botanic gardens
  • Add more seating and picnic tables throughout the North and South Gardens

We want to hear what you think!