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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.
Suitable for weddings, celebrations and other social gatherings like picnics.

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 track

Address

Parring Road, Balwyn 3103.

There is parking off Parring Road and on Kireep Road.

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.

Find other nearby services and facilities

Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 4 pm

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10 am to 5 pm

The pedestrian and carpark gates are locked outside of these times.

Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted within the fenced area of the Maranoa Botanic Gardens.

Bodies of water

There are bodies of water at Maranoa Botanic Gardens.

  • Be aware of shallow water, submerged objects and variable water depths.
  • Children must be actively supervised around water at all times.
  • No diving.
  • No swimming.

About the gardens

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

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

History

The story of Maranoa Botanic Gardens began in 1901. Mr J M Watson purchased 1.4 hectares of land for a private garden in Balwyn, in which he planted a collection of Australian and New Zealand natives.

Named after the Maranoa River, the name Maranoa is an Aboriginal word, which means flowing or alive. 

In 1922, the City of Camberwell acquired the garden. It was officially opened to the public on the 18 September 1926.

The garden was expanded in 1962 to its current 2.6 hectares. In 2015, the gardens adopted a Conservation Management Plan to guide its management and maintenance.

Resources

Connecting to Country mindfulness walk at Maranoa Botanic Gardens

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Maranoa Botanic Gardens with a unique mindfulness walk guided by 5 audio recordings narrated by Meriam woman (Torres Strait Islander) Alana Marsh. 

Using Wayapa, an earth connection practice based on ancient Indigenous wisdom, Alana will lead you through the botanic gardens, enhancing your wellbeing and connection to the earth as you explore the rich native flora and the land’s natural beauty. 

Visit the Victoria Walks website to access the recordings.

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.

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