Parks & gardens
Spot the similarities between Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and the imposing regional civic gardens of Hamilton and Horsham, all designed by botanist William Guilfoyle.
Pay attention also to the Peter Francis Points Arboretum in Coleraine, home to 500 different species of eucalyptus. Visit a wildflower farm at Wartook Gardens and see over 1,000 species of Australian plants.
The region's standout public parks and gardens include:
Alexandra Gardens, Ararat
Amble through the Alexandra Gardens to discover the fernery and waterfall, orchid glasshouse, Alexandra Lake and Japanese Island. From mid-December to the end of February the terrace seedling beds come alive with a dazzling display of marigolds, petunia and other seedlings. The Gardens also boast an unusual display of alpine, native and perennial plants plus herbal and rose gardens along with historic fountains and wishing wells.
Vincent Street, Ararat
Hamilton Botanic Gardens
The site for these gardens was set aside in 1853 and first planted in 1870, making them one of the earliest provincial botanic gardens in Australia. William Guilfoyle designed sweeping lawns, curved paths, lakes and islands, rockeries, cacti and succulents, colourful plants and contrasting foliage. Set in four acres, the gardens were classified by the National Trust of Victoria in 1990 and contain eight tree species listed on the Register of Significant Trees in Victoria.
Corner French, Kennedy, Martin and Thompson streets, Hamilton
Horsham Rural City Council Botanic Gardens
Designed by William Guilfoyle in the 1870s this was originally a reserve of 37 acres, but only eight acres remained by 1982. Clubs and individuals have donated trees and shrubs over the years and several thousand thrive in this peaceful haven. Children's playground and picnic facilities are included amongst trees, lawn areas, rose gardens and floral displays beside the Wimmera River.
Firebrace Street, Horsham
Peter Francis Points Arboretum, Coleraine
Home to the official Eucalyptus Collection of Australia, the Peter Francis Points Arboretum is a 370-hectare reserve boasting over 12,000 native plants. It is recognised as the most extensive collection of eucalyptus species in the Southern Hemisphere. For information, visit the Coleraine Visitor Information Centre located nearby in the historic railway station.
Portland-Coleraine Road, 2.2 kilometres south of the Coleraine Post Office
Dunkeld Arboretum
Stroll the walking track around the waterways amongst a collection of trees and shrubs. Take in expansive views of nearby mountains at the southern end of the Grampians.
Old Ararat Road, Dunkeld
See the hand of Edna Walling, Australia's pre-eminent landscape garden designer, in many of the private and public gardens across the Grampians, especially in spring when many private gardens open to the public. Spring is a special time for Grampians visitors, providing a wonderful mix of opportunities to engage with the floral wealth of the region.
Be advised, some private gardens open their gates once or twice a year as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme. For further details visit www.opengarden.org.au.