Popular Gardens in Dandenong

"See the iconic Botanic Gardens, River Gardens and Dockland or experience a cruise at night to experience the river by moonlight while enjoying a delicious dinner in comfort and privacy. You can choose from a range of cruise options including a lunch and dinner cruise or just a normal sightseeing cruise. Seeing the beautiful city of Melbourne from the water will surely enhance your sightseeing experience while also providing you with a relaxing and enjoyable day out."

"This fenced garden is within the Royal Botanic Gardens and provides opportunities for water play and nature play in a popular picnic spot. You can also take your under 5s on a Punt Tour for free!. Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra"

"A free City Circle tram runs throughout town, starting at Flinders Street Station, and takes in must-see attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament House and the Royal Exhibition Building. Hop off the tram at Flagstaff Station and take a five minute stroll to Queen Victoria Market. The market has been a Melbourne landmark for more than a century and offers an incredible range of local and imported gourmet foods. Grab a coffee from Market Lane Coffee, in the Deli Hall, and a spinach and cheese borek from the Borek Shop."

"Fitzroy Gardens is also home to another historical Melbourne attraction. Cook’s Cottage is open daily for visitors between 9am – 5pm at a price of $6.50. The visit offers the chance to see the antique furnishing and style of the famous voyager’s family home for a little slice of charming history within the city. The visit shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours, and so visiting several of the city’s gardens can be done easily within a morning or longer if you’re wrapped up in a particular exhibition."

"The long avenues of trees are gorgeous, and it’s also just a lovely shady spot to hang out with your bridal party. This can be a busy spot in November and March, but that’s for good reason. It’s got lots of open spaces as well as little hideaways where you can get away from the world too."

"Right in the centre of the city, Fitzroy Gardens is perfect for a leisurely family stroll. Tell the kids that they can visit the Fairy Tree and I am sure they will not mind the miles. Not far from there, they can then explore the mini Tudor Village which is simply adorable."

"Visit the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens for somewhere unique in Melbourne – it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest existing exhibition buildings in the world. The building hosts various exhibitions and events in all areas of interest, of which price for each will vary so check out what’s on before visiting. Regardless, a simple walk around the outside provides a moment to admire the restoration work on this wonderful building!"

"If you are planning a visit to the Melbourne Museum which is located in the historic Royal Exhibition Building then you can’t walk past the wonderful Carlton Gardens. These gardens are world heritage listed and are well worth a visit in any season. Make sure you check out the ornamental lakes and the fountains (kids love water in action)."

"Firstly you don’t need a permit (yay!) and even if there are lots of visitors in the gardens, there is still lots of space. Our fave spots are the hedge wall and gazebo near the rose garden. Even the public toilets have a great stone wall!"

"This delightful crescent-shaped beach is about 350m long and is generally safe for swimming and for snorkelling. Do check with the surf life saving club if you are keen to find the best swimming and snorkelling spots. Getting there: Half Moon Bay Beach is about 20km from the city centre."

"The Conservatory restaurant offers an array of international cuisine, with a series of different culinary stations, each offering a unique dining experience."

"For peace and quiet away from the busy city there’s nowhere better than Kings Domain. A completely free activity just south of the CBD, you can easily walk to the park."

"Firstly you don’t need a permit (yay!) and even if there are lots of visitors in the gardens, there is still lots of space. Our fave spots are the hedge wall and gazebo near the rose garden. Even the public toilets have a great stone wall!"

"Stunning Australian Garden, which showcases the diversity of Australian flora, plus free water play. Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, cnr Ballato Rd and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne"

"The Conservatory restaurant offers an array of international cuisine, with a series of different culinary stations, each offering a unique dining experience."

"The Southbank of many cities is often the cultural hub of life, and Melbourne’s Southbank is no exception. Spend an afternoon wandering along the Yarra River and meander across the many bridges, complete with various artworks. One such installations on Sandridge Bridge displays metal statues titled ‘The Travellers’ – a fitting title for a tourists’ day out!"

"Keep your cameras at the ready if you can make it to the Brighton Bathing Boxes before sundown – the backdrop of 82 distinctive bathing boxes on the foreshore of Brighton Beach makes for some iconic photos. After all, you can’t really say you’ve been to Melbourne without a shot of yourself featuring a bathing box that best complements your personality, can you?"