Guilfoyle's Volcano — Attraction in Melbourne

A "harmless" beauty. When William Guilfoyle redesigned the botanical gardens in the 1870s, a water reservoir in the shape of a volcano was constructed in 1876. After the "volcano" fell into disuse in the 1980's, several plans were made to reopen the reservoir. Only in 2008, when enough funds were raised, work commenced to realize one of those plans. Guilfoyle's Volcano was transformed into a garden with plants that live in an extremely dry climate, and there are aquatic and marginal plants on five islands (pods) that float in an old water reservoir. The result is a magnificent garden that you should certainly not miss during your visit to the Royal...

One of my favourite locations within the Royal Botanic Gardens is (William) Guilfoyle's Volcano. Not actually set at a volcano, the site was a vision of William's and a volcano site was part of his inspiration. The variety of very well kept plants is wide. The ease of mobility where you travel on a spiral boardwalk would suit many abilities. There are enough sign posts around to explain both the background of the site as well as the thoughts behind building the landscape. People with active children beware, lots of "ouchie" plants...

Such an interesting piece of design that is both beautiful and functional.

As with all things in the Botanical gardens Guilfoyle's is well thought out, practical and beautifully executed.

Accessible from both sides of the garden for all abilities, it's a pleasure to walk up to the top and get an understanding of how it all works and the useful purpose it serves.

Once at the top, there's some great views of the city and the rest of...