Maranoa Botanic Gardens — Attraction in Melbourne

Must be a well kept secret bcos a friend who loves walking & lives in Balwyn has never mentioned this stunning, beautifully maintained Aust native landscaped garden!

If it was not for me searching for a central spot to catch up with friends from eastern suburbs - I might have missed this gem altogether!

Maranoa gardens & Beckett Park are joined together. Main parking area for both is at end of Parring Rd. There are other points of entry from side streets. On a gentle sloping hill which adds interest & the tiers for the various types of flora (arid, rainforest, heathland etc) & undulating walking trails.

With all the rain - everything is green, lush & native flora is in gorgeous bloom! Kudos to the hardworking gardener I met today who was happy to share some knowledge. This is a serene oasis with sounds of nature.

Don't miss the goat trails under canopy of massive trees. Almost all trees & shrubs have info plaques which is so handy for the garden enthusiast. Follow the sound of running water - you will be lead to a flowing creek & lil billabong aptly named Maranoa Waters. Kids will love it & hopefully are well behaved! Leave it how you found it for all to enjoy.

Wide expanse of lawns for picnics & water fountains scattered around. While there are plenty of park benches donated in memory of loved ones - there are only a few tables. No bbq, No dogs, No cycling or skateboarding inside this garden. Gates close earlier on weekdays - so take note of the times. Toilets onsite.

You can spend a few hours here & combined with Beckett Park - you will get a good workout. Highly...

I was on my way to the supermarket, but thought maybe I should do a little detour for exercise. I stumbled upon this little botanic gardens that I never paid a proper visit in the neighbourhood. Suddenly my name became Alice and I got so lost in this amazing Wonderland: so many beautiful Australian native plants! I lost the track of time, didn't hear the bell and had to be let out by the kind gardener.😂 This is a priceless gem in a nice suburb. Now I don't have to go all the way to the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens just to see...

Adorable little garden, discovered it completely by accident on an afternoon walk. It’s quite like the botanical gardens with informational signs at the base of each plant or tree, lots of indigenous and unique plans but gotta say my favourite part was the mini rainforest. The temperature does drop a little in there and I felt like I was transported away from Balwyn for 15 minutes - no plane trip required. Bonus - in the larger Beckett park where the Maranoa gardens are situated there is a large playground and brick lookout tower for...