Melbourne residents have spoken loud and clear, voting the historic Royal Botanic Gardens as the city's number one must-visit destination for 2025 in Time Out's prestigious People's Choice Awards.
A Resounding Public Verdict
During September and October, Time Out readers enthusiastically participated in the voting process, sharing their favourite Melbourne experiences across multiple categories. The results reveal a strong affection for the city's green heart, with the Royal Botanic Gardens emerging as the clear winner for best overall experience.
Chris Russell, Director and Chief Executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, expressed his delight at this community-driven recognition. "This accolade reflects the deep connection Melburnians have with the Gardens as a place of beauty, relaxation and inspiration all year round," he said.
An Enduring Urban Sanctuary
Nestled beside the Yarra River in Melbourne's CBD, this beloved green space has been providing peace and natural beauty to city dwellers for nearly 180 years. The gardens span an impressive 38 hectares and host an extraordinary collection of more than 8,500 plant species from around the world.
Russell highlighted the diverse appeal of the gardens, noting "Whether it's a peaceful walk, a family day out, or a cultural event, there's always something that connects people to nature here." This versatility appears to be key to its enduring popularity.
More Than Just Pretty Flowers
The gardens offer far more than botanical displays. Visitors can enjoy everything from simple strolls through the picturesque landscapes to dining at The Observatory restaurant. The venue also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the beloved Moonlight Cinema, which has been screening open-air movies at the gardens for three decades.
The gardens' popularity is undeniable, attracting almost two million visitors last year alone. This massive footfall demonstrates its status as both a tourist magnet and a local favourite.
Other Melbourne favourites recognised in the Time Out awards include:
- Best Restaurant: The Lion and the Wombat
- Best Bar: Bar Bambi
- Best Regional Venue: Brae Restaurant in Birregurra
- Best Arts and Culture Venue: NGV
Meanwhile, Time Out editors selected their own top picks, highlighting Soak Bathhouse, Puffing Billy, Urbnsurf, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Collingwood Children's Farm as essential Melbourne experiences.
The Royal Botanic Gardens' victory underscores Melbourne's ongoing love affair with its green spaces and reinforces the importance of preserving natural sanctuaries within urban environments for future generations to enjoy.
