St Kilda Botanical Gardens

The St Kilda Botanical Gardens sit on Herbert Street in the heart of the famous seaside suburb of St Kilda, just back from the beach. A beautiful, established Victorian-era garden, it's a much-loved local oasis — combining ornamental plantings, an ornamental lake, a rose garden, a conservatory and shaded lawns in a peaceful, leafy setting.

The appeal is that combination of gracious garden design and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a stroll, a picnic or simply unwinding among the greenery away from the bustle of St Kilda. With its giant chess board, the conservatory and the EcoCentre, there's plenty of charm and character to discover across the grounds.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 3,300 reviews, it's a well-loved spot. The gardens are free and open, but the conservatory, facilities and any events have their own arrangements and hours, so it's worth checking details before a special visit — though for a stroll, a picnic or a quiet break among the gardens, you can generally just turn up and enjoy one of St Kilda's loveliest green spaces.