The Explorer Tour: Botanic Gardens by Minibus, No Walking Required
A relaxed 30-minute guided tour through 94 acres of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne — perfect if you’d rather sit back than walk the paths.
Our knees aren’t what they used to be, but that didn’t stop us seeing every corner of the Royal Botanic Gardens on our last visit. We hopped aboard The Explorer, the open-air minibus tour that winds through the gardens with a guide doing all the talking. Thirty minutes, comfortable seating, and a good story-teller behind the wheel — here’s what we learned along the way, including a few tips worth knowing before you book.
To top it off, Seniors card holders receive a 20% discount.
Melbourne Botanic Garden Explorer Minibus
This tour covers 94 acres of the gardens and their 50,000-plus plants, with 30 minutes of non-stop commentary from your guide. You won’t miss the ancient trees, the colourful blooms, or the lakes along the way — we picked up some of the best stories on our visit.
Related reading: Melbourne Botanic Gardens: 94 Acres Of Tranquil Bloomin’ Beauty
Exclusive Stops and Stories
Many tucked-away treasures are uncovered on this botanical gardens tour, along with an insider’s view of the garden’s history, biodiversity, and cultural significance.
Each spot along the path came with a unique story that we may have otherwise missed.
Thanks to our guide, Mark, we enjoyed some tree-mendous tales along the tour. This included a drive by the towering Montezuma Cypress standing at a whopping 44 metres and flaunting 170 years of wisdom.
Then, the oldest tree in the gardens and the senior of the group (I’m not talking about my Dad!), a 400-year-old river red gum. The sightly Separation Tree, back in 1850, saw Melbournians throw a leafy celebration, parting ways with NSW.
We heard the remarkable tale of the Wollemi Pine – once thought extinct, these ancient trees boast fossil records dating back 200 million years. Only recently rediscovered in 1994, this living fossil was dubbed the Pinosaur. Dad says that’s what people call him.
Chris’ review
We had pre-booked a tour of the Gardens on The Explorer mini-bus and with a few minutes to wait, spent time exploring the Visitor Centre Shop. Wow, what a display of souvenirs.. everything you could think of and in bright, bright colours. I was very tempted but resisted buying a toy cockatoo.
The mini-bus had comfortable seating for twelve people and proved to be an outstanding, and surprisingly unrushed, way to take in the gardens’ natural beauty.
Our driver, whose name was Mark despite having the name Bisley embroidered on the back of his shirt, was riveting with his commentary. Ranging from historical to hysterical with lots of botanical knowledge thrown in, the 30-minute tour was very entertaining.
– Chris
Tour Specifics
The Explorer tours run daily between 11 am and 4 pm and takes 30 minutes. Seniors Card holders receive a 20% discount.
The tour meeting point is at the Visitor Centre. Tickets can be purchased at the customer service desk, or booked online to avoid missing a spot. Check in at the Visitor Centre before the tour starts. Toilets, Jardin Tan Kiosk and the gift shop are conveniently located nearby.
View the Melbourne Botanic Garden map here.
You have the flexibility to cancel your seat on The Explorer and receive a full refund if done at least 24 hours before the scheduled booking.
Garden Amenities
Choose from two dining options onsite for a relaxing meal or snack. There are various picnic areas for enjoying the outdoors, a gift shop to purchase souvenirs and botanical items, and restrooms.
Additionally, there are free guided walking tours and audio tours available for those seeking a deeper exploration of the gardens, as well as special events and activities scheduled throughout the year. The gardens also cater to families with interactive nature cards for children and special kids’ explorer tours during school holidays.
Accessible features include wide, flat pathways throughout the garden and accessible toilets. The Explorer tour is not wheelchair friendly.
Tidbits for The Explorer Tour at Melbourne Botanic Gardens
- Enjoy a 30-minute guided minibus tour of Melbourne Botanic Gardens;
- We recommend booking in advance;
- Convenient 24-hour cancellation policy;
- Seniors card holders pay concession prices, which is a 20% discount;
- Check in at the Visitor Centre 15 minutes before the tour starts;
- The guides are friendly and offer a wealth of knowledge, so ask questions and dive deeper into the fascinating tales of the Gardens;
- Bring a small snack and drink bottle for the journey, there’s space onboard for small bags to be kept at your feet;
- There are good photo opportunities throughout the tour, so it’s worth bringing your camera;
- The gardens feature smooth, accessible pathways throughout as well as multiple bench seats;
- Treat yourself to a coffee or lunch at Jardin Tan Kiosk next to the Visitor Centre;
- The Garden Shop has a beautiful collection of nature-inspired homewares and gifts;
- Book the award-winning Aboriginal Heritage Walk;
- Punting on the Lake is a fun activity running from Sept – May;
- Read more about our visit to these 94 Acres Of Tranquil Bloomin’ Beauty;
- Getting there from Flinders Street Station, you can get on the following trams: 3, 5, 8, 16, 64 or 67;
- Walking from Flinders Street Station is approximately 1.4km to the Visitor Centre entrance;
- Convenient car parking is available nearby.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
100 Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/
Open
Daily: 7:30am – 7:30pm
Visitor Centre: 9:30am – 5pm
The Explorer Minibus Tour
Daily except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
11am – 5pm
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