The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and Cranbourne are unveiling a brand-new lineup of events for 2025-2026. Highlights include Lightfall, a 1km illuminated light trail at Cranbourne Gardens in April, offering a captivating nighttime experience. Lightscape will also return to Melbourne Gardens for its fourth year, after recently winning Best Major Event at the Victorian Tourism Awards. The Gardens will also feature a variety of summertime entertainment, including Shakespeare Australia’s theatre productions, live music concerts, and the Live at the Gardens concert series, which will showcase international artists in a stunning outdoor setting.
Plan your upcoming trip with these exciting activities:
LIGHTFALL AT CRANBOURNE GARDENS
Premiering exclusively during the 2025 April school holidays, Lightfall is a world first event for Melbourne’s Southeast, offering an intimate, family-friendly light trail experience in the Australian Garden.
Created by the presenters of the award-winning Lightscape, this enchanting journey will transform Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne into a mesmerising illuminated landscape. Visitors will wander through large-scale light sculptures, immerse themselves in a captivating soundscape, and witness the gardens come to life beneath the vast autumn night sky, promising a truly magical evening for all ages.
Starting from: 06 April – 20 April 2025, daily
LIGHTSCAPE AT MELBOURNE GARDENS
The immersive Melbourne winter hit returns to transform the Botanic Gardens after dark with a reimagined trail and brand-new installations. Visitors make their way along a 2km winding trail through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne’s landscape, awash in artistic lighting design. Along the way, they will encounter large lighting sculptures, colourful lighting effects and an accompanying soundscape. Delicious food can be purchased at the welcome zone along with tasty treats at The Terrace Food Hall.
Starting from: Wednesday to Sunday, 14 June – 04 August 2024, and Tuesday 2 July and Tuesday 9 July
NEW DINING OPTIONS
Both gardens offer a plethora of new dining and event options for large or small groups like Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne’s Boonwurrung Café has launched new picnic boxes, including a chartcuterie platter, a children’s box and the all-new BBQ box, which contains everything you need to enjoy the free electric BBQs onsite, Picnic Society by Curtis Stone Events offer savour premium packs filled with seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses and decadent desserts. Curtis Stone’s signature touch makes every bite unforgettable and more.
GARDENS FOR WILDLIFE AND BANDICOOTS TOUR
Gardens for Wildlife and Bandicoots tour at Cranbourne Gardens teaches participants about the unique Australian animals, including the Southern Brown Bandicoot who call the gardens home. It’s a 1.5 hour guided tour and includes tips on making home gardens wildlife friendly.
Cranbourne Gardens is a haven for rare native Australian plants and animals. Learn about these fascinating species and how to make a wildlife friendly garden, in the company of our friendly Bandicoot Outreach Officer. Participants also receive a complimentary wildlife gardening booklet.
LIVE AT THE GARDEN
Live at the Gardens returns after captivating audiences during its spectacular November debut. This much-loved event brings more unforgettable music to the heart of Melbourne with a brand-new series. Once again, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne is partnering with Roundhouse Entertainment, the team behind A Day on the Green, to transform the lush Observatory Precinct into a stunning outdoor concert venue.
With a diverse lineup of events, from enchanting light trails to captivating concerts and immersive wildlife tours, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and Cranbourne promise an unforgettable experience for all visitors in 2025-2026. Be sure to plan your trip and immerse yourself in these magical and unique experiences.