Description: With more than 50,000 plants, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne puts on quite a show for the visitor. Mosey along pathways with your map in hand to take in the different areas of the garden – the rose garden, the water conservation garden, the children’s garden, etc. (The rose garden had no blooming roses, poo.)
I tend to be a browser of gardens, not an intense studier, so I just followed where the colors and smells of blooming flowers took me. The led me to a palm tree with three white cockatoos making a ruckus – my first Australian wildlife spotting!
Once you’re finished walking, you can take a bathroom break in the visitor’s center, and nose around the gift shop, and then head outside for a drink from the café.
On the edge of the Botanical Gardens is the Shrine of Remembrance. Built in 1934 to honor those who gave their life in World War I. In the sanctuary of the shrine there is an opening in the ceiling to let in light, which once per year passes over the Stone of Remembrance – a stone that is sunk below the pavement in the center of the building which says “Greater Love Hath No Man”. Each year on November 11 at 11 a.m., the light falls over the word “Love” and illuminates it. The astronomer who devised the plan says it's guaranteed for 5000 years.
There is a volunteer just inside the sanctuary (and a veteran) to tell visitors about the shrine and the sanctuary. Our gentleman was a delight to talk to, and he sincerely felt love for his post and his fallen fellow soldiers.
From the top of the Shrine’s steps, there’s also a great sweeping view of the Melbourne skyline.
The Botanical Gardens and Shrine are free, and therefore a low-cost sightseeing option when in Melbourne.
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