Known as the garden state, Melbourne is blessed with so many beautiful and historical gardens so close to the city centre. Beautiful at any time of the year, autumn (March to May) and spring (Sept to Nov) are when Melbourne’s spectacular gardens are at their peak. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens have been a treasured part of Melbourne’s cultural life for more than 170 years. They are also an important resource for education, conservation, science and horticulture. Melbourne Gardens are home to the National Herbarium of Victoria, which houses the internationally important State Botanical Collection. Rippon Lea and Como House and Garden are from a bygone era and some of the last surviving examples of a grand estate. The day spent in the gardens of Melbourne will leave you in a blissful state and wanting to see more!