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Flower fans of Victoria, we’ve got good news. If you’re looking for something to brighten up the end of the holiday season, you can truly stop and smell the roses at this garden 35 minutes outside Melbourne CBD – 5,000 of them to be exact. Victoria State Rose Garden in Melbourne’s western suburbs spans five magical hectares, and is overflowing with all types of roses. When viewed from above, the garden itself is shaped like a five-petalled Tudor Rose, with a gazebo at its centre and a pathway acting as a stem.
In 2003, the garden took home the award for International Garden of Excellence by the World Federation of Rose Societies, becoming the first rose garden outside Europe to win. Adding to the garden’s appeal is the fact it’s looked after mainly by a group of 100 volunteers (with help from staff at Parks Victoria). And the final layer of sweet sweet icing on the cake? It’s free to visit. Here’s everything you need to know about this cute-as-anything spot.
Where is the Victoria State Rose Garden?
The Victoria State Rose Garden is in the Werribee Park Tourist Precinct, near Werribee Open Range Zoo and adjacent to Werribee Mansion. Because of its location, it’s sometimes (incorrectly) called Werribee Park Rose Garden, but we won’t call you out if you get it wrong.
How do you get to Victoria State Rose Garden?
The garden is about a 35- to 45-minute drive west of Melbourne’s CBD along the M1. If you’re coming by public transport, you can take the Metro from Melbourne to Werribee and then the 439 bus, which will take you right into Werribee Park Tourist Precinct.
When’s the best time to visit the Victoria State Rose Garden?
The “best” time to visit depends on what garden sights you’re after. Generally, though, November to April is when you’ll see the most activity. In November, spring roses are at their peak, while in March, the autumn flush of modern roses makes for a gorgeous floral fiesta. The garden also has some flowers in bloom May, June, July and October, so there’s a lot of choice if you’re planning a visit.
The garden’s usually open seven days a week from 9.30am ‘til 6pm. Be sure to check the Parks Victoria website for any updates before your visit, just in case the garden happens to be closed.
How much does it cost to visit the Victoria State Rose Garden?
Visiting is free! The garden also has free parking, just a few minutes’ stroll from the gardens themselves. If you’re keen to tack on a visit to Werribee Mansion after seeing the garden, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee for that.
Are dogs allowed at Victoria State Rose Garden?
No, unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in the Rose Garden or anywhere in the Werribee Park Precinct.
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