Established in 2011, on a former landfill site, the vision for the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton as set out in the Kialla Landfill Site Development and Management Plan is ‘to provide an inspirational, sustainable and unique landscape which showcases local, regional and other Australia plants in a diverse environment for the purpose of enjoyment, education, tourism and community strengthening’.
Since their inception the Gardens are being dramatically re-shaped to display Australian plants and they provide an exciting and popular landscape experience over the 22.6 hectares for the community and visitors to enjoy.
The Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton features native bush lands, wetlands, a children’s garden and constructed themed gardens on Honeysuckle Rise, which serve the dual purpose of ensuring the ongoing stability of the ‘cap’, and an attraction for wildlife and visitors alike.
In 2018 our gardens were selected as one of only two regional botanic gardens in Victoria to participate in the Care for the Rare program overseen by Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand. The program identifies, propagates, and grows rare and threatened local species. Planting commenced in 2020.
One simple way to play a part in the ongoing transformation of the site is to join the Friends of the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton (FABGS). The group holds fortnightly working bees at the gardens to help develop and plant new areas of the garden and to perform ongoing maintenance on developed garden beds. Propagation sessions are currently held monthly.
There is a range of trails suitable for walking or cycling through the gardens. Climb up high to the top of Honeysuckle Rise where the lookout offers an expansive view above the treetops across local landscapes. Stroll through the beautifully designed themed gardens. Zig-zag down the Zig-Zag path to admire the sculptural beauty of the Weaving Garden, and meander through regenerated bushland on the River and Native Forest walks.
Visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/community/recreation/parks-playgrounds-skateparks/botanic-gardens for more details.
