Published on
August 7, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
Victoria’s treasured green sanctuary has once again risen to national prominence. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has officially been named the fourth most beloved destination in Australia in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best, cementing its status as a timeless favorite. This new accolade, awarded by TripAdvisor based on real traveler reviews and ratings over the past year, reflects not only the gardens’ natural beauty but also the unforgettable experiences it continues to deliver to over a million visitors annually.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Officially Named Among Australia’s Top Attractions for 2025
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has once again claimed its place among the most iconic destinations in the country, earning the fourth position in TripAdvisor’s prestigious 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best. Based on thousands of reviews, ratings, and personal recommendations submitted by real travelers over the past year, this award celebrates destinations that consistently deliver exceptional experiences. With over 1.7 million visitors annually, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria continues to thrive as one of Australia’s premier cultural and natural landmarks.
A Prestigious Honour Based on Real Visitor Experiences
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards are among the most respected recognitions in global tourism, and their 2025 edition reflects feedback from travelers who explored Australia’s best-loved sites between mid-2024 and mid-2025. Among globally celebrated landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria stood out, particularly for its stunning landscape design, biodiversity, and accessible nature experiences.
The Melbourne gardens, located just south of the CBD, received a stellar 4.7 out of 5-star rating based on more than 10,000 traveler reviews. Likewise, the Cranbourne gardens—celebrated for their expansive Australian Garden—earned an identical 4.7 rating from over 600 reviewers. This consistent satisfaction highlights the gardens’ ongoing appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
A Dual-Site Wonder Bridging Nature and Science
What makes the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria unique is its dual-site setup. The Melbourne site is known for its lush lakes, themed garden beds, and heritage trees, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. Visitors can wander through expansive lawns, exotic flower beds, and shaded walking paths that encourage a peaceful reconnection with nature.
Cranbourne Gardens, on the other hand, offers a more wild, immersive experience, with its design focused entirely on Australian native plants and ecosystems. Its 170-hectare bushland is not only a haven for flora and fauna but also a living classroom for conservation and sustainability education.
Experiences That Go Beyond the Greenery
Beyond just scenic beauty, the gardens are designed to offer an inclusive and engaging experience for all ages and interests. Guided walking tours, eco-educational programs, wellness activities like forest bathing, and art exhibitions are held year-round. Seasonal festivals celebrating native blooms, Indigenous culture, and biodiversity attract large crowds and turn a garden stroll into a day-long adventure.
For those who want to unwind in comfort, the Melbourne site features elegant on-site dining. The Terrace, overlooking the Ornamental Lake, and The Observatory Café offer visitors a chance to enjoy a gourmet meal or coffee with panoramic views of the gardens. These facilities have become popular spots for couples, families, and even wedding venues.
Exciting Enhancements in the Pipeline
To meet the growing demand and evolving expectations of modern visitors, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is undertaking a series of ambitious upgrades across both its locations. Visitors can expect improved pathways, smarter signage, eco-friendly infrastructure, and interactive learning centers tailored for school groups and families.
Cranbourne Gardens is also the focus of a major habitat restoration initiative, aimed at revitalizing over 30 hectares of native bushland. This project seeks to increase biodiversity, create safer wildlife corridors, and offer guests an even deeper understanding of Australia’s natural environment through immersive outdoor education zones.
A Symbol of Australia’s Living Heritage
The inclusion of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria among Australia’s top attractions confirms its status as a national treasure. While icons like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru have long captured the imagination of travelers, the gardens offer a quieter yet equally profound experience—one rooted in sustainability, heritage, and the therapeutic power of nature.
TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Attractions in Australia for 2025:
- Hobart Penitentiary, Hobart
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth
- Sydney Opera House, Sydney
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne
- Fremantle Prison, Fremantle
- Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney
- Australian War Memorial, Canberra
- Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Sydney Harbour, Sydney
- Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has earned fresh national recognition, securing the 4th spot in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards for Australia’s most loved destinations. Based on real traveler reviews and ratings, this honor highlights the gardens’ enduring charm, vibrant landscapes, and exceptional visitor experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for a moment of serenity or a deep dive into Australia’s horticultural history, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria offers a timeless escape—now recognized as one of the best destinations in the country.
