Buninyong Botanic Gardens

The Ballarat region boasts another botanic gardens not far away in the quiet village of Buninyong.  Established in the 1860's around a natural spring, the two hectare Buninyong Botanic Gardens were designed with the support of the director of the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens, Ferdinand Von Mueller.  They have a splendid collection of mature trees and plants that are listed on the National Trust of Australia's (Victoria) Register of Significant Trees.

The gardens also contain a number of historical features, including a Courthouse and Police Cottage which date fro 1853 and the Queens Victoria Rotunda built in 1901.  The former 19th century swimming baths on the site have been elegantly transformed into a courtyard garden.  More contemporary amendments to the gardens include playground equipment and electric barbecues.

Adjacent to the Buninyong Botanic Gardens is The Gong (not to be confused with Gong Gong Reservoir Park).  This two hectare space contains a disused reservoir and an established and young arboretum collection of exotic trees.