Welcome to Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens

The Friends support and promote the Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park by providing volunteers who facilitate the Gardens’ Guiding Program and Garden related information, hands-on Gardeners, the Friends' Plant Sale Nursery, Friends’ Library, and an annual program of events for members and the public.

 

Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens Gift Fund is registered with the Australian Taxation Office to receive donations, which are tax-deductible. This Fund may only be used to support special projects and programs within, and initiated by, Geelong Botanic Gardens. It may not be used to support the Friends or Friends activities.

 

The Friends also manage the Geelong School of Botanical Art where classes and workshops are facilitated at the rear of the Gardens.

 

 

Events
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THEMED GUIDED WALK ' NATIVE PLANTS AND THEIR POLLINATORS'
Aug
09
THEMED GUIDED WALK ' NATIVE PLANTS AND THEIR POLLINATORS'
Geelong Botanic Gardens
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The pollination of plants is integral to their reproduction and survival.  Come and hear about the differing ways native plants are pollinated.  They provide habitat for local native fauna to encourage pollinators such as small birds, butterflies, native bees, lizards, frogs and bats.   Meet your guide at the front steps.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, SUPPER & GUEST SPEAKER
Aug
31
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, SUPPER & GUEST SPEAKER
Geelong Botanic Gardens - Large Meeting Room
5:15 PM – 8:00 PM
Come and meet the newly elected Committee of Management, enjoying supper after the AGM and guest speaker Tim Sansom, RBG Executive Director of Living Collections and Environment. AGM Notice and Agenda 2026 Arrive at 5.15, AGM at 5.30, Guest Speaker at 6.15 pm and Supper at 7.00 pm. Free Event, RSVP for catering, please indicate any dietary requirements.
KEVIN HOFFMAN SELF-DRIVE TOUR
Sep
10
KEVIN HOFFMAN SELF-DRIVE TOUR
Kevin Hoffman Walk
10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Come and join the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens as we enjoy a guided stroll along the beautifully reclaimed eastern bank of the Hovell Creek in Lara. A project that began in the 1970s, Kevin Hoffman dedicated decades to beautifying the area opposite his home overlooking the creek, creating a tranquil sanctuary for wildlife and visitors. Vibrant ground covers, flowering shrubs, native trees, and sculptures attract birds and wildlife, creating a place to wander, reflect and reconnect with nature.  Kevin’s legacy lives on through the work of Friends of Kevin Hoffman Walk. The Friends will host us, providing morning tea followed by a guided walk along this widely acclaimed native trail. This dedicated group continues Kevin’s restoration of the neglected riverbank into a place of tranquil beauty and serenity, extending the extensive collection of beautiful Australian natives for 900 metres along the bank, creating a very special place for all to enjoy. Morning tea is included in the ticke price, please indicate any dietary requirments. After the walk, you may wish to join us for a buy-your-own lunch at Millars Café, a delightful café with views overlooking a lake teeming with birdlife, right in the heart of Grand Lakes Estate in Lara. Meals are good value and the café is licenced. We will reserve a table so please advise our office staff if you will be joining us, when you book your ticket. While in the area you might like to visit nearby Serendip Wildlife Sanctury’s newly established sensory garden (100 Windermere Road). It is free of charge and a wonderful addition to the sanctuary, featuring five different garden “rooms”, each focusing on a different sense and designed for easy disability access. Or you might like to visit Roraima Nursery, also in Lara (20 Swan Street). It will be closing over the next 12 months but is still well stocked with treasures, with 50% discount on all stock. Members $25 Non members $30 **Maximum 40 people**