Meet at the Front Gates Explore traces of the vast continent of Africa living in the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Plants from Africa reflect huge differences in climate, topography and ecology. Our collection comes from widely diverse areas of the continent, tell stories of their habitat, and the creatures and people that inhabit it. Gold coin donation appreciated.

Our popular self-drive tour of 4 gardens this year is in the Bellarine Peninsula. They range from a large country garden with expansive vistas, a stylish newly established lawned garden and two lushly planted town gardens, both featuring beautiful garden rooms.  The tour ends at the final garden with a delicious afternoon tea (included in the price) and sale of plants propagated from members’ own gardens.  BYO picnic lunch at the 2nd garden  or purchase your own lunch along the way. Bookings by Thursday 24 October.  A detailed Itinerary will be provided upon booking. Gardens we will visit: Barwon Heads Ocean Grove Point Lonsdale Drysdale , Afternoon tea (included in ticket price) and Plant Stall Contact the Friends' Office if you have any questions, on 5229 0071 or info@friendsgbg.org.au

Explore the rich diversity of indigenous plants at Geelong Botanic Gardens, ranging from majestic trees to intricate ground covers. These remarkable species not only enhance the beauty of our garden but also carry deep cultural and historical significance. Join us to uncover the fascinating ways these plants have been integral to traditions, from crafting tools to creating art and music.  Gold coin donation is appreciated.

Plant Nursery is located at the Rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens Entry is from the Gardens only. Looking for somethingdifferent and priced well below major retail outlets? Come and be tempted by our Salvias, Pelargoniums, Australian Plants, Perennials, Grasses and Succulents, sourced from our beautiful Botanic Gardens. Access can be arranged from Nursery for pickup of plant purchases.

We will visit the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens at Olinda, to see the Cloud Forest Conservation Garden and tour their Chelsea Garden recreated from the winning exhibit at the famed Chelsea Show. Then on to Cloudehill gardens, nursery and garden shop. Cloudehill has partnered with Antique Perennials to show and sell from their range of rare perennials. Bring your own picnic and drinks as we lunch at nearby Hamer Arboretum. We move on to Kawarra Native Botanic Gardens and nursery at Kalorama, for afternoon tea before heading home. Price includes coach travel, entry fees, morning and afternoon tea. Bring Your Own lunch.  Itinerary provided on booking. Bookings are essential and due by Wednesday 18 September. Book now to secure a seat on the Coach, arrive at Gate 3 Carpark, Eastern Park Circuit at 7.45 am for an 8.00 am departure, returning at 6.15 pm.

NOW FULLY BOOKED Melton Botanic Gardens Friends will host our group on a guided tour of their gardens, followed by lunch. This garden is widely acclaimed for the vast collections of Australian and dry climate plants from around the world. The Plant Nursery will be open during our visit.  Prices includes morning tea, guided tour and lunch. Itinerary provided on booking Bookings are essential and due by 6 September

Stimulate all your senses on a guided adventure in Geelong Botanic Gardens.  Have fun exploring the aromas and flavours of plants and learn how they are used in food, drinks, cosmetics, and medicines. Listen to the sounds of the Gardens – identify the birds. Feel the textures, from velvety soft to harsh and abrasive. Enjoy the vistas. Meet your guide at the front steps. Gold coin donation appreciated.

Join the Friends for an informal evening at their AGM. The Annual Report and election of the Committee will be followed by supper and Special Guest speaker Ali Wastie, City of Greater Geelong CEO.  RSVPs by 22 August.  Free members event. AGM at 5.30, Guest Speaker at 6.15 pm and Supper at 7.00 pm.  Event Close at 8.00 pm.

THE ENIGMA OF FOSTER FYANS. Foster Fyans was a member of the original 1855 Committee of Management of the Geelong Botanic Gardens and a Trustee of the Gardens from 1860 to 1865. Fyans had a full and adventurous life – the Peninsular War in Spain, a long period as a military officer in India, Captain of the Guard at Norfolk Island, Commandant at Morton Bay and the founder of the settlement at Geelong. Fyans’ subsequent career as a magistrate and Commissioner of Crown Lands shines a light on the early European settlement of western Victoria, the cultural clashes with Aboriginal people and his changing response to their dispossession. Dr John Cary is a former academic at the University of Melbourne, where he is an Honorary Principal Fellow in the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences. His family has a long association with Geelong. Copies of his recent book Frontier Magistrate: The Enigmatic Foster Fyans, Australian Scholarly Publishing ($49), will be available for sale for $30. The book won the Judges’ Special Prize in the 2023 Victorian Community History Awards. Join the Friends for supper followed by our Guest Speaker, author John Cary, John will be speaking on ‘Foster Fyans’, a notable figure in Geelong’s early history, including being the first Chief Magistrate and on the first Committee of Management of Geelong Botanic Gardens.   The large meeting room is located at the rear of the Gardens and you can enter the rear carpark from the corner of Eastern Park Circuit and Holt Road, East Geelong.  Location Map Here  Walk to the top of the carpark and the large meeting room is in the second green portable building. $20 members $30 non members

Join the Friends for this enjoyable evening to watch ‘Saving Grace’ with Brenda Blethen, a light hearted adventure set in Cornwell, with an interesting horticultural twist. Supper followed by the movie in the Hinchcliff Room at the Hub in East Geelong. At the Hub, 285 McKillop St, East Geelong. $35 members and $45 non-members Bookings Essential and close on 4 July      

Winter Lunch @ Davidsons Guest Speakers Amanda Blake Sutterby (artist and tutor) and Adam Blake (Trust for Nature Regional Manager in the Wimmera) Join the Friends and guest speakers Amanda Blake Sutterby and Adam Blake for lunch at our premier fundraising event at the Davidsons TAFE restaurant. They will speak about 'Capturing Rare and Threatened Plants Through Botanical Art'.  An impressive raffle is always a feature of this event.    Please Advise of any dietary requirements when booking your ticket. *The photo shown here is of a previous winter luncheon.  

Join Gwen at her beautiful home for a fabulous Winter Soups demonstration, followed by a delicious gourmet lunch.  20 people maximum.  Printed recipes included.                      $35 members and $45 non-members The address will be sent to you before the event.