An outdoor exhibition at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne exploring the intersection of natural systems and creative design.
Friday 25 September 2026
to Sunday 18 October 2026
7:30am - 7:30pm
Australian Drylands, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Free
Experience the inspiring Design X Nature exhibition set in the stunning Australian Drylands Precinct of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This outdoor gallery showcases innovative artworks that explore how nature influences creative practice and ecological thinking. Visitors can enjoy a unique blend of art, science, and design in a beautiful natural setting.
The exhibition features new works by artists Courtney Coombs, Cara Johnson, Bethany Kiss, and Soft Meadow Collective, all developed through a research residency in 2025. Alongside the artworks, visitors can enjoy the longer daylight hours with a refreshing drink from the Brunswick Aces Gin Pop-Up on selected dates.
Expand your visit with a series of engaging walks, talks, and workshops that delve deeper into the creative possibilities inspired by the natural world, perfect for families looking for an educational and fun outing.
Design X Nature runs from 25 September to 18 October 2026, with drop-in access during the day. The exhibition is free to attend, though some workshops and talks require bookings and a fee. Highlights include artist-in-residence sessions with Cara Johnson, nature journaling workshops, guided bird ecology walks, and a panel discussion on queer ecologies.
Specific events include:
- Artist-in-residence visits on 2, 9, and 16 October
- Nature Journaling workshop on 3 October
- Bird Ecology guided walks on 10 and 16 October
- Queer Ecologies panel on 17 October
These activities offer opportunities for children and adults alike to engage creatively and intellectually with the themes of nature and design.
The event takes place at the Australian Drylands Precinct within Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, located on Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne. The gardens are open daily, with September hours from 7:30 to 17:30 and extended October hours until 19:30 to enjoy the evening light.
Visitors can easily access the precinct and enjoy the natural surroundings while exploring the exhibition. The venue is family-friendly and offers a safe outdoor environment for children to explore and learn.
Please note that some events require bookings and may have associated costs. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne will close early at 15:00 from 11 June to 2 August 2026 and during school holidays, but this does not affect the exhibition dates.
Children’s Garden will be closed for winter from 13 July, reopening 6 September, so plan accordingly for family visits. The exhibition is part of Melbourne Fringe and supported by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and RMIT University.
Entry to the Design X Nature exhibition is free. However, some workshops and talks have fees and require advance booking:
- Nature Journaling workshop: $40 Adult, $35 Concession
- Bird Ecology walks: $30 Adult, $25 Concession
- Queer Ecologies panel: Free, bookings recommended
For bookings and more information, visit melbournefringe.com.au. Early booking is advised to secure spots in popular workshops and talks.
