Explore creative connections between art and nature at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne from 2 to 17 October 2026.
Friday 2 October 2026
to Saturday 17 October 2026
Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Varied, see event details
Immerse yourself in the Design X Nature exhibition with a rich program of walks, talks, and workshops set in the stunning Australian Drylands Precinct. This event invites families to explore how natural systems inspire artistic creativity and ecological thinking through engaging activities.
Experience new commissions by talented artists and designers, and witness live art installations evolving over time. The program offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while sparking your child's imagination and curiosity.
Perfect for parents looking to inspire their school-aged children with hands-on learning and creative exploration in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The event runs from 2 October to 17 October 2026 with varied session times and activities including:
- Artist-in-residence sessions with Cara Johnson on 2, 9, and 16 October (free, drop-in)
- Nature Journaling workshop on 3 October at 11:00 for 2 hours ($40 adult, $35 concession, bookings essential)
- Bird ecology walks on 10 October at 10:00 and 16 October at 12:30 ($30 adult, $25 concession, bookings essential)
- Queer Ecologies panel discussion on 17 October at 15:00 (free, bookings recommended)
- Brunswick Aces Gin pop-up on 9-10 and 16-17 October from 12:00 to 19:30
Each activity offers a blend of education, creativity, and nature appreciation tailored to families and curious minds.
All events take place at the Australian Drylands Precinct within the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, located on Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne. The precinct showcases a living gallery of dryland plants adapted to future climate conditions.
The gardens are open daily from 7:30 to 17:30, with the Visitor Centre open from 9:30 to 17:00. The location is accessible by public transport and offers a peaceful environment perfect for family outings.
Parking and facilities are available nearby, making it easy for parents to bring children and enjoy a full day of activities.
Please note that some workshops require bookings and have associated costs, so early registration is recommended to secure your place. Drop-in sessions like the artist-in-residence and gin pop-up are free and open to all.
Children should be accompanied by adults, and appropriate outdoor clothing is advised as activities take place outdoors.
The event celebrates ecological awareness and creativity, making it a wonderful opportunity to engage children with environmental themes in an inspiring setting.
Prices vary by activity:
- Artist-in-residence sessions: Free, drop-in anytime
- Nature Journaling workshop: $40 adult, $35 concession (bookings essential)
- Bird ecology walks: $30 adult, $25 concession (bookings essential)
- Queer Ecologies talk: Free (bookings recommended)
For more information and to book, visit melbournefringe.com.au. Early booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment.
Enjoy a memorable experience combining art, nature, and learning for the whole family.
