Immerse yourself in the Australian Drylands with this unique audio tour at Melbourne Gardens.
Ongoing activity
Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Free
Step into the serene world of Australian Drylands through the innovative Sonica Botanica audio tour. This immersive experience invites you to explore the garden's stories, themes, and scientific insights while enjoying the natural beauty of Melbourne Gardens. Perfect for families seeking a calm yet engaging outdoor activity.
You'll hear captivating interviews with horticulturists, scientists, and Indigenous voices, including biogeographer Prof. Michael-Shawn Fletcher and award-winning poet Dr Jeanine Leane. Their words enrich the landscape, weaving culture and science into a unique sonic journey.
Bring your headphones and wander the garden paths at your own pace, scanning QR codes at featured locations to unlock these sublime soundscapes. This experience is designed to deepen your connection to nature and culture in a relaxed, accessible way.
Sonica Botanica is a self-guided audio tour available daily throughout the year. It focuses on the Australian Drylands section of Melbourne Gardens, highlighting the garden's response to climate change challenges. The tour is free and suitable for all ages, making it an ideal family outing.
The audio content includes a mix of storytelling, scientific discussion, and poetry, offering a rich, multi-layered experience. The tour duration depends on your pace, allowing for a leisurely exploration or a focused listening session.
No prior booking is required. Simply download or stream the audio, or scan QR codes onsite. This flexibility makes it easy to fit into your family's schedule.
The tour takes place at Melbourne Gardens, located on Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne. The gardens are open daily from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, with the Visitor Centre operating from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Access the Australian Drylands area where the Sonica Botanica experience is featured. The garden paths are stroller and wheelchair friendly, ensuring accessibility for families with young children or mobility needs.
Public transport options and parking are available nearby, making it convenient for families to visit without hassle.
This is a self-guided audio tour best enjoyed with headphones to fully appreciate the sound quality and immersive experience. Bring your own headphones or use your preferred device.
The tour is free of charge and available every day, so you can choose a time that suits your family best. Weather permitting, the outdoor setting offers a safe and healthy environment for children to explore.
Please respect the garden environment and follow all onsite guidelines to protect the plants and wildlife.
No booking is necessary for Sonica Botanica. The audio tour is free to access both online and onsite via QR codes.
For more information or assistance, you can contact the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria through their website or visitor centre.
Enjoy a cost-free, enriching family experience that combines nature, culture, and science in one beautiful setting.
