Royal Botanic Gardens & Lightscape

11 July 2026 | 2 min read

It was a pleasure to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and see firsthand the extraordinary work being undertaken to protect and preserve our natural heritage.

Home to the National Herbarium of Victoria, the Gardens care for more than 1.6 million plant, algae and fungi specimens, including collections dating back to the 1500s. This internationally significant collection plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity research, conservation and environmental management across Victoria.

The visit concluded with Lightscape, a spectacular winter experience that transforms the Royal Botanic Gardens into an immersive display of light and creativity, showcasing one of the world's great botanic gardens in a unique and engaging way.

My sincere thanks to Chair Penny Fowler AM, CEO Chris Russell and Chief Botanist Professor David Cantrill for their warm welcome and for sharing their expertise and passion for Victoria's remarkable natural environment.