THE FRIENDS
A lively and dedicated group formed in 1995 with the aim of promoting and supporting Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford.
We are a not for profit, volunteer organisation whose purpose is to work for the benefit of the Botanic Gardens, to raise money for its ongoing maintenance and development and to bring like-minded people together to share these projects.
We run events locally to raise money and promote community awareness of the Gardens. Events in the last 12 months have included open garden days, a cocktail party, talks and plant sales. We also maintain a large bed of shade loving plants in the Gardens themselves.
The Friends is an incorporated association and warmly welcomes new members to its ranks. Applications can be made by clicking the Become a member button and it will then go to the next Committee meeting for approval.
ACN A0035651A ABN 15396971902
Contact
PO Box 267
Daylesford VIC 3460
Email the secretary for questions, queries, feedback or anything else:
DONATE
If you would like to donate or renew memberships directly to avoid us losing commission, the bank details are:
The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens BSB 633-000 Acc 146386792 (Remember to give your name).
THE GARDENS
Founded in 1862, the Gardens were planted with fashionable and newly discovered conifers. In 1869 Baron von Mueller contributed another large collection of important plant material to the Daylesford Gardens.
Today, it grows some of the rarest, largest and finest conifers in Victoria, along with majestic, historic deciduous trees and an extensive collection of unusual cool climate garden plants. An impressive variety of choice Hellebores thrives in the Gardens.
The Gardens are a registered Victorian Heritage Site (VHR H2202).
At an elevation of 668 metres, it is uniquely located on a cool, volcanic hill with deep fertile soils, high rainfall and extensive views into the surrounding plains. It is also home to a moist fern gully and rustic cascade, part of later design developments in the 1880s by leading horticulturalists, Taylor and Sangster.
As a public garden this is a picturesque setting for walking, picnicking, photography, painting, sketching and tranquil contemplation of extensive views.
Dogs are welcomed on lead, with many shady and secluded paths to explore. Climb the Pioneer Lookout Tower, opened in 1938, and manned during WWII as an air-observation post. Find rustic sculptures by local artist Miriam Porter.