WHO WE ARE

The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens (WHBG) are a vibrant group of active passionate volunteers formed in 1995.

We are a not-for-profit Incorporated Association for people who love the WHBG and want to protect, maintain and enhance this unique community asset for today and future generations.

The purpose of the Friends of WHBG is to support and develop the Gardens and assist our local council by fostering member and community engagement and running events and activities, such as the Growing Friends / Nursery Sales. The Friends also provide volunteers for the Gardens' operations and raise funds for the WHBG and associated projects.

The Friends strive to conserve and build upon the rich history of the WHBG, which dates back to 1862, and are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (H2202), supporting nature, biodiversity and sustainability of the Gardens. Today the Gardens are the home of a range of range of significant trees and rare plants including Hellebores, Camellias, Rhododendrons etc.  Some of these trees were part of Baron von Mueller’s distribution to public gardens across Victoria in his capacity as Government Botanist and the first Director of the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens.

By encouraging community involvement, while also fostering public appreciation for the Gardens, the Friends group champion the WHBG as a place for wellness for people, a haven for flora and fauna and a place to be enjoyed by visitors and community alike.