The Williamstown Botanic Gardens have reached a significant milestone, celebrating their 165th anniversary earlier this month.
The gardens officially reached the 165-year mark on January 2, having been formally opened on the same date in 1860.
While the official anniversary has already passed, Hobsons Bay council is planning to mark the occasion by holding various events throughout 2025, including tours, talks, a giant plant sale, art workshops, plant propagation days and many other activities.
The milestone will be capped off with a garden party in November, emulating those of 19th century Williamstown in an ode to the gardens’ history.
Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander said the Williamstown Botanic Gardens are a special place, not just for the Hobsons Bay community, but for all Melburnians.
“It is a testament to curators and gardeners to have the gardens remain a place of significance for more than a century and a half,” Cr Kellander said.
“From enjoying nature, sharing a picnic, to family gatherings and even weddings, the gardens have something for everyone.”
The 10 acre site bordered by the Esplanade, Garden Street, Griffith Street and Osborne Street, was originally set aside in 1856 following a petition by local residents.
The gardens were designed by prominent artist and landscape designer, Edward La Trobe Bateman and laid out by William Bull, the first surveyor to the Williamstown Council.
The gardens are the second oldest botanic gardens in metropolitan Melbourne behind the Royal Botanic Gardens which opened in 1846.
The St Kilda Botanic Gardens opened in 1861.
Today the Williamstown Botanic Gardens are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
For more information, visit: hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/WilliamstownBotanicGardens
