Are you planning on a holiday in Australia? If you are, then Melbourne is one of the more recommended cities to visit.
With its beautiful sights, a wealth of attractions, and superb nightlife, there’s nothing not to like. As one of the best restaurants in Melbourne, Horn and Hoof Restaurant, European fine dining knows what it takes to enjoy yourself in the city.
We’ve served countless people in the past, all of which have been satisfied with our service. During this time, we’ve learned from their experiences and seen what they like and don’t like.
You wouldn’t be looking solely for fine dining in Melbourne, however. You’ll want to do things around the city. The Royal Botanic Gardens can be highly recommended.
If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, then it should be near the top of your list of things to do.
Why You Should Experience The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Visit Melbourne’s inner-city oasis. Over 10,000 plant species from around the world are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture. Sweeping lawns, tranquil lakes and majestic trees are home to an amazing range of wildlife.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens has been a treasured part of Melbourne’s cultural life for more than 170 years – much loved by generations of Victorians, as well as by many visitors from interstate and overseas.
It is a picturesque haven for recreation and an important resource for education, conservation, science and horticulture. Melbourne Gardens extends over 38 hectares and houses a collection of more than 10,000 species of plants from around the world, including amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from Southern China and, in the Rare and Threatened Species Collection, plants from south-eastern Australia.
Coupled with this are the vast range of things you can see on the The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, exterior. Some of the more attractive and popular of these are plants from the five main Mediterranean climates around the world.
Five things you didn’t know about the Royal Botanic Gardens.
1. Ornamental Lake is home to power couple Francis and Louise
Black swans Francis and Louise and their fluffy babies call Ornamental Lake home. If you’re lucky enough to spot the happy family, better to admire them from afar. Both parents are fiercely protective. June to November is peak cygnet season, with couples crafting nests on the edge of the lake. Teamwork is the key, and both Mum and Dad sharing egg-sitting duties.
2. The elusive giant water lily first flowered there
When explorers discovered the three-metre-wide water lily in 1801 Bolivia, it was big news. The gardens’ first director, Ferdinand von Mueller, had to have the horticultural wonder. When he brought the lily to Melbourne, most doubted the tropical plant would survive at all. And when it bloomed in 1867, crowds flocked to see the miracle.
It isn’t hard to see why. The butterscotch and pineapple scented blooms are magical. But your viewing window is short – they only live for 48 hours. Debuting white (and female), they become pink (and male) that night, before a purple costume change for their final curtain.
3. The lakes are older than European settlement
The picturesque lakes might look like a royal groundskeeper’s dream. But the natural water system they’re formed on goes way back before European settlement. The original four swamps opened onto the Yarra and the native short-finned eels provided an important food source for local Aboriginal people. Today the gardens are home to 370 native plants and 20 native mammal species. Find out more on a guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk when it’s back in business after lockdown.
4. The volcano is also a big watering can
The Guilfoyle’s Volcano crater is filled with water. Built in 1876, it looks like a decorative garden straight out of the 18th century. Unlike those follies, it’s super practical. The volcano recycles and stores nearby storm water, bio-filtering it through the wetlands. Built on the highest peak in the landscape, it uses gravity to circulate water to the gardens. Handy.
5. Horses used to mow the lawns
Yep, 1940s lawnmower. It’s was one horsepower.
Between the The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, interior and exterior, there’s more than enough for you to see. It’s easy to see why many tourists spend most of the day there.
Finish Off The Day With Food At Horn and Hoof Restaurant, European Fine Dining
Once you’re finished with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, it’s time to start thinking about food. When you’re looking for fine dining in Melbourne, there are countless options to choose from.
If you’re here on holiday, it can be difficult to choose which one to go to. You wouldn’t want to have a great day in the Garden, only to be spoiled by some bad food.
At Horn and Hoof Restaurant, we’re confident that won’t be the case with us. Conveniently located close to the Botanic Garden, we’re often seen as one of the best restaurants Melbourne.
With our comprehensive menu, friendly staff, and competitive prices, there’s nothing not to like when you visit us. What’s stopping you from topping off your day the right way?
Pop into Horn and Hoof Restaurant, and let us give you an amazing culinary experience.