Special milestone for Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Published on 16 January 2025
Williamstown Botanic Gardens celebrates a special milestone in 2025, celebrating its 165th anniversary.
The gardens officially reached the 165-year mark on 2 January, having been formally opened on the same date in 1860.
Council will mark the occasion with various events throughout the year 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 garden’s history.
Opened in January 1860, 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. Today the gardens are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/WilliamstownBotanicGardens for more information about the Gardens.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Daria Kellander:
“The Williamstown Botanic Gardens hold a special place, not just for the Hobsons Bay community, but all Melburnians and people who visit.
“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.
“From enjoying nature, sharing a picnic, to family gatherings and even weddings, the Gardens have something for everyone.”