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New regional botanic gardens in full bloom

11/05/2023

Locals and visitors in the Campaspe Region have more parklands to explore with the Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens now open, thanks to support from the Victorian Government.

The gardens are now open and backed by more than $1.6 million from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and Stronger Regional Communities Plan. The gardens are set to attract more sightseers to the region with a new place to explore, relax and learn.

The project includes a sensory garden and the Green Thumbs Nursery which was completed in 2021.

Located in Girgarre, the four-hectare sensory garden is part of the project’s second stage which showcases the region’s colourful and unique indigenous plants that embrace themes of five senses – taste, touch, sight, smell and sound. The gardens aim to immerse visitors in Australian flora and nature through these themes.

This stage also delivers a water feature and lookout to take in the gardens natural scenery while educating visitors about the region’s plant life. Some of the flora on display is endangered with the gardens providing a place to preserve local species.

The Australian Government has also contributed funding to deliver an on-site café that was also officially opened today, offering a place for visitors to relax and enjoy the new sensory space.

The gardens are located on land formerly owned by the Heinz group. The factory operated in Girgarre until its closure in 2012 when Heinz gifted the land to the community enabling the creation of the gardens.

Girgarre is a small town in the Campaspe Shire and is home to live music events including the Girgarre Moosic Muster and monthly Girgarre Farmers’ Produce and Craft Market.

With planting complete, the gardens are expected to blossom in the coming months and years. The gardens are open from 7:30am to 5:00pm every day.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. The Fund is key to the Government’s more than $36 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015.

For more information, visit Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

Aerial photograph of the Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens showing the new garden installations and walking path, lined by mature trees