Ballarat Botanical Gardens Accessible Walk

Click here to view the walk and map:

https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/5878

Is this walk accessible for me?

This walk is accessible for everyone. It is easy to do by foot, in a wheelchair or with any other mobility aid. Opening hours are 7.30am. – 6pm (winter) or 9pm (summer).

What can I see?

You will visit gardens more than 100 years old with many very big trees and plants from all over the world. There is a hot house full of colourful flowers, a fernery and a pond with lily flowers. There are 12 large marble statues and also sculptures of every one of Australia’s Prime Ministers.

How accessible is the path?

Paths are wide, smooth, firm and flat. Many have kerbed edges. Surfaces are either sealed or of compacted gravel. The gravel paths may get slightly soft after rain. There is plenty of room for side-by-side travel and turning around.

There is a wide ramped pedestrian crossing between the Botanical Gardens, Pipers on the Lake accessible café and Lake Wendouree.

Rest areas

There are shelters in the gardens. They are generally accessible with wide, flat flooring between features and seats.

Regular seating lines the paths. These seats have armrests and are connected to the paths. However, many have lips or kerbing to cross before you can access them.

Accessible drinking water fountains are provided.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets at each end of the Botanical Gardens. The northern toilet block has sealed paths and multiple accessible toilets, including a changing places bathroom (Master Locksmith’s Access Key required). Note: there is a slotted grate on the Wendouree Parade side path beside the neighbouring public toilet block that is a wheel trap for narrow wheeled chairs. Use the other paths.

Dogs

Dogs, cyclists and scooters are not permitted.

Public Transport

Bus No. 10 (Gillies St North) has a stop close to the back entrance via a sealed footpath. It has a shelter and passenger information.

The local Heritage Tram runs for tourist use on limited hours. It is not accessible.

Parking

There are several accessible parking spaces. Except for the two beside Pipers on the Lake café, most do not have protected side space or ramps through roadside kerbing. Mobility aid users travel along the roadside to footpath ramps.

The following photos and descriptions provide more information regarding accessibility. Conditions may change. If you notice any variations, please let us know.

We would like to know what people with disability and carers think of this accessible Walking Map. Please tell us by completing this 5 minute survey . Your feedback will help us to create high quality information about accessible walks..

Is this walk easy for me to do? Yes, this walk is easy for everyone. You can walk, use a wheelchair, or any other mobility aid. The gardens are open from 7:30 am to 6 pm in winter and 9 pm in summer.

What will I see? You will see old gardens with big trees and plants from around the world. There is a greenhouse with colorful flowers, a fern house, and a pond with lilies. You will also see 12 big marble statues and sculptures of all Australia’s Prime Ministers.

Are the paths easy to use? The paths are wide, smooth, and flat. Some have edges with curbs. The paths are either paved or made of packed gravel, which might get a bit soft after rain. There is lots of room to walk side by side and turn around.

There is a wide ramp for crossing between the Botanical Gardens, Pipers on the Lake café, and Lake Wendouree.

Rest areas There are shelters in the gardens with wide, flat floors.

There are seats along the paths with armrests. Some seats have small steps or curbs to cross.

There are drinking fountains you can reach.

Toilets There are easy-to-use toilets at both ends of the gardens. The north toilets have paved paths and many easy-to-use toilets, including a special bathroom (you need a Master Locksmith’s Access Key). Note: There is a grate on the Wendouree Parade path that can trap narrow wheels. Use other paths.

Dogs Dogs, bikes, and scooters are not allowed.

Public Transport Bus No. 10 (Gillies St North) stops near the back entrance on a paved path. It has a shelter and information.

The local Heritage Tram is for tourists and not easy to use.

Parking There are some easy-to-use parking spots. Most do not have extra side space or ramps from the road. People using mobility aids go along the road to the path ramps.

Please look at the photos and information for more details. Things might change, so let us know if you see anything different.

“Together More Active” is a partnership between Victoria Walks, Disability Sport and Recreation and Regional Sport Victoria.