South Yarra Attractions

The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden, located at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, is a magical place for children to discover the world of plants.

Attracting over 1.6 million visitors annually, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a treasured part of Melbourne's cultural life and a valuable asset to the heritage-rich city. With its stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the Gardens are a place of continual discovery and delight.

La Trobe's Cottage was Victoria's first Government House. It was the home to Charles Joseph La Trobe, his wife Sophie and their children from 1839 to 1854. He arrived as Superintendent of the Port Phillip district of New South Wales and became Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria in 1851.

Accessible only by boat, Herring Island, 3.2 hectares in size, is just 3 km from the city, and the only substantial island in the Yarra River. This informal parkland has provided the inspiration for curator Maudie Palmer to develop a concept in which artists are commissioned to create site-specific sculptures. Created from natural materials such as stone, earth and wood, the sculptures appear as part of the landscape to reflect the Island's unique and tranquil setting. In particular, different types of stone have been brought from various locations to the island.

Boasting one of Melbourne's finest gardens and an inspiring historic mansion, the property provides a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of its former owners, one of Australia's wealthiest pioneer families. Now 160 years old, a visit to Como reveals the life and times of Melbourne aristocracy and offers an insight to the transformation of the city through the Gold Rush, Depression and two World Wars.

Spirit - Connection - Land