From old landfill to leafy lookout, share mini‑expeditions with your tween under a canopy of regeneration and rivers.
Once a city landfill, today the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton rises like a ziggurat of green promise centered around Honeysuckle Rise, a 30 m high lookout offering sweeping, treetop views across the Goulburn Valley (including the Broken & Goulburn Rivers) and surrounding farmland. The landscape unfolds beneath like a living canvas built on community power and native plant comeback.
Walk or cycle the gardens' 2–3 km of looping trails, ease up the Zig‑Zag path to the Terrace & Weaving Gardens, followed by the River Walk and native‑forest regeneration zone. Collect wildflower selfies as acacias, grevilleas and kangaroo paws bloom each season. Spot native birds in the restored wetlands. Take a pause at public art installations, then unwind with a riverside picnic at one of the many shaded rest areas.
It’s nature woven with meaning, an amazing model of how land changes and grows stronger. With wide, pram‑friendly paths and hidden sculptures to discover, tweens love the autonomy; parents love the peaceful surroundings. Shared conversation sparks naturally—about climate, history, design or that fleeting wildflower. It’s a fresh way to slow down, refresh over river views and approach the natural world together—with space to wander and talk.
✨ Family Goal: reset and reconnect
Grow something new this year, literally and symbolically. Pack a picnic and turn off the screens. Rise to the top of Honeysuckle Rise and rise again in curiosity, calm, and connection. Entry’s free, and the trails open all day, every day.
👉 Tip: Visit Spring (Sept–Nov) for wildflowers; pack a sketchbook or camera. Share the view and perspective with your favourite teen.
