Wilsons Botanical Park |
Only minutes from the Monash Freeway, the park attracts local and international visitors and is sanctuary to an abundance of native animals.
Perched on the edge of the Basalt Lake, the Birdhide provides the perfect cover for bird watching. The Directional Marker on the cliff above identifies panoramic highlights of Berwick and beyond.
The picnic areas of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick are the perfect place for a BBQ with friends and the playground is popular with kids. Many enjoy the wonderful walking tracks around the picturesque lakes.
When you wander through the grounds of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick, it is difficult to imagine the site was an operational quarry until the late 1970s.
The quarry was founded by William Wilson in 1859. Mr Wilson recognised a business opportunity and began excavating the site which would soon become renowned for producing some of the highest quality basalt in the Melbourne region.
The transformation of the quarry site began in the late 1980s when work commenced by the then City of Berwick.
In 1992, the Honourable Bill Hayden A.C., Governor General, officially opened Wilson Botanic Park Berwick, in memory of early pioneers.
A fossil seam is not something commonly found in a botanic garden or park, but Wilson Botanic Park Berwick is lucky enough to have two!
During the operational days of the quarry many fossils were found, some more than 22 million years old. They include fossilised wood, leaves and pollens of flowering plants and conifers.
The fossil sites, which have been studied by universities across Australia, boast both tropical and temperate species. It is rare to find these varieties in one place. Such evidence reveals that the site was tropical rainforest many years ago.
The beauty of Wilson Botanic Park Berwick begins even before you get to the car park. The oak lined driveway is a prelude to the 39 hectares of natural botanic wonder that lies beyond.
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick now offers barista-made coffee during visitor center hours.
Opening Hours
7.00 am - 6.00 pm
7.00 am - 9.00 pm (during daylight savings)
Visitor Centre open 10.00 am - 4.00 pm daily
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick is open every day except Christmas day and Good Friday.
Please make your way out of the Park 15 minutes prior to closing time as the gates are locked promptly at 6.00 pm or 9.00 pm (daylight savings). There is no
access to the Park outside these hours.
Code red declared fire danger ratings
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick will be closed on Code Red fire danger days.
For more information on Code Red days, visit the CFA website.
Admission
Free, except when special events are held at the park.
How to get there
By Car
The best way to travel to Wilson Botanic Park Berwick is by car or private coach. The trip will take approximately 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD.
From Melbourne, follow the Monash Freeway (M1) towards the South Eastern suburbs. Keep following the MI1 towards Warragul and then turn off at the first Berwick exit (exit 23). Turn left of the ramp onto Princes Highway (C101) towards the township of Berwick.
In 1.2 kms on the left hand side you will see tourist signs for Wilson Botanic Park Berwick. The turn-off is located directly opposite Coniston Avenue.
If you are using a GSP to navigate, please enter your destination as 'corner of Princes Highway and Coniston Avenue, Berwick'.
Public Transport - From Berwick Railway Station
The closest train station to the Park is Berwick Railway Station, which is on the Pakenham train line. The Park is approximately 2km from Berwick Railway Station and you can choose one of the following options to travel to the Park:
Bicycle (10 mins) or Walking (30 mins) - Travel north down Gloucester Avenue until you reach Princes Highway. Turn left (head west) onto Princes Highway. Once on princes Highway, there is an off-road bicycle and walking track.
The approximate cost for a taxi is between $7 -$10 one way, contact Dandenong Taxis on 97912111
From Berwick Railway Station - take the route 828 bus and get off at stop 3695
From Pakenham or Fountain Gate - take the route 926 bus and get off at stop 3695
❊ Address ❊
⊜ 668 Princes Highway Berwick 3806 View Map
✆ Telephone: 9707 5818
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Wilsons Botanical Park
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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