The creation of the gardens was largely due to the efforts of the citizens of Williamstown who lobbied the Williamstown Council to persuade the State Government to set aside the land and then contributed to its early development through the donation of plants. Plants were also donated by Ferdinand von Mueller, first Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Daniel Bunce, first curator of the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
The gardens were designed by Edward La Trobe Bateman c.1858 and Williamstown municipal surveyor William Bull implemented the design, with significant alterations in the north east corner and the creation of a large pond by S. Thake, curator from 1899-1912. The gardens feature structures and design characteristic of the Victorian and Edwardian periods, including cast iron entrance gates relocated from South Yarra in 1907 and repaired in 1987, a marble statue of AT Clarke, local MLA, a rustic pond, a drinking fountain to commemorate the jubilee of the municipality and rock, timber and concrete edged paths and garden beds from the 1860s. The layout of the gardens is virtually intact from c.1907 and typifies the geometric layout of Victoria's earliest botanic gardens, with the design providing a major external vista to Hobsons Bay and a variety of picturesque internal vistas.
The Cache
This multi has a lot of stages, but is a short walk. It should take about 20 minutes.
Most waypoints highlight particular tree and are labelled in their botanical names.
Waypoints are listed in the Additional Waypoints, and also on the page.
All waypoints are in the form: 37 52.XXX and 144 53.XXX
WP1 - Black Gates
37 52.012 144 53.887
The Botanic Gardens were Opened in 18AB
(see plaque)
WP2 - Washingtonia robusta
37 52.003 144 53.838
These are certainly growing well here. Stretch your neck and count.
There are quite a few in these two rows. How many in each row? CD
(It is the same on both sides)
WP3 - Prunus subhirtella
37 52.000 144 53.842
This was planted to celebrate an agreement between two cities.
It was planted on the EF October 1994
WP4 - Fons bibens
37 52.018 144 53.821
This impressive stone monument is a good spot for a drink.
It commemorates the Jubilee of the Municipality 18G6 - 19H6
WP5 - Brachychiton rupestris
37 52.037 144 53.832
On the Sunset Lawn is an interesting looking tree.
Number of letter in the state name? JK
Note: the plaque is missing from the tree, so until it is replaced I would mention that the tree is tropical. It is surprising to see one growing so far south.
WP6 - Ficus macrophylla
37 52.058 144 53 808
Alfred Thomas Clark stands here looking very pompus, but it wasn't always the case. Have a look at his photo on the bottom of the cache page.
There are L groups of four trees around him.
WP7 - Cupressus macrocarpa
37 52.078 144 53.806
The 19th century pinetum, densely planted with a collection of conifers displaying interesting forms and foliage, is significant as an enclosed dark, evergreen space forming an effective windbreak for the Gardens in their coastal setting.
You don't need to count all the trees, just the seats on the pathway to the Ocean. M
WP8 - Arbutus unedo
37 52.037 144 53.860
Its common name may surprise you.
It is European, and its name is the Irish ------- Tree.
How many letters in the missing word? NP
WP9 - Araucaria cunninghamii
37 52.034 144 53.869
This tree is a softwood widely used in general construction, interiors, and furniture.
Not, as you might guess from its name, for making a popular toy in the 1960s.
How many letter in the first part of its common name? Q
Final location
The point you have been waiting for. A quick calculation and the cache will be yours.
37 52.(H+P)(G+N)(A+E) 144 53.(L+Q)(D)(C+J)
I hope you had a nice walk around these lovely gardens.