Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Day Basin officially opened

Published on 26 November 2025

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Day Basin Official Opening

On Tuesday 25 November, Council came together with the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, Central Highlands Water and Regional Development Victoria to officially open the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Day Basin.

The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford, are a significant destination in the Hepburn Shire. The well-loved gardens are a popular site for visitors and locals alike.

The project has reinvigorated the central precinct of the gardens and features:

  • increased accessibility
  • improvements to the Alf Headland Conservatory
  • improvements to the forecourt of the Pioneer Memorial Tower and day basin
  • Addition of a recirculating and interactive water-rill feature
  • heritage conversation to the day basin and new balustrading
  • realignment of the parking area.

This project was funded by the Victorian Government who contributed $500,000, the Friends of the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens who invested $200,000, and Council who contributed $318,000 and has managed the project.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“We know that unique destinations like Wombat Hill play an important role in attracting visitors and boosting our regional economy – I'm happy to see that the botanic gardens will continue to play this role for years to come.”

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas

“People have been drawn to the beauty of Wombat Hill for more than a century, and it’s wonderful to see that the gardens have been uplifted and made accessible so that current and future generations can continue to visit.”

Quote attributable to Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council Cr Tony Clark

“As one of the Shire’s most popular destinations for both locals and visitors, the project reflects a strong partnership between Regional Development Victoria, the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, and Council.”

Read more about the project on the Participate Hepburn website