Wilson Botanic Park Berwick

Berwick, Australia

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Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, is a large botanic garden set on a reclaimed quarry site originally operated by the Wilson family from 1859 to 1976.

The park spans about 39 hectares and features two main lakes, Anniversary Lake and Basalt Lake, which were former quarry pits. During quarry excavations, fossilized remnants of a tropical forest dating back 22 million years were found, including the earliest known Eucalyptus fossils.

Developed into a botanic park starting in 1988 and officially opened in 1992, it now showcases a diverse collection of native and exotic plants, including a rose garden with many labeled species. Visitors can enjoy walking trails around the lakes, lookouts with panoramic views, a playground, an education center, picnic facilities, a bird hide for wildlife watching, and a sensory garden.

The park is known for its natural beauty, varied plant collections, and a population of long-necked turtles in the lakes. It provides a peaceful, scenic environment close to suburban Melbourne and offers both recreational and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.