There are two formal entrances to the Gardens from Wendouree Parade. The main entrance is the Morey Gates opposite Lake Pavilion and the southern entrance is the McDonald Gates and Pergola.
 
The Prime Ministers Avenue
A collection of bronze portraits of all 25 Australian Prime Ministers is set within the magnificent Horse Chestnut Avenue. One of the founding fathers of Federation was Alfred Deakin who was the first Federal Member for Ballarat and the second Prime Minister. Prime Ministers of Australia
 
Australia's Prime Minister John Howard meets his likeness in Ballarat.
The Fernery
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This building was originally constructed in 1876 as a Camelia House. In 1884 gabled extensions were made to create the Batten Fernery as shown in the old photograph. The present building is largely from the 1950s and plans for refurbishment include a modern reconstruction of the high-pitched roofline.
At left: The 'gothic fantasy' of the Batten Fernery in the 1880s.
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On the south side of The Fernery there are three unusual Ginkgo 'Maidenhair' trees and a rock-walled waterlily pond with goldfish.
Craft Cottage
Through the Fernery is Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage which was relocated to the Gardens from behind Craig's Hotel in 1934. The weatherboard cottage houses mementoes of the life of this great Australian poet and horseman. Items produced by members of the Ballarat Craft Council are exhibited here and are available for purchase.
Email : The Robert Clark Centre rccadmin@ballarat.vic.gov.au
URL : http://www.ballaratbotanicalgardens.com/gardens/central2.htm
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