They say good things come in threes, but it must be trees they’re talking about, given that three Aussie gardens have just made a list of the world's best. Australia is full of glorious patches of greenery, but our botanic gardens are easily some of the best places to sprawl out in the sun. From sunrise to sunset, you’ll find locals picnicking on the lush lawns, wandering among the native trees, or perhaps catching a flick at one of the Moonlight Cinemas. And it’s not just us who think Australia’s floral sanctuaries are pretty bloomin’ great.
Travel insurance provider InsureandGo analysed data from around the world to compile a list of the top gardens that flora-fanatics should visit around the world. They took into account the size of gardens, range of plant species, volume of related Google searches, traveller ratings and Instagram hashtags, with the combined score used to rank the top 20.
Melbourne's Royal Botanic Garden made the top five, with 96.9 per cent of traveller reviews sitting at four stars or higher. Sydney's waterside Botanic Garden ranked 12th, with 96.4 per cent of traveller reviews sitting at four stars-plus. Meanwhile, Adelaide Botanic Garden tied in 15th spot, with 96 per cent of reviews sitting at four stars or higher.
The study also used the garden-related data to determine which countries should be on the bucket list of garden lovers, and with its abundance of beautifully curated green spaces, Australia ranked as the sixth best country overall for flower fans. According to the study, the garden most worthy of a place on our bucket lists is Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Arizona, and the UK ranked as the best country overall for garden enthusiasts.
Want to make friends with trees? Here are the best national parks in Australia.
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