Gardens at Clayton

Monash University wants to be a world leader in sustainability and design of its grounds. The Clayton Campus is a fine example of campus design and planning in Australia. Fifty years ago, the Clayton site was a series of grassed paddocks. It is now a bustling campus with a wonderful vista of native trees and shrubs that few public, open spaces can match. We have been listed as an Australian Significant Landscape by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

Locate the gardens using the Clayton campus map

Aboriginal garden

This tranquil garden features plants and trees originally used by the South-Eastern and Eastern indigenous people of Australia...

Kenneth Hunt garden

This garden, named in honour of Monash University's first Dean of Engineering, features a clone of Newton's Apple tree...

Matheson Tree

The 400-500 year old River Red Gum predates the arrival of European settlers to Australia. It is named in honour of the first Vice-Chancellor...

Systems garden

Created in the 1970s, this garden is a haven of exotic plants from around the world, labelled and grouped according to their family...

Rainforest garden

This garden recreates the environment of a sub-tropical rainforest and promises visitors a refuge from the bustle of the university...

Religious Centre garden

This garden encircles the Religious Centre and showcases a diverse range of low lying plants from around Australia...

West Gate garden

This garden was created in 1994. The central focus of the garden is the ephemeral pond, or "billabong" which acts as water source for birds...

Monash Earth Sciences Garden

This geological garden is the first of its kind in Australia and the most comprehensive worldwide...

Rogan-En (Japanese garden)

This beautiful retreat is hidden behind a small wooden door which transports visitors to a little piece of Japan...

Lemon Scented Lawn

This garden, one of the largest at Clayton, is a popular place for students. Large lemon scented gums are planted throughout...