Site logo

Review: The Wind in the Willows – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Wind in the Willows, presented by the Australian Shakespeare Company, is an entertaining outdoor theatre experience in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Celebrating over 35 years at this iconic location, this production brings Kenneth Grahame’s beloved classic to life in a way that engages audiences of all ages.

Advertisement

Review: The Wind in the Willows – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Image: The Wind in the Willows, credit Kiddiehood

When I told my three kids we were going to see The Wind in the Willows, their response was, “Who?” That’s when I realised I had never shared this classic story with them. With fond memories of the novel and the 1983 movie featuring Mole, Rat, Badger, and the ever-spirited Mr. Toad, I gave them a brief introduction to the tale before we set off.

Review: The Wind in the Willows – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Image: The Wind in the Willows, credit Kiddiehood

The performance begins at Oak Lawn, near the stunning Lily Pond. From the moment Head Chief Rabbit hops onto the scene, the audience is welcomed into the adventure. With a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose, kids are transformed into honorary rabbits, ready to sing, shout, and fully immerse themselves in the performance. All the beloved characters appear—Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and the outrageous Mr. Toad.

Advertisement

Review: The Wind in the Willows – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Image: The Wind in the Willows, credit Kiddiehood

The performance transitions between two locations within the gardens, creating a sense of exploration that complements the story’s adventurous spirit. The props are simple but effective, with the red car zipping through the gardens being a clear favourite among the kids.

Review: The Wind in the Willows – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Image: The Wind in the Willows, credit Kiddiehood

While the show is aimed at younger children, it includes plenty of enjoyable moments for the entire family. The classic pantomime style features clever jokes, lively songs, and interactive opportunities, that encourage the kids to get involved.

My eight-year-old son stayed fully engaged, sitting at the front and laughing out loud at Mr. Toad’s antics. This performance is a fantastic way to spend time in the gardens, combining fun theatre with a relaxing outdoor experience. The Wind in the Willows is perfect for entertaining the kids and introducing them to a classic story.

Review: The Wind in the Willows – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Image: The Wind in the Willows, credit Kiddiehood

Advertisement

Review: The Wind in the Willows – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Image: The Wind in the Willows, credit Kiddiehood

The Wind in the Willows is on at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. until 25 January 2025.

Important Information

Seating
The Wind in the Willows features picnic-style seating, so chairs are not provided. To make your experience more comfortable, bring picnic rugs, cushions, or camping chairs.

Weather Preparation
Be ready for all weather conditions. Pack raincoats for wet weather, and hats and sunscreen for sunny days.

Food and Beverages
You may bring food and drinks to enjoy a picnic during the show.

Getting There

Public Transport

  • Tram: Routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, and 72 (Stop 19 Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd).
  • Bus: Route 605 (Melbourne Observatory/Birdwood Avenue).
  • Cycling: Bike paths along the Yarra River and Melbourne CBD lead to the Melbourne Gardens. 

Driving

  • Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.
  • Parking: Paid street parking ($4 an hour) is available for up to four hours along Birdwood Avenue. However, availability may be limited during nearby events. Accessible parking is also available along Birdwood Avenue.

For more details on how to get there, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne website. For accessibility information, see the Accessibility section of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne website.

Performance Location
The show is held near the Oak Lawn Gate (formerly F Gate) in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, located close to the National Herbarium. Please enter via F Gate and follow the signage to the performance area. Note that directional signs are limited to this gate

We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.

Kiddiehood Logo

Looking for fun things to do with the kids?

Explore our kid-friendly directory

Comments

  • No comments yet.
  • Add a comment