Restore Camperdown Botanic Gardens Rotunda

The rotunda at the high point of Camperdown’s Botanic Garden was a focus for social activity. It was a place for community celebrations and musical performances, and a lookout across the breathtaking volcanic landscape. The community has long cherished an ambition to reinstate it. A successful Pick My Project grant will enable stabilisation of the existing bluestone base; casting of structural elements including columns, ornamental lacework, railings and spiral staircase; and assembly on the site. The rotunda will be a feature of community celebrations in the future, and its restoration a fitting way to mark the 150th anniversary in 2019.

Restoration of Camperdown's Botanic Gardens and Arboretum is the second highest priority in Camperdown's community plan. Community volunteers have worked over the last five years to replant and maintain the gardens and arboretum. The reinstatement of the historic rotunda on its bluestone base will give impetus to the community's efforts to reclaim this much-loved community asset. The gardens are used for social, cultural and recreational purposes, including family events, weddings, birthday parties, music and plays. Reinstatement of the rotunda will re-establish the gardens as a primary visitor attraction and contribute to the visitor economy of Camperdown.