Barooga Botanical Gardens

On 1 October 1992, the Rotary Club of Cobram met to consider establishing the Barooga Botanical Gardens on the old cricket ground. The proposal was approved, and a committee of local residents was formed to explore options for the neglected Crown land. Barooga Rotarian Geoff Brentnall became the inaugural president, with Daryl Yeaman as secretary and Norm Wright among eleven committee members.

The site was an unsightly gully in need of complete transformation. Funds were raised to engage local landscape designer Vanessa Ranken to prepare plans, while Yeaman's legal expertise supported negotiations with Berrigan Shire Council.

Volunteers from Barooga and Cobram, supported by the Cobram Barooga Rotary Club, cleared the six‑acre site. Gravel paths were laid with material from the Tocumwal quarry, and local contractors donated time and equipment. Two historic palms were transplanted from Seppelt's vineyard, a cedar tree from the Barooga P.S. yard, and further plantings followed. Numerous community groups contributed funds for trees and irrigation.

The Gardens were officially opened on 1 November 1993 by local MP Jim Small, Berrigan Shire Mayor Heather Wilton, and Vanessa Ranken. In 1994, further funding enabled BBQ areas, a toilet block, and electricity.

Today, the Gardens reflect the vision and dedication of Brentnall, Yeaman & Wright.

Entirely volunteer‑maintained and supported by a plant stall every Tuesday 9am–11am, preserved as a peaceful space for special occasions.