A grant of $20,000 has been awarded to Moyne Shire to rejuvenate and enhance the formal entrance of the Port Fairy Botanic Garden.

The project will see the re-installation of a fully refurbished ornate fence and gate, replacing the replica 1980s wrought iron fence and gate which are badly corroded.

Port Fairy Botanic Gardens, established in 1859, is recognised as one of Victoria's traditional 19th century botanic gardens, now featuring a small area of historic ornamental garden, specimen trees and historic recreational buildings.

The project aims to improve the entrance, support the heritage values of the garden and add to visitor experience.

Camperdown Botanic Gardens and Arboretum will receive $83,000 to go towards a suite of works, including new tree planting and opening the arboretum to the public.

The gardens and arboretum trust secured the state government grant after eight years of working towards the conservation and improvement of the significant heritage-listed site.

Trust secretary Janet O'Hehir welcomed the news.

"This funding will give a huge boost to our program of improvement. It will enable new perimeter fencing for the whole site, arboricultural work for significant trees in the Arboretum and the planting of succession trees.

"This work will be a step towards the re-opening of the arboretum to public access.

"It will also fund resurfacing of paths in the botanic garden and some new garden furniture which will enhance the experience of the many visitors who are now coming to the gardens.

"Corangamite Shire Council and the Trust will collaborate in the works, which will be a further step in the rejuvenation of this special place.

"The Botanic Gardens and Arboretum have the potential to be a major attraction for our region, and are a wonderful amenity for people who live locally."

Redesigned in the 1880s by William Guilfoyle, Camperdown Botanic Gardens is also recognised as one of Victoria's significant 19th century botanic gardens and has an important collection of heritage trees.

Arboricultural works will improve and prolong the health of the tree collection while propagation and sourcing of twenty selected trees will contribute to a tree specimen succession plan.

Trees in the original arboretum will be protected from sheep and cattle grazing by new perimeter fencing.

Upgraded paths and new bench seats and picnic tables will add to the amenity of the gardens and improve visitor experience.

The project will be auspiced by Corangamite Shire.

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