President Gael Shannon said the gardens were nominated for heritage registration in 1998 by the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens for their historical, scientific and aesthetic qualities.

"The siting of the gardens on the top of an extinct volcanic cone is quite rare, and makes for a distinctive local landmark," she said.

"Not only are the gardens of enormous significance to the community of Hepburn Shire, but their unique characteristics are of state and national importance."

Ms Shannon said land was set aside for a public garden in 1854 which was established by about 1865 as a botanical garden.

There was further development in 1870 and 1883, with significant design input from the distinguished landscape designer William Sangster, from 1884 to 1885.

"The noted 19th century botanist, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, donated may of the rare specimens of conifers and cool climate plants, which have thrived in Daylesford's cool, moist climate and rich volcanic soil," Ms Shannon said.

Later developments included the construction of the Pioneers' Memorial Tower in 1938 and the Alf Headland Conservatory in 1988.

"This is one of the finest botanic gardens in regional Victoria, and is important as one of the state's most intact examples of a 19th century botanic garden," Ms Shannon said. "It is one of the aims of the Friends to conserve and protect the gardens.

"Heritage registration affords the highest level of protection.

"It will ensure that there is no inappropriate development within or adjacent to the gardens."

Ms Shannon said the Friends, through Hepburn Shire Council's Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens Advisory Committee, have been working to improve and enhance the gardens in time for their 150th anniversary in 2013.

"We are lobbying hard to establish a secure water supply for the gardens, to ensure their survival in the face of drought and climate change.

"We want these gardens to be thriving and enjoyed by many generations to come."