Stroll through Adelaide Botanic Gardens stunning eight garden rooms, a photo opportunity around every corner. The extraordinary elegance of the classic Greek styled Museum of Economic Botany, a garden where roses are seriously stress tested in the dry South Australian climate, lush cactus and succulent garden and more.
ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDEN ‘ROOMS’
- Find out the climate test roses undergo and be amazed at the bats who made their home in the mature trees. And if some of the roses look a bit tatty then they are ‘failing’ the South Australian climate test.
- Cactus and succulent plants garden, inspiration for gardeners living in semi-arid and dry climate zones.
- Economic garden has an excellent labelling system describing the use of the showcased plants from fibres, extraction of oils, herbs and spices.
- First Creek wetland tells the story of the importance of wetlands in Australia.
- Australian forest showcases native trees and shrubs.
- THREATENED PLANT SEED ORCHARD, in conjunction with Cranbourne, Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria and other notable gardens there is a collaborative effort to preserve and nurture threatened native species.
- Other garden rooms include a GARDEN OF HEATH with labels outlining medicinal plants. There is a South Australian Water Mediterranean Garden messaging the careful use of scant water supplies and an abundant LITTLE SPROUTS KITCHEN GARDEN.
Dahlia Garden is a great place for selfies in mid summer (January / February)
DIGGERS GARDEN SHOP
Along with North Terrace cultural enclave of museums and galleries, the Diggers Garden Shop is a great place to ferret out an authentic Australian made and produced gift from homeware and collectables. Gardening enthusiasts will relish flipping through the garden books.
If Kangaroo Island is on your bucket list yet there is no time then the DIGGERS GARDEN SHOP is home to a range of eucalyptus products from Kangaroo Island. The Diggers Garden Shop is located in the heritage listed North Lodge.
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The shop is staffed by volunteers and can unexpectedly close. Check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
CAFES & RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Botanic – Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Overlooking the Main Lake, Restaurant Botanic serves award-winning modern Australian cuisine, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs harvested daily from the garden, plus some of South Australia’s finest wines.
GARDENS KIOSK is undergoing a renovation, check Food and dining for further details.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES IN THE ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDENS
1989-built Bicentennial Conservatory is the largest single span glasshouse in the Southern Hemisphere
The Palm House invokes images of late 19th century strolls in public gardens with its very large collection of plants from Madagascar. The 1877-built Palm House is a rare surviving example of Victorian garden architecture.
Water Lilies are not an Australian native yet the Northern Territory waterways is now home to extensive naturalised lilies. The pavilion design mimics the lily and is centred around the original 1868-built pond.
The Santos Museum of Economic Botany (built 1811) has a classical Greek-style exterior and has serious looking leather bound books in glass cases. It is an excellent example of the formal, elevated nature of libraries in the past. It’s a place you feel you must whisper.
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GREY-HEADED FLYING FOXES
Grey-headed flying-foxes have made Botanic Park home since 2010 and they play a vital role in the ecosystem.
They are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 because they are vulnerable to extinction.
Heat waves cause stress to bats and their pups, and can cause them to fall to the ground. Visitors to Botanic Park are asked not to handle any bats, including the Grey-headed flying-foxes.
Find out more about the Grey-headed flying foxes from Green Adelaide.
Debunk 4 myths about Adelaide’s Grey headed flying foxes here.
ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDENS – OPENING HOURS
- The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is open every day with FREE ENTRY.
- FREE GUIDED TOUR departing from the Schomburgk Pavilion mid-morning (check website for specific details to avoid disappointment).
- Buildings such as the Museum of Economic Botany, the conservatory have various opening hours.
- Public transport connector bus route (free)circles around Adelaide by the gardens, zoo, the Oval and back into town.
Guided Aboriginal Cultural Tour of Adelaide Botanic Garden – Book Now, Pay Later
WHAT IS THERE TO DO NEARBY THE ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDENS
Nearby the Adelaide Botanic Gardens is …
- Adelaide Zoo
- North Terrace Museum precinct
- Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla is adjacent to Adelaide Botanic Garden, separated by a magnificent avenue of plane trees as it’s located on the northern side by the River Torrens and Adelaide Zoo. Relax under the canopy of the century-old Moreton Bay Fig trees, with their huge trunks and gnarled buttress roots.
Most Recommended Tours & Activities near Adelaide Zoo
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