The sprawling Adelaide Botanic Garden flanks the northeast edge of the city. This extensive green space is made up of 48.5 hectares (120 acres) of landscaped parklands, glass houses and scientific research facilities. Founded in 1857, as envisioned by Adelaide’s original planner, Colonel William Light, the garden has a rich history of providing conservation, education and fascination.
Start your visit by entering from Plane Tree Drive and strolling down Murdoch Avenue, home to the oldest strip of Moreton Bay fig trees in Australia. When you get to the Kainka Wirra Main Lake at the end of the avenue, take a left to Schomburgk Pavilion to find the Visitor Information Centre, the garden shop and a café. Here you can decide the best way to see the rest of the park.
Take a free guided tour from the Visitor Information Centre or a self-guided tour using the MyParx app on your smartphone. And, of course, you can always simply wander around the garden and explore.
Make your way through the Madagascan plants inside the Palm House. This glass house, imported from Bremen, Germany, in 1875, is considered a feat of architecture. There are two other glass structures in the garden: the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion and the Bicentennial Conservatory, built to commemorate Australia’s bicentenary in 1988.
Stop to smell the roses at the International Rose Garden, and see what might be next for Australian rose enthusiasts at the National Rose Trial Garden. Here, roses from around the world are tested to see whether they can withstand Australia’s climate.
You’ll feel inspired after a day in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Select from a range of seeds and books available in the garden shop to bring your inspiration home.
Entry to Adelaide Botanic Garden is free and opening hours are seasonal. Many of the exhibits are indoors, so dry weather isn’t essential for your visit. The gardens can be reached on foot from the city centre. Ticketed parking is available on Plane Tree Drive.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities
Visit Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Tours & day trips
See all 133 activitiesOpens in new tabBarossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch from Adelaide
Activity duration is 8 hours
4.8 out of 5 with 134 reviews
Free cancellation available
Private & custom tours
See all 25 activitiesOpens in new tabAdelaide: Private Cultural Tour of Adelaide Botanic Garden
Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Cruises & boat tours
See all 12 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Goolwa: Half-Day Coorong Experience
Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Shopping & fashion
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabSouth Australia: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour
Activity duration is 8 hours
5.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Adventure & outdoor
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Adelaide: 4-Day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges 4x4 Tour
Activity duration is 4 days
Free cancellation available
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Best Lodging Options Near Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Check availability on hotels close to Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Mayfair Hotel
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Hilton Adelaide
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
55 Frome Street, Adelaide, SA
The Playford Adelaide MGallery
120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Crowne Plaza Adelaide, an IHG Hotel
27 FROME STREET, Adelaide, SA
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
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ibis Adelaide
122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA
Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide
125 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.