3 Beautiful Botanic Gardens in Adelaide, South Australia

Do you love visiting gardens? Then visit these three beautiful Botanic Gardens in Adelaide when you visit. All three are located throughout the city of Adelaide, with one situated in the city centre. It’s a great way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and take a break.

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All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.

Botanic Gardens in Adelaide City

If you are staying in the city centre and don’t have transport of your own, then the Adelaide Botanic Gardens are the place for you to enjoy the Botanic Gardens in central Adelaide.

A pleasant stroll along North Terrace will take you to one of the many entrances of this 125-acre parkland. Maps show you where the main places of interest are and the many paths at each of the gates.

Any time of the year is a great time to visit. Not only do you have sculptured and colourful outdoor gardens to visit, but also indoor exhibits showcasing plant life from around the world.

If you’re short on time, a stroll through the gardens will help restore your energy levels. Take a break on one of the benches or grassy areas and breathe in the fresh air.

All paths are well-paved, and it’s a pleasant, flat walk exploring the many colours as the seasons turn throughout the year.

The Botanic Gardens in Adelaide are free to visit any time of the year, and you could either bring a picnic lunch or enjoy eating in one of the three cafes/restaurants in the park.

While you’re in the area, you can also visit the Adelaide Zoo or walk back into the city centre following the River Torrens.

Admission is free.

Hours

Opening times	Closing times
Monday – Friday 7:15 am All Year Weekends and public holidays 7.15 am (Dec to Mar) 9:00 am (Apr to Nov)	December to March 7:00 pm (Mon to Wed) 9.00 pm (Thu to Sun, and public holidays) April to September 5.30 pm July 5 pm August to September 5.30 pm October to November 6.30 pm (Mon to Wed) 7.00 pm (Thu to Sun, and public holidays)

Parking

Ticketed car parking is available on Plane Tree Drive and in front of the Goodman Building and State Herbarium (located in front of the Rose Garden, closest to the Hackney Gate, marked as C17 on the map). Both car parks are accessed from Hackney Road.

Ticket machines accept credit or debit cards, as well as coins (excluding five- and 10-cent coins).

Funds collected from ticketed parking directly support the Garden’s world-class botanical collections, educational programs, and conservation efforts.

Click here to find up-to-date prices.

Weekends and public holidays are free.

Wittunga Botanic Gardens

If you want to explore a bit further afield, the Wittunga Botanic Gardens are still accessible to you via public transport.

At only 13 hectares, the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide feature gardens dotted around the paths, each with descriptions of their varied plant life.

Birdlife will serenade you with their calls in the treetops as ducks, swans and other waterbirds glide across the lake.

Not all the paths are paved, but they are still well-formed. Even on a showery day, it was a pleasant walk around the lake and gardens, learning about the plant life of South Australia.

Admission is free, and there is a large car park.

Hours

Opening times	Closing times
Every Day 8:30 am	Monday – Friday December – January: 7 pm February – March: 6 pm April – May: 5 pm June – August: 4 pm September: 5 pm October – November: 6 pm Weekends and public holidays October – March: 7 pm April – May: 5 pm June – August: 4 pm September: 5 pm

Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens

One of the most colourful Botanic Gardens in Adelaide is the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, especially in Autumn and Spring. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll find the leaves, flowers, or blooms reflecting the season.

Once again if you don’t have a car, public transport is available to you from the city.

With 97 hectares to explore, the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens is the place for the whole family to walk around and see nature at her finest.

Inside The Gardens

There are upper and lower car parks. Consider which option you prefer for parking your car, taking into account your fitness level. Remember, what goes down has to go back up again, and these parklands have steep areas.

Not all the trails are paved, which is something else to consider. Make sure you wear the appropriate footwear for your walk.

For more information on the trails in the gardens, please visit our website here.

If you have parked at the lower car park or walked down from the upper, the lakes will provide you with views back up the hillside.

Walking around the grounds, it is not only the changing colours of the leaves that show off the beautiful gardens.

Hopefully, when you are in Adelaide, you will get a chance to visit the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens. I’m sure it won’t disappoint you, regardless of the time of year you’re here.

Admission is free, although parking fees apply unless you visit on a Sunday.

Hours

Opening times	Closing times
Daily 8.30 am	Monday – Friday 4 pm Weekends and public holidays October to March: 7 pm April, May: 5 pm June, July, and August: 4 pm September: 5 pm

Parking Prices

Zone	Duration	Rate Mon-Sat per hour	Sundays & Public Holidays
Upper car park	Garden opening hours	$1 per hour or $4 flat fee for the day	Free
Lower car park	Garden opening hours	$1 per hour or $4 flat fee for the day	Free

If you need to use public transport, then here is the link to plan your journey. Both of these Botanic Gardens in Adelaide are out of the city and are only an hour away.

Conclusion

I hope you visit the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide one day and see for yourself how tranquil and peaceful they can be, even in the heart of the city centre.

Even if you don’t get to visit these Botanic Gardens in Adelaide, check out the Botanic Gardens that are in your city or the ones you are visiting.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping, and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.

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