Australian National Botanic Gardens

Nestled at the foot of Black Mountain in Canberra, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is a serene showcase of the continent’s unique flora. Spread over 90 hectares, it feels like a living encyclopedia of Australian plants, from ancient cycads to vibrant wildflowers. The gardens are a perfect escape for nature lovers, offering walking trails, a rainforest gully, and panoramic views of the city. Whether you’re a botany buff or just seeking a peaceful afternoon, this is a must-visit in the capital.

Highlights & What to See

• Rainforest Gully – A cool, shaded boardwalk winding through a lush fern-filled gorge, reminiscent of Tasmania’s temperate rainforests.
• Eucalypt Lawn – A living collection of over 600 species of eucalypts, from towering mountain ash to dwarf mallees, with informative signs.
• Red Centre Garden – A striking display of desert plants from central Australia, including spinifex, ghost gums, and red sand dunes.
• Rock Garden & Alpine House – A carefully landscaped area featuring hardy alpine plants and a small waterfall, perfect for photography.
• Aboriginal Plant Use Garden – Learn how Indigenous Australians traditionally used plants for food, medicine, and tools, with interpretive signage.
• Main Path & Views – Follow the main path up to a lookout over Canberra, with Mount Ainslie and Lake Burley Griffin in the distance.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two to three hours to explore the main gardens and walking trails. If you want to do the longer Banksia Walk or the Red Centre Garden loop, set aside half a day. The gardens are compact enough to see highlights in a morning, but easy to linger over a picnic or a coffee at the café. Combine with a visit to the nearby National Arboretum for a full day of green spaces.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• National Arboretum Canberra – Just a 10-minute drive away, this sprawling hillside features 94 forests of rare and endangered trees, plus a playground and café.
• Mount Ainslie Lookout – A short drive or 30-minute walk up to the summit for panoramic views of Canberra and the botanic gardens below.
• Lake Burley Griffin – The city’s centrepiece lake, ideal for a stroll, bike ride, or paddleboat hire, with the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.
• Parliament House & Old Parliament House – Canberra’s political heart, with free tours, art galleries, and the Museum of Australian Democracy.
• Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, a hands-on museum great for families, located on the lake’s edge.

Please check official sources for current details.