

Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Australian National Botanic Gardens re-imagines natural environments from around the country in its 86 acres (35 hectares of former bushland on the lower slopes of Black Mountain. Visitors get a glimpse at the world’s most comprehensive display of native Australian flora—75,000 plants from more than 6,000 species.
The basics
The botanical collection is arranged by theme, with plants often grouped by geographic origin, botanical family, or how they’re used by Australia’s Indigenous population. Themed boardwalks and bush tracks wind through the gardens, including an Aboriginal Plant Use Trail, Bushland Nature Walk, and a main path that loops past some of the garden’s highlights. Visitors can also explore the gardens on a guided tour aboard an electric bus.
Things to know before you go
*The botanical gardens are a must-visit for families and outdoors enthusiasts. *Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to take some of the bush tracks. *Wheelchair users can access much of the garden via the accessible Main Path Walk.
How to get there
The main entrance to the garden is on Clunies Ross Street, about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from central Canberra. While it’s easy to get there on foot or by bike, it’s also possible to take one of several local buses or Transport Canberra’s Tourist Loop bus.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The gardens are open from 8:30am to 5pm daily (closed on Christmas). Each season brings something new to the gardens, so there isn’t really a bad time to visit. For the best spring flowers, plan to visit between September and November.
- Things to do in Batemans Bay
- Things to do in Jervis Bay
- Things to do in Blue Mountains
- Things to do in Sydney
- Things to do in Hunter Valley
- Things to do in Port Stephens
- Things to do in Yarra Valley
- Things to do in Melbourne
- Things to do in Phillip Island
- Things to do in Launceston
- Things to do in Byron Bay
- Things to do in Victoria
- Things to do in New South Wales
- Things to do in Tasmania
- Captain Cook Memorial Jet
- Commonwealth Park
- National Museum of Australia
- National Library of Australia
- Lake Burley Griffin
- Questacon: the National Science and Technology Centre
- National Portrait Gallery
- High Court of Australia
- Australian War Memorial
- National Gallery of Australia
- Australian Institute of Sport
- National Carillon
- Australian Parliament House
- National Zoo & Aquarium
- Mt. Ainslie