If you are visiting Adelaide and need to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, then there are three Botanic Gardens for you to enjoy.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
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.
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.
One of the many maps dotted around the gardens to lead you around the paths
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 the indoor exhibits showcasing plant life from around the world.
The Palm House, built in 1877, displays the array of plants from the island of Madagascar
If you are short on time, then a stroll through the gardens will 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 is a pleasant flat walk exploring the many colours as the seasons' turn throughout the year.
Even in winter, the spring blossom is coming out beside the lake
The gardens 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.
Walking paths lead you back into the city centre alongside the River Torrens
Admission is free.
Hours
Opening times:
- Monday - Friday: 7:15 am
- Weekends and public holidays: 9:00 am
Closing times:
- December - January: 7:00 pm
- February - March: 6:30 pm
- April: 6:00 pm
- May: 5:30 pm
- June - July: 5:00 pm
- August: 5:30 pm
- September: 6:00 pm
- October - November: 6:30 pm
Wittunga Botanic Gardens
If you want to explore a bit further afield, the Wittunga Botanic Gardens are still accessible for you via public transport.
At only 13-hectares, this park has gardens dotted around the paths with descriptions of its varied plant life.
Enjoy a picnic by the lake
Birdlife will serenade you with their calls in the treetops as ducks, swans and other waterbirds glide across the lake.
Waterbirds are only one type of wildlife that you'll find in these gardens
Not all the paths are paved but 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.
Information boards give you the history of plant life
Admission is free, and there is a large car park.
Hours
Opening times:
- Monday - Friday: 8:30 am
- Weekends, and public holidays: 10:00 am
Closing Times:
- Monday - Friday: 4 pm
- Weekends and public holidays: 5 pm
- Weekends during daylight savings: 6 pm
Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens
One of the most colourful places to visit in Adelaide is the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens. Whatever time of year you're visiting, 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 is an upper and lower car park. You should think about which one you want to park your car depending on your fitness level. Remember what goes down, has to go back up again, and these parklands have steep areas.
Paths criss-cross the parkland with steep sections heading back up to the upper car park
Not all of the trails are paved, which is something else to remember. Make sure you wear the appropriate footwear for your walk.
I was there at the beginning of winter, but autumn colours were still abundant
For more information on the trails in the gardens, you can visit the website here or particular garden areas here.
Unsealed paths may be a bit muddy or slippery after rain
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.
Views back up toward the upper car park still have autumn colours in the trees
Sculptures are dotted around, especially beside the lake
Walking around the grounds, it is not only the changing colours of the leaves that show off the beautiful gardens.
Flowers are still out in winter as you can see from this Fuchsia
Hopefully, when you are in Adelaide, you will get a chance to visit the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens. I'm sure that it won't disappoint you whatever time of the year you're here.
Admission is free although you do have to pay for parking unless you visit on a Sunday.
Hours
Opening times:
- Monday - Friday: 8:30 am
- Weekends, and public holidays: 10:00 am
Closing times:
- Monday - Friday: 4 pm
- Weekends and public holidays: 5 pm
- Weekends during daylight savings: 6 pm
If you need to use public transport, then here is the link to plan your journey. Both gardens out of the city are only an hour away.
If you have travelled down the Newell Highway, you may want to read my blogs on Silo Art - Brisbane to Adelaide or Attractions along the Newell Highway.
