Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden was established in 1993 to research, conserve and promote the wider appreciation of Australia’s arid zone flora. Located on the shores of Upper Spencer Gulf with spectacular views to the ancient Flinders Ranges, the Garden showcases a diverse collection of arid zone habitats in a picturesque setting of more than 250 hectares.As well as its stunning selection of arid zone plants, the garden is also home to more than 100 species of birds, and has a diverse population of repltiles, mammals and insects.It features a children's animal discovery trail, AridSmart display gardens where you can see how to use the plants in you home garden, and a visitor centre, which incorporates the Bluebush Cafe and the AridSmart Gift and Garden Shop. The cafe has mouthwatering menu choices and you can't go past the Quandong Smoothies. The AridSmart Gift and Garden Shop is where you can purchase a piece of the garden to take home. Its range of AridSmart plants will not only reduce your water bills but will bring the beauty of Australia's plants into your garden.
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4.5
439 reviews
Excellent
273
Very good
143
Average
17
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Travelling Pixie
Adelaide, Australia1,000 contributions
Jan 2022
We stopped here after a long drive and it was a good opportunity to stretch our legs and enjoy a walk for an hour or two. Sadly there were not many flowers in bloom so I would recommend the spring when I assume there would be more to see. The weather was cool, cloudy and trying to rain so there were no animals out to see either. Went into the visitors center and no one acknowledged us.
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Hallam, Australia998 contributions
Oct 2019
This botanical gardens has - hardly surprisingly given its location - the theme of arid lands. For those from more tropical or wetter climes this will be interesting and probably provide a window into a different world. Especially for those people who have done the east coast of Australia and are heading up the centre this is a good opportunity to get a bit of a taste of what you are going to be getting and put some thing into perspective for you.
There is a reasonable amount of parking, amenities and a cafe. Much of the area can be looked at by those in wheelchairs though a person to do some pushing may be helpful in some areas and the place isn't far from Port Augusta.
The main downside is that many people who hit Port Augusta will have just come across from over west or north and therefore driven through hundreds if not thousands of kilometres of dry, scrubby and quite frankly dead boring terrain and hence find this place a bit of 'meh'. Sorry but that's how it is.
There is a reasonable amount of parking, amenities and a cafe. Much of the area can be looked at by those in wheelchairs though a person to do some pushing may be helpful in some areas and the place isn't far from Port Augusta.
The main downside is that many people who hit Port Augusta will have just come across from over west or north and therefore driven through hundreds if not thousands of kilometres of dry, scrubby and quite frankly dead boring terrain and hence find this place a bit of 'meh'. Sorry but that's how it is.
Written 22 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Paul, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide a review of your visit & a 4-star rating. We work hard to provide a garden that showcases the amazing plants of arid Australia but realise this may not to be everyone's taste. We would highly recommend a guided garden tour with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides if you happen to call in again some day - they share their wealth of information with visitors Monday - Friday (10am) and leave a lasting impression on many of our visitors, who go away with a much better understanding of how amazingly adapted our native plants are. We welcome your feedback & would appreciate any suggestions you feel we could benefit from....as we are always a work in progress. Thanks again & all the best. Bernie
Written 2 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jane A
Adelaide, Australia36 contributions
Aug 2021
so many people have made this amazing place a truly great place to visit - can learn about all the different types of fauna and flora that grows in the middle of nowhere.
Cafe is fantastic - a lovely spot to stop, just outside of Port Augusta, heading north.
Highly recommend a stop here
Cafe is fantastic - a lovely spot to stop, just outside of Port Augusta, heading north.
Highly recommend a stop here
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K72
Melbourne, Australia3,074 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Wow, what a treat?
Gardens were so different to any I've visited before. We paid for a volunteer guide and learnt so much about the plants and trees. Tour took an hour and as we'd arrived late meant we didnt have extra time to wander around. Lots of native birds inhabit the area. Sit and listen and watch...enjoy!
Would be great visiting in Spring when everything is in flower.
Gardens were so different to any I've visited before. We paid for a volunteer guide and learnt so much about the plants and trees. Tour took an hour and as we'd arrived late meant we didnt have extra time to wander around. Lots of native birds inhabit the area. Sit and listen and watch...enjoy!
Would be great visiting in Spring when everything is in flower.
Written 4 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Adelaide, Australia3,680 contributions
Oct 2020
This is very close to the city, just off the Darwin Highway. There is an impressive entry, and then a sealed road leads to the Visitors’ Centre. Entry is free. Here there is a shop and café, and a number of short walks allowing visitors to experience the different types of desert vegetation. This is an excellent facility with value for conservation and education. On the other hand, I am not personally impressed by the desert flowers: they are mostly small and insignificant. However, we did enjoy having ice creams outside under cover, watching the abundant bird life, and enjoying the thunder storm. We drove out the short distance to the Red Cliffs Lookout
Written 23 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to provide a review. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit, the bird life & ice creams are popular with many.
Written 28 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bobjanh
Brisbane, Australia2,420 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
Located just a few know north of town , this place is great.
A lovely area with a wide range of native flora, well labelled and accessible by way of a number of walking tracks, the plants are lovely and attract an interesting array of birdlife.
An excellent, modern Visitors centre with cafe is on the grounds: the coffee was good and there were gluten free cake options. Provides a bit of respite from the heat on warmer days.
Well worth half a day to visit here.
A lovely area with a wide range of native flora, well labelled and accessible by way of a number of walking tracks, the plants are lovely and attract an interesting array of birdlife.
An excellent, modern Visitors centre with cafe is on the grounds: the coffee was good and there were gluten free cake options. Provides a bit of respite from the heat on warmer days.
Well worth half a day to visit here.
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonasa
Lethbridge, Canada331 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I went to the botanic gardens 3 times over the course of a weekend and enjoyed every minute of it. Not only an impressive array of plants, but the abundance and variety of birds is amazing. From zebra finches to raptors, lots of honeyeaters, fairywrens, babblers, and even smaller parrots (mulgas and elegants), it really is a great place for birders. There are even two bird hides. For bushwalkers, there is also a large network of trails. At the edges of the garden you can even find mobs of western grey and red kangaroos. I highly recommend a visit!
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gle E
Yarra Valley, Australia12 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
Well set out grounds, clear plant labels, lots of walks, the cafe food was sensational. Wife had the Banjo Tuna patties & native bush herbs. Go the native-flavoured ice-cream sampler: quanong, native lime, lemon myrtle, wattle seed (all using Laura’s Golden North ice-cream) ~A must taste. Delicious
Written 20 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie I
Mudgeeraba, Australia101 contributions
Sept 2022
Was so surprised by how good this was after so average entrance. But once inside just so pleased with the native plants and accompanying birdlife. Also blue tongue lizards abundant. Check out the bird hide just next door . Great stuff ,especially if you get to see the White winged Fairy Wren. Just beautiful.
Written 24 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4chillis
Adelaide, Australia1,243 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
I'm not normally into plants but I enjoy visiting the Australian Arid Lands Botanical Park. It is a gorgeous area and the sign posting is very engaging. Lots of different areas to explore so there is something for everyone. And it's continually changing as different areas grow! Fantastic free attraction in Port Augusta. They have a lovely visitor centre as well.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
Ocean Grove, Australia
Small dog on lead. Can I buy plants in the nursery with him on lead? Can we walk around the gardens? Outside at cafe? Hope answer is yes to all of these!! Responsible Senior lady travelling alone in campervan.
Written 11 February 2018
Dogs are not allowed in most of the gardens. There is a lot of wild life just roaming around so I expect that’s the reason. If you get in touch with the site there are nearby kennels which will Board dogs for the day
Written 12 February 2018
The entry to the gardens was free
Written 5 July 2016
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