Arid Lands Botanic Garden Cafe

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#2 of 12 Quick Bites in Port Augusta$$ - $$$, Quick Bites, Cafe, Australian

+61 8 8641 9117+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mon

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

202 reviews

#2 of 12 Quick Bites in Port Augusta

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

Cafe, Australian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

features

Location and contact

Stuart Highway, Port Augusta, South Australia 5700 Australia

+61 8 8641 9117

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Is this restaurant good for business meetings?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

Cafe, Australian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol

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4.5

202 reviews

Excellent

108

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Paul L

Hallam997 contributions

Exactly what you'd expect.

Oct 2019 • none

Lovely decor, lovely atmosphere, good views of parts of the garden and located in the main building with the gift shop etc this cafe is very much stock standard for what you'd expect in a place like this. The food wasn't cheap but what I had was nice and while I got the impression they weren't thrilled with how small the items were that I ordered I was in before the rush so they tolerated me taking up a table for a little while. Resistance is futile, you'll buy something here just like you buy something at every other exact same cafe during your trip. But again the food was nice and it's a perfect place to relax after a stroll around the gardens especially if the day is a warm one.

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.

Bernie144

Thanks so much for the review, really glad you enjoyed it - rest assured you are very welcome no matter the size/amount you order. Bernie

Written 28 May 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chris T

Alice Springs87 contributions

An off-highway surprise

Mar 2019 • none

I've passed this place maybe a dozen times before on journeys between Alice Springs and Adelaide and vice versa, but this time I finally decided to actually call in! It's a bonus to have an interest in things botanical, but it's not necessary. Much better done than I imagined, nicely set out formal gardens but also very natural displays as well. The visitor centre truly is an oasis, a great place to have say, breakfast, if you are about to take one of the long road journeys north or west of Port Augusta. Aircon, great food and service, you can't go wrong here for an off-road break.

Written 27 February 2020

Bernie144

Thanks so much for the great review, maybe we'll see you again some time. 😊

Written 29 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

giddyin0z

Adelaide151 contributions

A wonderful place to relax

June 2020 • none

After a stroll in the botanic garden, I enjoy relaxing in the excellent on-site cafe with a coffee or a snack. They also offer delicious smoothies (try Quandong!) and a selection of cakes. You can watch birds coming to the bird bath. I love the friendly atmosphere.

Written 5 July 2020

Bernie144

Thank you for taking the time to provide a review. I'm so glad you enjoy your visits and would definitely agree with you regarding the smoothies (Quandong is my favourite). Hope we see you again soon. Bernie

Written 6 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Richard G

469 contributions

Wouldn’t recommend the scones

Nov 2020 • friends

Visiting from Adelaide we decided to visit the Arid Lands Botanic Garden Cafe and gardens. The coffee was really nice but the scones crumbled and the cream came out of a can.....they were very average and would not recommend them. The gardens themselves and the walk around was worth it, well looked after, lots of flies though.

Written 11 November 2020

Bernie144

Hi, Thank you for taking the time to provide a review and I'm very sorry for the delay in responding. Our scones are normally very popular so I am sorry to hear you didn't enjoy yours. I will make sure your feedback is passed on to our Cafe Manager for follow up. Bernie

Written 14 December 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Courtenay Z

Melbourne1336 contributions

A little disappointing

Apr 2021 • family

I was really looking forward to trying the tasting platter here but unfortunately was disappointed. The team really didn’t seem enthused to be there and appeared quite disinterested. Parts of the tasting platter were alright but small things lite it down, like serving the knife wrapped in a napkin sitting in the beetroot relish and not providing a fork for the salad. Experience could have been improved

Written 2 April 2021

Bernie144

Hi Courtenay, thank you for providing us with your feedback & I'm so sorry to hear your experience was not a great one - I will follow this up with our Cafe staff. We hope to see you again some time to provide you with the quality food experience we pride ourselves on.

Written 4 April 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

rileyinc

Gledswood Hills306 contributions

Would like to review but….

Oct 2022 • couples

We took a detour out of our way to visit the cafe specifically for the Tasting Plate. It is advertised and pictured in all the tourism brochures. 12noon on a Saturday and after lining up for 15minutes to order was told there is no tasting plate. Offered no explanation so I asked if they had run out and she hesitated then said yes and rolled her eyes. Very disappointing. This is a way to showcase your area to tourists. I was left wondering if they were saving them for all the large group tables that were reserved.

Written 21 October 2022

Paula J

Thanks for visiting our garden and café. It’s unfortunate you missed out on experiencing one of our iconic tasting plates. From time to time we unfortunately get caught out with stock for our plates not being readily available (being in a regional area we have to order and get some stock items specially delivered). We hope to see you back again soon and you get to experience our tasting plate.

Written 26 October 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maureen I

Adelaide1 contribution

Hidden Surprise

Mar 2022 • none

What a fabulous hidden gem. Had no idea this place existed. As a visitor to Port Augusta I was taken there for lunch by a friend who resides here. She couldn't have chosen a better location. The vegetarian options were numerous and tempting. It was a well thought out menu with further extra dishes displayed on a specials board. I'm thinking of doing lunch there again tomorrow before driving back to Adelaide. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. It was a truly pleasurable experience.

Written 18 March 2022

Carly A

Thanks for the review, we are glad you enjoyed your lunch at our amazing cafe. :)

Written 27 March 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

4chillis

Adelaide1270 contributions

Beautiful gardens and great coffee

Apr 2023 • couples

If you're in need of a light meal or a coffee and cake the Arid Lands Botanical Garden Visitor Centre is a great place for it. Beautiful views whilst you're enjoying your beverage or meal. Staff are really friendly and the coffee is really good. Also check out their gift shop for beautiful locally made items.

Written 8 April 2023

AALBG A

We are so pleased you enjoyed our gardens and cafe 4chillis. Thank you for your review.

Written 10 April 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LisaMDL

Adelaide3348 contributions

Lovely setting and food… not the wine

July 2022 • couples

Nice outdoor seating amongst lovely bird song. Simple but solid lunch options - no complaints. We didn’t need anything fancy and a wrap and focaccia did the trick - both served efficiently and were very fresh. The wine list is really sad tho if you want a lunchtime tipple. Jacob’s creek and Yellow Tail. Honestly, SA has better inexpensive wine options to offer, so that was pretty embarrassing and surprising.

Written 7 August 2022

Paula J

Thank you for your review Lisa. We are pleased you enjoyed your lunch and our gardens. We will take your feedback regarding wine to Management to review.

Written 8 August 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

philljan

Adelaide528 contributions

A relaxing place to visit

June 2020 • none

Always stop here for food coffee. In summer their bush flavoured ice creams are great. Food is good, coffee, could be stronger for me. Great souvenir and seedling shop. Lots of native plants on sale. You can wander around the expensive bush gardens and select something u like. It is worth driving in and checking out. A relaxing place to have some food drink and enjoy some sun. Tip! It is in the other side of the river, head on the road to Alice Springs and the entrance is on the right. You wouldn’t know it was there is you weren’t told. Also has conference facilities, so if you want somewhere a bit different to meet.... Recommend.

Written 30 June 2020

Bernie144

Hi Anne, thanks so much for taking the time to provide a review. I'm really glad you enjoy your visits, the garden is a favourite with many travellers to stretch their legs & enjoy a walk (& food, coffee). Next time you visit, please let the cafe staff know to make your coffee stronger - we want to get it just right for you. Thanks again. Bernie

Written 1 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Julie O

Port Augusta3 contributions

best toilets I've used

Feb 2020 • none

The icing on the cake to friendly, efficient and smiling service, together with truly tasty fare, was my Men's toilet experience. I was delighted to encounter no nasty urine smell, and clean and well-maintained facilities - it was a pleasure to use them - and added so much to my overall experience. My wife tells me that the Ladies facilities are at the same high level of maintenance. Hats off to you all! I'll most certainly be back for a repeat visit. Ray Owen.

Written 15 February 2020

Bernie144

Thank you for the lovely review, I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit.

Written 16 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Suchfun

Mittagong21 contributions

A great place to chill!

Jan 2020 • couples

This is a lovely cafe serving great coffee and delicious smoothies. We visited on a very hot day and their AC was very much appreciated. The staff were also very efficient and friendly. A very good venue to finish your walk around the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. They also have a very interesting gift shop attached.

Written 29 January 2020

Bernie144

Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I'm really glad you enjoyed your visit, despite the heat.

Written 30 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Charlotte065

South Australia101 contributions

Shocking Service

July 2020 • family

I have never waited so long for food anywhere in the world. The drinks came within 10 minutes but the food was 1 hour. Ridiculous as it was not hard!! Sandwiches, burgers and soup, definitely not fine dining. When the food eventually came it was very very basic, definitely not worth the wait. Also far too many people who were very close together.

Written 16 July 2020

Bernie144

Thank you for taking the time to provide a review. I'm so sorry your experience was not a positive one. We try hard to provide prompt & enjoyable cafe dining, usually resulting in very happy customers, however sometimes we may not get it quite right & for that I can only apologise. we hope you will be able to visit again some time & we can provide you with the positive experience that we pride ourselves in delivering. Bernie

Written 20 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

annwaynebutterworth

London22 contributions

Wonderful

Oct 2020 • couples

What a gem. Wonderful staff - attention to detail with our cake was super. Lovely flower arranger gave us lots of local and floral information. Enjoyed the walk around the garden a gem in the desert- go visit.

Written 11 October 2020

Bernie144

Thank you so much for the great review. Our flower arranger is Mandy & yes, she is a lovely ambassador for us as she's working on the table decorations - I'm glad (but not surprised) that she made you feel so welcome. Bernie

Written 12 October 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jayne D

Townsville247 contributions

Little gem just off the highway

July 2020 • none

Great little spot just a couple of kilometres off the highway. We didn’t have time to walk around the botanical gardens but did pop into the shop and also stopped for lunch. Nice food menu with daily specials. Good friendly service and prices. Highly recommend if you are passing.

Written 3 July 2020

Bernie144

Hi Jayne, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide a review - I'm really glad you enjoyed your visit. Bernie

Written 3 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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