5 of the best Botanic Garden walks
With three Botanic Gardens to choose from, South Australians have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and connect with nature.
Located in the heart of the city, Adelaide Botanic Garden is a sanctuary of native and exotic plants, iconic cultural collections and historic buildings.
In the Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is home to cool climate plants including magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias and the richest collection of ferns in Australia.
Nestled in Adelaide's foothills, Wittunga Botanic Garden was originally established as a private homestead and features a vast collection of water-wise Australian and South African flora including ericas in the fynbos section and proteas in the terrace beds, and a beautiful butterfly garden.
The best way to explore the Botanic Gardens is on foot. Here’s our top five picks for spring walks:
1. Rhododendron Gully
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden features one of Australia's best rhododendron collections. The walk has a steep gradient and can take 1-1.5 hours return, but it's definitely worth it. Hike it yourself or take a guided walk.
2. Guided walks
If you're looking to discover the best of Adelaide Botanic Garden from someone who knows it inside-out, a free guided walk is for you. Walks are conducted daily and last approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable Garden Guide who will be able to share amazing information and answer your questions.
3. Wittunga Naming Walk
This self-guided walk is perfect for those with a passion for plants or a thirst for knowledge. The Wittunga Naming Walk demonstrates how plants are named scientifically, and the origins of their names. Grab a Wittunga map and follow the 24 informative signs installed throughout the garden.
4. Nature Trail
Another Mount Lofty Botanic Garden gem, the Nature Trail allows you to get up close to the native flora that dominated the Mount Lofty Ranges prior to European settlement. The winding trail, which follows part of the world-famous Heysen Trail, has a steep gradient and you should allow 1-1.5 hours each way.
5. Go your own way
If you're looking to set off solo or at your own pace without a guide, why not take a self-guided trail? Trails are generously prepared monthly or seasonally by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens for all three gardens.
COVID-19
Free guided walks run by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and all other volunteer-related activities have been suspended until further notice due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. In the meantime, why not check out their self-guided walks?
