Beautiful landscaped gardens beckon in the heart of Adelaide. The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide has graced the city since 1857 and continues to be an oasis filled with both natural wonders and heritage listed structures which give the gardens its historically Victorian atmosphere.
Just some of the gardens include a national rose garden, the fist of its kind in the country and established to determine which roses are best suited to the Australian climate. The international rose garden consists of over 5,000 roses in various garden settings offering visitors a wonderful visual sensation. The SA Water Mediterranean Garden is an excellent look into plants that thrive in the five Mediterranean climates around the world of which South Australia is one. Another fascinating area is the Garden of Health, highlighting plants that are associated with health and well being. Over 2,500 plants make up this lovely garden.
The Palm House is just one of the significant structures in the gardens. A stunning Victorian glasshouse that was imported from Germany in 1875, this impressive building now houses a marvellous collection of plants from Madagascar. Another notable building is the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Historically significant as the last purpose built colonial museum in the world, it houses a permanent collection as well as touring exhibitions.
The gardens are situated in the Adelaide CBD and easily accessible on foot. Free guided walks depart daily from the Visitor Information Centre at 10:30am while private walks are enhanced with ‘Garden Guides’ available on the Garden’s website. Additionally there are free self-guided tours available on iPhone and Android devices.
