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Australian National Botanic Gardens
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · AU

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Getting around: On the slopes of Black Mountain, about 10 minutes' drive from central Canberra; there's a shuttle bus within the gardens if you don't want to walk the hillside sections.
Hours: Free entry, open daily 8:30am–5pm.

Unlike most botanic gardens which showcase plants from around the world, this one is dedicated entirely to Australian native flora — the largest such collection anywhere, including a significant rainforest gully and eucalypt collection. It sits on the lower slopes of Black Mountain, giving it a bushier, more naturalistic feel than a formal city garden.

It's a solid half-day for anyone interested in Australian ecology specifically, though casual visitors may find it less immediately striking than a more manicured international-style garden.

Australian National Botanic Gardens FAQs

Is entry free?

Yes, general entry is free.

How long should I spend there?

An hour for the main paths, two or more if walking the full rainforest gully and hillside trails.

What makes it different from other botanic gardens?

It's dedicated exclusively to Australian native plants, the largest collection of its kind in the country.

Is there a shuttle within the gardens?

Yes, a hop-on shuttle runs on select days for visitors who don't want to walk the steeper hillside paths — check current schedule.

Good for a family visit?

Yes, it's spacious and low-key, though the hillier sections aren't ideal for strollers.

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