In Australia, we’re lucky enough to experience a range of unique landscapes – from some of the world’s whitest beaches, to the contrasting ochre desert soil and the viridescent tropics of the north. In our urban jungles, we’re also treated to perfectly manicured, rainbow-coloured gardens next to our favourite coffee shops and heritage-listed landmarks. Regardless of where you are in the country this spring, pack a picnic and get outdoors by exploring some of Australia’s 140 botanic gardens.

Western Australia

Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth

Kings Park and Botanic Garden sits along the Swan River, hugging the western fringes of Perth’s CBD, and is considered one of the world’s largest inner-city parks. A leader in conservation, horticulture, Indigenous art and history, and, of course, plants, Kings Park and Botanic Garden features more than 3000 unique species of Australian flora.

Queensland

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

Enjoy the season’s warmer temperatures with a visit to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha, where all of Queensland’s climates meet to house a diverse range of native plants and displays from all corners of the nation’s second-largest state. Only seven kilometres from the CBD and spanning 56 hectares, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens is home to the largest collection of Australian native rainforest trees in the world, which can be admired in the Tropical Display Dome.

New South Wales

Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney

Australia’s most famous city doesn’t need much of an introduction, nor does the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. That being said, Sydney is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by even the most loyal locals – and so are its resident gardens. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney lies in the heart of city’s sprawling urban oasis, featuring arguably the best views there are of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

For more than 170 years, the Royal Botanic Gardens has been enriching Melbourne’s culture, following along the banks of the iconic Yarra River, and weaving through popular attractions and venues. The 38 hectares of lush, green gardens are home to more than 8500 species of plants from all corners of the globe – from spiky cactuses and fragrant perennials, to rare and threatened native plants.

South Australia

Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide

If you’re stopping by the South Australian capital this time of year, then a visit to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens is an absolute must, no ifs or buts! Since 1857, the garden has framed the outskirts of Adelaide’s North Terrace, providing shoppers at Rundle Mall and students at The University of Adelaide with a cosmopolitan oasis full of one of Australia’s most comprehensive plant collections.

To read about Australia’s regional botanic gardens, check out the Spring 2022 edition of Caravanning Australia.

_{Image: Wildflowers, Kings Park and Botanic Garden (C) Tourism Western Australia}