What’s On

Throughout the year, there is always lots happening in the Gardens and the FRIENDS hold regular events as outlined below.  To find out dates and more information about individual events, visit our Upcoming Events Calendar.

Seasonal Guided Walks

You’ll be delighted to see what’s flowering or fruiting in the gardens. We meet at the main shelter at 8:00am. Wear comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring water and also a camera to capture your finds. Dogs on leads are also welcome.

There’s plenty to see on the Summer Walk.  The Queen Crepe Myrtles will be covered in pink flowers.  These trees are much taller than the common garden Crepe Myrtles and are at their best in Summer.  The Elephant Ear Fig with its large elephant ear shaped leaves and figs which form on the lower trunk make this unusual tree worth a look.Walking through the Rainforest Area is shady and a pleasant way to end this walk.

The Autumn Walk is notable for the deciduous trees.  Some trees may have lost their leaves while others may have changed colour. The most interesting of these are the Swamp Cypresses from the south of the United States.  Their russet colours reflected in the water make a great photo opportunity and their “knees” which protrude above the ground around their base are always a talking point.  If you are lucky you might get to see the elusive flowers of the Elephant Apple. If there has been rain, lots of curious fungi have appeared in the Gardens at this time of year.

Many trees in the Gardens are not at their best for the Winter Walk but one is just starting on the journey to producing Australia’s gift to the world – the Macadamia Nut. There are quite a few Macadamia trees in the Gardens & they will be in flower.  Long slender stems contain many pale pink flowers are very attractive to bees.  Hear the story of John Macadam after whom the Macadamia is named from one of our expert guides.

Spring in the Gardens is full of interesting trees and shrubs in flower.  There is so much to see but it would be hard to go past the Golden Bouquet Tree.  A tree from the tropical rainforest, it has the most outstanding golden flower heads. Hear before you see the Rainbow Lorikeets feasting in the top of the Pink Cedar Trees from South East.  The Southern Magnolia will be coming into flower.  With its large dinner plate sized flowers, it makes a wonderful display near the wedding chapel.

Plant Sales

Plant Sales are three times a year at the Propagation facility at the Gardens.  We offer a variety of plants to suit most gardens and FRIENDS will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. If you can’t see a plant you are searching for ask a FRIEND, we may be able to source it for you. Money raised from sales is directed into projects to improve the Gardens.

Fathers Day Plant Fair

Our Father’s Day Plant Fair has become an event not to be missed.  From its beginnings in 2015, the Fair has grown to attract numerous stallholders, speakers and over 3,500 attendees.

It is a wonderful, free event that not only showcases the glorious Botanic Gardens, but brings the community together for a very positive purpose – to raise money to support continued improvement of the Gardens.

The event provides a festive day of activities for the whole family including:

  • Specialist stall holders selling and advising on an extensive range of rare and unusual, as well as value for money,plants and garden related products.
  • Plants for sale on the day from the FRIENDS Propagation Facility at the Gardens. All proceeds from sale of the FRIENDS plants go directly back into improvement of the gardens.
  • Talks by specialists and panel discussions on topics related to horticulture, environment, plant heritage and history in our region.
  • Botanic themed arts and crafts
  • Displays of vintage and classic cars
  • Roving entertainers and artists
  • Children’s activities and entertainment
  • Food and coffee for sale or bring your own picnic

We look forward to seeing you at the next Father’s Day Plant Fair!