Beautiful botanic gardens are dotted throughout Australia and burst with vibrant landscapes.
And many have individual or rare attributes that ensure they are must-visit material.
So, we handpicked a super selection of Australian botanic gardens complete with fascinating finds.
Unearth these beauties, most of which are free to visit.
Spotted on the cusp of the CBD, this attraction allows for easy viewing of various individual sections. The standout features are two contrasting structures: The Palm House, a striking, circa 1875 Victorian glasshouse; and the Bicentennial Conservatory, a whopping, spaceship-like facility home to a mini-rainforest.
Stay at: BIG4 West Beach, The Retreat at West Beach or Marion Holiday Park in Adelaide.
These immaculately presented gardens have a sharp focus on the local environment. As a point of difference, they take visitors on a journey of change via various themed sections and are surrounded by bushland.
Stay at: BIG4 Shepparton or Shepparton Holiday Park and Village.
A feast of flowers, abundant National Trust-listed trees, and a wonderful positioning on the edge of Lake Wendouree ensure these cool-climate gardens are enticing. The surprise find within here is the series of bronze busts of Australia’s many Prime Ministers.
Stay at: BIG4 Ballarat Windmill, BIG4 Kryal Castle or NRMA Ballarat.
There are 3000-plus varieties of Western Australian plants to discover and ample areas of interest for all ages. Better yet, this ranks as one of Perth’s biggest attractions owing to the sensational views that are gifted from here. Head to the State War Memorial for outstanding city vistas or climb the DNA Tower for breathtaking outlooks.
Stay at: BIG4 Perth or Perth Central Caravan Park.
Australia’s oldest botanic gardens occupy prime real estate. The attraction is spotted on Sydney Harbour, so expect eye candy overload. The eyes should also give much attention to the host of feature gardens, including the gorgeous Oriental and rose gardens. Also take a peek at the Wollemi pine, one of the rarest plants on the planet.
Stay at: NRMA Sydney Lakeside, Ingenia Nepean River, Ingenia Holidays Avina & Ingenia Holidays Sydney Hills.
These are Australia’s second-oldest botanic gardens and erupt with vibrancy and all manner of points of interest. Among them are a Japanese garden, a lily pond, and the fascinating Sub Antarctic Plant House. The cool-climate gardens are within strolling distance of the CBD.
Stay at: BIG4 Hobart.
Billed as the first semi-arid botanic gardens in the southern hemisphere, this attraction showcases plants from every continent – minus Antarctica! The collections feature rare and endangered species, and the gardens join a select group with a significant focus on plants from arid climates. Be sure to check out the ‘wow’ tree, estimated to be a whopping 2500 years old. Buronga is 6km north of Mildura.
Stay at: NRMA Mildura, BIG4 Red Cliffs, BIG4 Mildura Getaway & Rivergardens Holiday Park Mildura.
Typifying the outlandish beauty of the Adelaide Hills, these gorgeous gardens explode with visual delights. While the colour-fest is most pronounced each autumn, this 97ha botanic beauty shines year-round thanks to an assortment of plant life best admired along one of many walking tracks.
Stay at: BIG4 West Beach, The Retreat at West Beach or Marion Holiday Park.
Toowoomba is known as the ‘Garden City’ for its abundant green spaces, and this attraction is arguably its premier find. The centrally located gardens are a key focus for the city’s famed Carnival of Flowers festival, usually held each September. Expect a profusion of colours for much of the year with dedicated gardens and other displays allowing for easy navigation.
Stay at: BIG4 Toowoomba.
Planted on the cusp of the CBD, these action-packed gardens deliver a rich array of rewards for visitors. There are highlights galore with various dedicated plant collections, lakes and islands, guided punt tours, and room and shade aplenty to picnic. And don’t miss Guilfoyle's Volcano, a captivating water reservoir with prime city views.
Stay at: BIG4 Melbourne or BIG4 Dandenong.
Sprawling, sub-tropical surrounds that attract abundant bird life is just the start of the appeal. Within these confines are some of Bundaberg’s best attractions, including the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, paying tribute to an underrated aviation hero; Fairymead House, where you can delve into the history of the local sugar industry; and the Bundaberg and District Historical Museum.
Stay at: BIG4 Breeze - Bargara or BIG4 Cane Village, Bundaberg.
Expect endless visual highlights within these stunning surrounds. There are 10 distinct gardens, and each is seriously enthralling. They feature both native and exotic flora and include an Oriental, sunken, and storybook garden. A series of walking tracks allows visitors to explore their preferred areas with ease. The gardens are 50km northwest of Lake Macquarie.
Stay at: Ingenia Lake Macquarie or Ingenia Hunter Valley.
Isn’t it time you stopped to smell the roses? Book your next BIG4 break now. Find a park here.
