Wollongong Botanic Garden
The city’s Botanic Garden allows you to escape the everyday with its multitude of paths and hidden treasures to discover. This spectacular 30 hectare botanic garden overlooks the city of Wollongong from its highest point at the Gleniffer Brae Manor House and features an impressive collection of native and exotic plants from around the world. It is distinguished by a number of unique garden collections with their own environmental characteristics and unique stories to tell.
A variety of open spaces are scattered within the garden suitable for garden picnics. Visitors are welcome to use the two BBQs on site at no cost.
The Garden has an exciting array of activities and experiences on offer for visitors of all ages throughout the year. Some of the regular activities include guided tours, bird-spotting walks, garden workshops, historically-themed theatrical walks, school holiday activities, nocturnal walks, a toddler-themed budding bookworms program and as well as the popular Sunset Cinema program every summer. Check out the event calendar for a list of upcoming activities. Event updates are posted regularly on their Facebook page so we encourage you to follow them too.
For families, the All Abilities Playground is popular with its swings, sand pit, climbing net, viewing platform and a maze. Plus a visit to the duck feeding platform is a must! But remember, they prefer a diet consisting of defrosted peas or corn, shredded lettuce and grains such as oats rather bread.
Delicious hot coffees and a range of delicious snacks are available from the Garden Grounds Café between 9am and 3pm everyday near the Garden’s main entrance.
Wollongong Botanic Garden is an important botanical, educational and cultural asset within Wollongong. The Garden is committed to the conservation of native flora as demonstrated with a range of programs aimed at protecting and conserving rare and endangered local plant species. The Botanic Garden also manages Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve and Mount Keira Summit Park as natural area annexes.
The Garden is open every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day from 7am. Closing times vary from 5pm to 6.45 depending on the season. Check their website for details.
