Best Parks and Gardens in Australia

 

Roma Street Parklands

Discover the best Parks and Gardens in Australia – a State-by-State Guide

Australia’s diverse landscapes are beautifully showcased in its many green spaces, including some of the best parks and gardens in Australia. Whether you’re seeking tranquil urban oases, spectacular native flora, or expansive national parks with curated walking trails, these destinations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and peaceful retreat. From the lush rainforests of Tasmania to the vibrant flower displays in Western Australia, each region presents unique opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy stunning scenery in carefully maintained settings.

Exploring these parks and gardens allows visitors to experience Australia’s rich botanical heritage alongside recreational activities such as birdwatching, photography, and leisurely walks. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a casual stroller, or someone looking for inspiration, these spaces provide a refreshing escape into the natural world, offering a harmonious balance between conservation and public enjoyment.

Best Parks and Gardens in the Australia in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Discover Canberra’s best parks, gardens, and botanic escapes. From lush arboretums to tranquil city parks, the ACT offers green spaces perfect for walking, relaxing, and exploring Australia’s diverse native flora in a scenic urban setting.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Extensive collection of native Australian plants with themed sections. Great for walking, education, photography.
Clunies Ross St, Acton ACT 2601
Daily 8:30 am–5 pm
Rainforest Gully, Red Centre Garden, Visitor Centre, walking tracks.
Commonwealth Park
Large urban park on Lake Burley Griffin with rolling lawns and ponds. Popular for events, picnics, strolls.
Parkes ACT 2600
Always open
Floriade festival site, scenic lakeside walks, picnic spots.
Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum
Quiet reserve with native trees planted in the 1940s. Peaceful trails surrounded by nature and birdlife.
Lady Denman Dr, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Always open
Historic plantings, birdwatching, tranquil walking paths.
National Arboretum Canberra
World-class collection of rare and endangered trees with sweeping views over Canberra.
Forest Dr, Molonglo Valley ACT 2611
Daily 9 am–4 pm
National Bonsai Collection, panoramic lookout, playground, café.
Westbourne Woods
Heritage-listed woodland area with diverse native flora and walking paths. Quiet natural escape near city.
Banks St, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Always open
Heritage trees, shaded walking paths, dog-friendly areas.

Best Parks and Gardens in New South Wales (NSW)

Explore New South Wales’ top parks and gardens, from Sydney’s iconic harbourside retreats to cool-climate mountain gardens. Enjoy vibrant plant collections, peaceful landscapes, and perfect spots for picnics, strolls, and outdoor adventures.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan
Australia’s largest botanic garden with native plant collections, scenic trails, picnic areas and events.
Narellan Rd, Mount Annan NSW 2567
Daily 8 am–5 pm
Woodland Walk, Connections Garden, lakes, BBQ areas.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah
Cool-climate botanic garden with sweeping mountain views and rare plant displays in themed sections.
Bells Line of Rd, Mount Tomah NSW 2758
Daily 9 am–5 pm
Formal terraces, rainforest walks, panoramic vistas.
Cowra Japanese Garden
One of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Japanese gardens with waterfalls, tea house, and cultural design.
Ken Nakajima Pl, Cowra NSW 2794
Daily 8:30 am–5 pm
Cherry blossoms, cultural events, museum, koi ponds.
Hunter Valley Gardens
10 themed garden spaces including Italian, Oriental, and Rose gardens with family-friendly attractions.
2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Daily 9 am–4 pm
Storybook Garden, festivals, rides, café, shopping village.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Iconic harbourside garden with historic plantings, expansive lawns, and Sydney Harbour views.
Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
Daily 7 am–sunset
Palm Grove, Succulent Garden, Harbour views, guided tours.
Wollongong Botanic Garden
Nestled at Mount Keira’s base with rainforest, desert, and themed zones plus peaceful walking paths.
Murphys Ave, Keiraville NSW 2500
Daily 7 am–6 pm (shorter in winter)
Rainforest zone, Japanese bridge, creeks, sustainability centre.

Best Parks and Gardens in the Northern Territory (NT)

Experience the Northern Territory’s unique parks and gardens showcasing monsoon forests, desert landscapes, and native flora. Discover these green spaces where you can learn, relax, and enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of Australia’s Top End.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Historic tropical gardens featuring monsoon forests, coastal dunes, and a large collection of NT flora.
Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820
Daily 7 am–7 pm
Rainforest Gully, heritage palms, walking trails, café.
Alice Springs Desert Park
Immersive desert landscape showcasing native plants, wildlife habitats, and local Aboriginal culture.
Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs NT 0870
Daily 7:30 am–6 pm
Nocturnal House, guided talks, desert habitats, cultural tours.
Olive Pink Botanic Garden
Desert garden dedicated to arid zone flora with interpretive walks and views over Alice Springs.
Tuncks Rd, Alice Springs NT 0870
Daily 8 am–6 pm
Arid plant displays, walking trails, café, heritage site.

Best Parks and Gardens in Queensland (QLD)

Discover Queensland’s best parks and botanic gardens, from tropical rainforests to heritage city escapes. Enjoy lush landscapes, themed plant collections, and relaxing spaces perfect for strolls, picnics, and connecting with nature across the Sunshine State.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Premier subtropical botanic garden with themed areas, tropical dome, and panoramic views of Brisbane.
Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong QLD 4066
Daily 8 am–5 pm
Tropical Dome, Japanese Garden, lookout, walking trails.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Showcases tropical rainforest plants with walking tracks, conservatory, and art installations.
64 Collins Ave, Edge Hill QLD 4870
Daily 7:30 am–5:30 pm
Gondwanan Garden, Rainforest Boardwalk, conservatory.
City Botanic Gardens
Historic riverside gardens in Brisbane CBD perfect for walks, events, and picnics.
147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Always open
Riverfront lawns, ornamental ponds, sculptures, city skyline views.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Beautifully landscaped grounds featuring native and exotic plants with lakeside paths.
230 Ashmore Rd, Benowa QLD 4217
Daily 5 am–7 pm
Butterfly Garden, sensory trail, lake, children's discovery trail.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Wetland and tropical flora displays, boardwalks, and birdwatching opportunities.
9 Lagoon St, West Mackay QLD 4740
Daily 5:30 am–7 pm
Lagoons, café, interpretive signage, native plant displays.
Queens Park Botanic Gardens (Toowoomba)
Heritage-listed gardens with floral displays, historic trees, and playgrounds.
43 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba QLD 4350
Always open
Carnival of Flowers site, rose garden, children's play area.
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Historic gardens with tropical and subtropical collections plus a free zoo.
100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton QLD 4700
Daily 6 am–6 pm
Murray Lagoon, zoo, heritage plantings, walking tracks.
Roma Street Parkland
Lush subtropical gardens with sweeping lawns, dramatic floral displays, and public art.
1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Daily 5 am–11 pm
Spectacle Garden, Rainforest Walk, amphitheatre, picnic spots.
South Bank Parklands
Iconic riverside parklands with landscaped gardens, walking paths, and Brisbane’s famous Streets Beach.
Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Always open
Bougainvillea arbour, lagoon, playgrounds, dining precinct.
Tondoon Botanic Gardens (Gladstone)
Tropical and subtropical plants from Queensland and beyond set in a tranquil environment.
Glenlyon Rd, Gladstone QLD 4680
Daily 7 am–6 pm
Japanese Garden, lakeside walks, rainforest displays.

Best Parks and Gardens in South Australia (SA)

Explore South Australia’s finest parks and gardens. From historic Adelaide gardens to cool-climate botanic treasures in the hills, these green spaces offer tranquil walks, native plant collections, and beautiful settings for family adventures.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Historic city garden with themed sections, wetlands, heritage buildings, and a stunning Victorian palm house.
North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Daily 7:15 am–sunset
Palm House, Bicentennial Conservatory, wetlands, guided tours.
Belair National Park
South Australia’s oldest national park with gardens, picnic areas, walking trails, and native wildlife.
Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052
Daily 8 am–sunset
Old Government House, tennis courts, woodlands, koala spotting.
Himeji Garden
Traditional Japanese garden symbolising friendship with Adelaide’s sister city, featuring serene landscaping.
South Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Daily 8 am–5:30 pm
Water features, Zen garden, teahouse-style pavilion, stone lanterns.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
Cool-climate garden in the Adelaide Hills with fern gullies, dramatic autumn colour, and walking trails.
Lampert Rd, Crafers SA 5152
Daily 8:30 am–4 pm
Rhododendrons, camellias, lakes, autumn foliage, steep trails.
Veale Gardens
Rose gardens, ornamental ponds, and lush lawns as part of Adelaide’s South Park Lands.
South Terrace & Peacock Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
Always open
Formal rose beds, pergolas, ponds, shady paths.
Wittunga Botanic Garden
South African and Australian plant collections, bird-friendly wetlands, and picnic areas.
Shepherds Hill Rd, Blackwood SA 5051
Daily 8:30 am–4 pm
Fynbos garden, wetlands, birdwatching, family-friendly lawns.

Best Parks and Gardens in Tasmania (TAS)

Discover Tasmania’s top parks and botanic escapes, showcasing rare native plants, cool-climate gardens, and tranquil forest reserves. Enjoy peaceful walks, stunning displays, and the natural beauty of Australia’s island state.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
Launceston City Park
Victorian-era park with a historic conservatory, playground, fountains, and native plant displays.
45-55 Tamar St, Launceston TAS 7250
Daily 7 am–dusk
Monkey Island, rotunda, conservatory, heritage trees, lawns.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Hobart’s historic garden featuring Tasmanian native plants, heritage trees, and an iconic conservatory.
Lower Domain Rd, Queens Domain TAS 7000
Daily 8 am–5 pm
Subantarctic Plant House, Lily Pond, heritage walls, café.
Subantarctic Plant House
Unique climate-controlled house showcasing rare and endangered plants from Tasmania’s subantarctic islands.
Part of Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart TAS 7000
Same as gardens
Misty, chilled interior, interpretive displays, rare flora.
Tasmanian Arboretum
Extensive collection of native and exotic trees set along a peaceful lake, great for birdwatching.
46 Old Tramway Rd, Eugenana TAS 7310
Daily 9 am–sunset
Platypus spotting, heritage plantings, picnic spots, lakeside walks.
Weldborough Forest Reserve
Fern gullies and lush rainforest with walking tracks showcasing Tasmania’s east coast flora.
Tasman Hwy, Weldborough TAS 7264
Always open
Tall tree ferns, mossy paths, birdlife, cool rainforest setting.

Best Parks and Gardens in Victoria (VIC)

Explore Victoria’s best parks and botanic gardens, from Melbourne’s iconic green spaces to cool-climate mountain gardens. Perfect for walking, picnicking, and admiring seasonal displays of native and exotic plants in scenic settings.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Exquisite landscaped gardens featuring a conservatory, lakes, and heritage-listed statues and fountains.
Gillies St N, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
Daily 7:30 am–sunset
Conservatory, Prime Ministers Avenue, lake, seasonal floral displays.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
Cool-climate garden showcasing rhododendrons, azaleas, and scenic walking trails in a lush setting.
The Georgian Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
Daily 8 am–5 pm
Rhododendron collection, fern gullies, walking paths, picnic areas.
Geelong Botanic Gardens
Historic garden with rare and exotic plant species set beside the waterfront in East Geelong.
Eastern Park Circuit, East Geelong VIC 3219
Daily 7 am–sunset
Ornamental gardens, lake views, heritage structures, birdwatching.
Melbourne Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens)
Iconic Melbourne gardens with themed plant collections, scenic lakes, and wide walking paths.
Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
Daily 7:30 am–sunset
Guilfoyle’s Volcano, Fern Gully, Ornamental Lake, heritage trees.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Vast gardens featuring native and exotic plants, lakes, and sculpture trails close to Melbourne CBD.
Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
Daily 7:30 am–sunset
Lakes, landscaped lawns, indigenous plant collections, cafés.
Werribee Park Gardens
Formal gardens and mansion set in a large parkland, with native wildlife and family-friendly facilities.
K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030
Daily 7:30 am–5 pm
Formal gardens, historic mansion, playgrounds, walking trails.

Best Parks and Gardens in Western Australia (WA)

Discover Western Australia’s top parks and gardens, featuring native bushland, vibrant seasonal displays, and stunning coastal reserves. From Perth to the South West, these green escapes are perfect for relaxing walks and exploring local flora.

Garden or Park Name
Description
Address
Opening Hours
Highlights / Features
Albany Botanic Garden
Established garden featuring a mix of native and exotic plants, peaceful walking paths, and picnic areas.
Middleton Rd, Albany WA 6330
Daily 7:30 am–5 pm
Native wildflowers, themed garden beds, picnic shelters.
Araluen Botanic Park
Stunning landscaped gardens known for vibrant seasonal blooms including tulips and azaleas.
362 Croyden Rd, Roleystone WA 6111
Daily 8 am–5 pm
Tulip festival, rose gardens, azalea beds, walking trails.
Bold Park
Coastal bushland reserve with diverse native flora and a network of walking and mountain bike trails.
Perry Lakes Dr, Floreat WA 6014
Daily 6 am–6 pm
Coastal views, wildflower displays, walking and biking trails.
Fremantle Prison Gardens
Heritage-listed gardens surrounding Fremantle Prison, featuring native plants and historical significance.
1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
Daily 9 am–5 pm
Heritage plants, museum tours, peaceful lawns.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, offering panoramic city views, extensive native bushland, and wildflowers.
Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005
Daily 7 am–7 pm
War Memorial, Wildflower Garden, Lotterywest Federation Walkway.
Pemberton’s Gloucester Tree
Tall karri forest with scenic walking trails and the famous climbable fire lookout tree.
Burma Rd, Pemberton WA 6260
Daily 8 am–6 pm
Karri trees, tree climb, picnic areas, forest walks.

Embrace the Green Heart of Australia

From the intimate beauty of cultivated gardens to the awe-inspiring scale of native parks, these green spaces embody Australia’s connection to its unique environment. They invite us to slow down, breathe deeply, and celebrate the remarkable diversity of flora that thrives across the continent. So, whether you wander through a local botanic garden or trek the vast wilderness trails, embrace the green heart of Australia and let nature’s wonders inspire your journey.

Nature Lover’s Corner: Hidden Gems & Grand Landmarks

Discover a curated collection of blog posts highlighting Australia’s lesser-known botanical treasures and iconic natural landmarks. Whether you crave secret gardens or grand wilderness parks, this corner offers stories and tips to enrich your nature adventures.

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Australia’s Parks and Gardens: Top Green Spaces Across the Country

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