Welcome to the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.
When you visit you will notice that this 15-hectare site is a long way from being fully developed.
- The botanic garden is community funded and operated.
- It is not a council or government funded garden.
- Development of the garden proceeds according to funds, which are sourced through grants, donations and our fundraising efforts.
In 2015 the 15-hectare site was leased from Wingecarribee Shire Council.
The design of the garden reflects the seasons, and this means that there will be something to see all year round. The overall design takes into account our changing climate, with the garden being managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
To date, areas developed include:
- The Birch Grove, with over 20 different types of silver birch
- The Oak Rondell, surrounded by narrow upright oaks and hedged with weeping boxwoods
- The Dwarf Dogwoods, with vibrant winter coloured stems which will become a haven for small birds
- The Autumn Perennial Flower Border, leading to the Playground
The Playground
The Playground is open from 9am to 5pm daily and is set withing an area of rubber surfacing and mulch, it is fully fenced and includes:
- An adventure tower with slide
- Climbing walls
- Vertical net and explorer panel
- A play village with lookout
- Climbing wheel
- Crawling tunnel
- A Swing set with baby pod
- Toddler and junior seats
- Springer face to face seat
- A play bench
- Talk tubes
- Play channel chimes
- A sail shade
- Picnic bench
The Nursery
The plan nursery is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm, or by appointment.
All plants are propagated by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, and most are plants that are growing in the gardens, so if you see a plant you like when visiting, you will probably be able to purchase at the Nursery.
The Nursery stock is ever-evolving and each week the volunteers tend them under the watchful eye of our professional horticulturalists.
Events
The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens host and hold many and varied events both onsite and offsite regularly throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to:
- Annual plant sale
- Open Gardens in Autumn
- Jazz in the gardens
- and more… follow us on facebook to hear about events.
The Function Centre
The Function Centre is the perfect place to meet or party. It is a vibrant usable space within the heart of the botanic gardens.
For more information on the incredible space and availability please contact us.
The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Parkrun
A free, weekly, timed 5k event every Saturday morning.
Everyone is welcome to walk, jog, run or volunteer!