| Cost | Free entry to Gardens; Flora the Explorer bus tour small fee |
|---|---|
| Location | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, ACT |
| Facilities | Visitor Centre, Pollen Cafe, walking trails, galleries, lawns |
| Vehicle Access | See Camps App |
| In Camps App | Check app for nearby caravan parks, showgrounds and camps in Canberra |
Have you visited the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra, ACT?
Over the school holidays, there are events for families. From 8.30am – 5pm, July 1-30 you can travel back in time on a discovery trail to three ancient diprotodons.
Plus, there are 18 megafauna sculptures and plants to discover all month-long.
MEGAfauna will be held during NAIDOC Week (2-9-2023). Wilay Designs created an imagery the Diprotodon’s journey across rivers and hills to feed on plants.
These long-lost creatures existed in prehistoric Australia and they will roam the Gardens for the first week of July. Look out for them near the Pollen Cafe and Friends Lawn. MEGAfauna will come alive at night, too with Dead Puppet Society.
There are 18 megafauna sculptures and plants to discover all month-long.
What else to see and do at the Gardens
Walking Trails
Choose from “Flower to Tower Trail Walk”, “Bushland NAture Walk”, “Eucalypt Discovery Walk”, “Flowers, Fruit and Foliage Walk”, a childrens trail, daily guided walks and more!
Flora the Explorer
Join an open air electric 45 minute bus tours with live commentary (small fee). On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 11.30 am 1.30 pm from the Visitor Centre. Bring a jacket and book ahead.
Storytime
First Friday of every month (except January) sit out on the Crosbie Morrison Lawn for stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities in nature.
Exhibitions
On daily in the Visitor Centre Gallery.
Thursday Talks
Book for a lunchtime talk on nature.
Check out the latest events here.
And if you love dinosaurs and MEGAfauna – have you seen the creature at Eulo or out at Eromanga?
Where to camp
Check out our guides and CAMPS+ App for caravan parks and the showgrounds – known as EPIC! Here’s our other Canberra finds and camps…
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the MEGAfauna exhibition running?
The MEGAfauna exhibition runs from July 1-30, with displays open from 8.30am to 5pm. MEGAfauna afterDARK events also run at night during the first week of July.
Where in the Gardens will I find the Diprotodon sculptures?
Look out for the three ancient Diprotodons near the Pollen Cafe and Friends Lawn area. There are 18 megafauna sculptures and plants to discover throughout the Gardens during July.
Are there guided tours available at the Botanic Gardens?
Yes, Flora the Explorer electric bus tours run for 45 minutes with live commentary on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 11.30am and 1.30pm from the Visitor Centre. Bookings are recommended and there’s a small fee. Daily guided walks are also available.
What other activities are available for families?
The Gardens offer various walking trails, Storytime on the first Friday of each month (except January), daily exhibitions in the Visitor Centre Gallery, and Thursday Talks. During school holidays, special family events are scheduled.
Is the MEGAfauna exhibition suitable for kids?
Yes, the MEGAfauna exhibition is designed for families and runs during school holidays. There’s a discovery trail, children’s trails available, and monthly Storytime sessions with nature-based activities.
Where can I camp near the Australian National Botanic Gardens?
Check the Camps App for caravan parks and the showgrounds known as EPIC in Canberra, along with other camping options around the area.
Do I need to book ahead for anything?
Booking ahead is recommended for the Flora the Explorer bus tours. For other activities and current event details, check the Camps App or the Gardens’ event information.
What should I bring for the bus tour?
The Flora the Explorer tours are open air, so it’s recommended to bring a jacket as it can be cool even during the day.
