Plan a trip to beautiful Wittunga Botanic Garden in Blackwood
Located in the pretty Adelaide foothills suburb of Blackwood, Wittunga Botanic Garden is an historic 13-hectare property featuring a vast array of plants and trees, wildlife, open play areas, a lake, seating options and walking trails.
As soon you enter Wittunga Botanic Garden, you’ll instantly hear the delightful sounds of the bird life from every corner, yet the entire area has such a calm and peaceful feel. You can pick up a free brochure on your way in from a letter box located near the car park, then make your way along the paths in any direction you choose.
Wittunga was initially established as a private home and although not open to the public, the original Ashby family residence can still be seen overlooking the Terrace Beds. Well known for sustainable watering practices, Wittunga is home to an extensive collection of water-wise plants from Australia and South Africa, such as Australian Banksias, Hakeas and Grevilleas, as well as some South African Proteas. Even in winter the garden is full of life with flowering shrubs and on a sunny day is the perfect place for a family picnic.
Wittunga Botanic Garden highlights include the Butterfly Garden, Bird Garden, Billabong and the Lake. As you stroll along the footpaths it’s easy to see (and hear!) the huge variety of native birds and insects that are attracted to the garden’s indigenous flora.
The Billabong is home to Australian wetland plants and features a large lawn area for children to play. There is plenty of shade and lots of animals to watch including purple swamphens, wood ducks and black ducks. Kids will love watching them splashing and diving in the water. Other birds you will see are honeyeaters, rosellas, lorikeets and other parrots.
The numerous native Australian plants attract native birds, including Eastern spinebills, New Holland honeyeaters and wattlebirds. The lake has an area to wonder down and see the ducks up close, but close supervision is required for little ones as this area in not fenced.
Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Inc run free guided tours every Tuesday departing at 10.30am (except on days forecast over 36ºC) from the Shepherds Hill Road car park.
The Wittunga Naming Walk opened in March 2001 and there are 24 interpretative signs installed throughout the garden, each positioned alongside the relevant plant. The walk explains the scientific names of each plant and the origins of their names.
Opened to the public as a botanic garden in 1975, Wittunga Botanic Garden truly is a hidden oasis and well worth a visit. Perfect for family gatherings, mother’s group catch ups or just a quiet, relaxing time spent enjoying the outdoors.
In April 2021 Wittunga Botanic Garden’s nature playspace was opened, designed with the aim to be a fun way for children to learn about the environment and build strong connections with nature.
READ ABOUT THE WITTUNGA BOTANIC GARDEN NATURE PLAYSPACE
Wittunga Botanic Garden is open every day (including public holidays).
Opening Hours:
Open from 8.30am every day.
Closing Times: Monday – Friday
- December – January: 7pm
- February – March: 6pm
- April – May: 5pm
- June – August: 4pm
- September: 5pm
- October – November: 6pm
Closing Times: Weekends & Public Holidays
- October – March: 7pm
- April – May: 5pm
- June – August: 4pm
- September: 5pm
Entry to the garden is free and there is free parking available in the car park off Shepherds Hill Road.
Wittunga has wheelchair and pram-friendly paths as well as picnic tables, rotundas and toilets (including disabled facilities). Wittunga is just a 10 minute walk from Blackwood’s nearby shops and cafes.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Botanic Gardens of South Australia website.
What: Wittunga Botanic Garden
When: 7 Days a Week (see times above)
Where: Shepherds Hill Road, Blackwood
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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