Welcome to Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens – Seasons in a Cool Climate
When you visit Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, you’re experiencing something truly special – a garden created by the community, for the community. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Gardens continue to grow thanks to the passion of our volunteers and the generosity of supporters who help us continue developing this special place for everyone to enjoy.
Set across 13.5 hectares, the site was leased from Wingecarribee Shire Council in 2015. As a young and developing cool-climate garden, we celebrate the Southern Highlands’ renowned seasonal beauty. With a blend of native and exotic plantings, there is something to enjoy in every season. Be inspired by our plantings as you stroll through the Gardens. Discover more about your favourite plants with our self-guided brochure and read the information markers along the way.
We’re proud to showcase four nationally recognised plant collections, officially recorded on the National Plant Collections Register. These include 23 varieties of Betula (Birch), 21 types of Buxus (Boxwood), as well as collections of Dwarf Cornus (Dogwood) and Narcissus (Tony Davis Daffodils). We are also re-establishing the endangered ecological community that would have originally grown on this site – the Southern Highlands Shale Woodland.
The overall design of the Gardens takes into account our changing climate, with the site being managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Popular areas include:
- The Birch Grove, featuring more than 20 varieties of silver birch
- The Oak Rondell, surrounded by narrow upright oaks and hedged with weeping boxwoods
- The Dwarf Dogwoods, with vibrant winter-coloured stems that will become a haven for small birds
- The Perennial Flower Border, leading to the Playground
The Playground
The Playground is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm. It is fully fenced and features rubber surfacing, mulch areas and a shade sail.
The Nursery
The plant nursery is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.00am to 3.00pm, or by appointment. All plants are propagated by our volunteer Friends of the Botanic Gardens, and many are species growing within the Gardens themselves. So, if you see a plant you love during your visit, you may be able to purchase it from the Nursery.
Nursery stock is continually evolving, with volunteers tending the plants each week under the watchful eye of our professional horticulturalists.
Events
Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens hosts a range of events both onsite and offsite throughout the year. These include:
- Seasonal plant sales
- Southern Highlands Autumn Open Gardens Weekend & Plant Fair
- Jazz in the Gardens
- Plant and gardening workshops, and much more.
Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming events and activities.
The Function Centre – Bunya Pavilion
Bunya Pavilion is the perfect place to host a business meeting, community gathering or private celebration. It is a modern and vibrant space located in the heart of the Botanic Gardens. For more information about this beautiful venue, please visit our website or contact us regarding hire availability.
Trading Hours
Parking and entry to the Gardens is free and we’re open every day of the year (including public holidays).
(On very rare occasions the Gardens may be closed for event set-up or entry fees may apply – stay updated via our Facebook and Instagram accounts).
The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Parkrun
A free, weekly, timed 5k event every Saturday morning.
Everyone is welcome to walk, jog, run or volunteer!