Botanic Gardens Week

Where Your Health Grows

Botanic Gardens Week 2026 celebrates the health and wellbeing benefits of botanic gardens, recognising the now undeniable truth that nature is medicine. ​

Botanic gardens are uniquely placed to support health and wellbeing because they provide accessible spaces that promote physical activity, restore mental health, foster social connection, and strengthen our bond with nature – all of which are proven to increase overall wellbeing.​ A growing body of research shows that spending time in nature measurably improves human health.

Join us as we celebrate Botanic Gardens Week this year from 17-23 May with a range of free activities and opportunities to explore the beauty of our garden.

Botanic Gardens Week events

Step Back in Time Tour – Coming Soon

During the week, we’ll also be hosting a special theatrical Step Back in Time Tour around the historic Gleniffer Brae Manor House. Stay tuned - more details will be announced shortly.

Explore at Your Own Pace

You’re welcome to visit anytime throughout the week to wander through our incredible plant collections, relax on the lawns, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

Snacks and beverages

Pani Cafe will be selling their delicious coffees, teas, hot chocolates and milkshakes from 9am to 4pm near the playground (P-2 on Botanic Garden Map)

Updates and cancellations

Any updates or cancellations of Botanic Gardens Day events will be posted on this page and the Garden's Facebook and Instagram.

Learn more

The main hub of activity will be around the Towri Centre, with self-guided trails and tours taking you for a trip around the Garden!

  • Public Transport: The best way to arrive is via public transport with the free shuttle bus stopping at Northfields Ave and connecting to North Wollongong train station.
  • Driving: A limited number of car spaces are available at our car parks off Madoline Street or Murphys Avenue, or street parking is also available.
  • Cycling: we have a number of bike racks at Garden entrances.

Download our Garden map PDF, 76 KB and find full details (including access and mobility) on getting here.

Botanic Gardens Week (formally Botanic Gardens Day) is an annual week of celebration to shed light on the role of plants in our lives and the important work botanic gardens undertake every day to conserve them for future generations.

More than 100 botanic gardens, arboreta and gardens across Australia and New Zealand participate in this national event to highlight the significant work undertaken at botanic gardens to ensure plants survive into the future.

For more information visit BGANZ (Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Ltd.)

Prior to Botanic Gardens Week, BGANZ (Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Ltd) will hold three online webinars, hosted by Costa Georgiadis.

The 2026 webinar topics, dates and times will be annouced in April.

To watch the live webinars, head to Costa’s Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube pages at 7pm AEST on the date listed below! They will also be recorded so don’t worry if you can’t make it on the night. We also include all the recorded live chats below.

2025  Webinars:

2024 Webinars: