The Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium manages several botanic estates – the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Botanic Park, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, Wittunga Botanic Garden and the Botanic Reserves under the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium Act (1978).

Nestled in the foothills of Blackwood, Wittunga Botanic Garden was established in 1902 as a private estate by Edwin Ashby and opened as a public garden in 1975. It specialises in plants from South Africa, western and southern Australia, reflecting the Mediterranean climates shared by these regions. The site embraces local grey box woodland and newer wild-sourced provenance South Australian plant community collections. The tranquil lake and waterwise plantings provide habitat for native wildlife. Wittunga’s unique focus on water conservation and its global plant connections make it an inviting space for education and recreation.

The Living Collection of the Garden has over 85 plant families represented. Key collections include Bird Garden, Billabong, Butterfly Garden, Fleurieu Peninsula Flora, Fynbos, Grey Box Woodland, Hakea and Banksia, Kangaroo Island Flora, Maluka Beds, Australian Myrtles and the Ashby Terrace Beds.

The Garden hosts various activities and events throughout the year, including live plays and outdoor events, school education programs, nature-based wellbeing sessions, guided walks and cultural tours. The Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium also have a vibrant Friends and Guides group. The Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation supports the work of the Gardens and accepts donations.

Visit our website for details, https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/wittunga-botanic-garden.