What’s on
There’s always something new and exciting to see and do at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Our calendar of events is changing all the time. Check out the list of current and upcoming events below.
22nd annual schools photographic competition
Entries close on Wednesday 3 October — Australian National Botanic Gardens
Ignite your passion for Australian plants and show off your artistic creativity and photographic skills through images taken in the gardens.
Puggles and Explore NatureArt school holiday program
8 – 12 October, 9.00 am–12.00 noon (ages 5–8), 1.00 pm–4.30 pm (ages 9–12) — Banks Building
Discover and learn about nature through observation, drawing, painting, nature journaling and craft. Get to know the birds, insects, marsupials, reptiles and the unique Australian plant communities featured in the gardens.
Wattle Walks
11.00 am – 12.00 pm daily, 1–9 September — Meet at the Visitor Centre
Discover the diversity of the genus Acacia (commonly known as wattle) on free guided walks through the gardens for Wattle Week.
Bushland Nature Walk – guided walks
10.00 am – 11.30 am, Thursday 20 September & 18 October — Meet at the Visitor Centre
Join a volunteer guide to discover flowering plants along the Bushland Nature Walk and enjoy spectacular views over Lake Burley Griffin.
Wake Up With the Birds
7.45 am–9.15 am, Saturdays & Sundays 22 September–14 October — Meet at the Visitor Centre
Be enchanted by the birds on this early morning guided bird watching walk through the Gardens.
DIY Beeswax Wraps for Pollinator Week
10.00 am – 11.30 am and 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm, Sunday 18 November — Banks Building
Make your own beeswax wraps as part of Pollinator Week.
NatureArt kids club
Last Sunday of every month – February–November, 10.00 am–12.00 noon — Banks Building
Join NatureArt Kids Club art and science adventures for an exciting exploration of nature in the gardens.
Photography afterDARK
Fridays 26 October, 9 November, 18 January and 15 February, Times vary depending on sunset — Meet at the Crosbie Morrison amphitheatre
Join Irene Lorbergs from Canberra School of Photography for an exclusive three hour guided night photography workshop in the gardens. Learn how to 'paint with light' during sunset, dusk and the black of night.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday 20 October, 8.30 am–1.30 pm — Southern car park
Browse Canberra's best range of Australian native plants, including many local species. Thousands of plants to choose from.
Exhibitions at the Visitors Centre
Daily, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm — Visitor Centre Gallery
Exhibitions explore the Australian environment through diverse creative forms including fine art, craft, photography and sculpture.
Friday Storytime for Preschoolers
First Friday of the month, 10.00 – 11.00 am — Follow the signs from the Cafe Bridge
Stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities are brought to life in the gardens' beautiful natural surroundings.
Thursday Talks
12.30 pm on Thursdays from 1 Feb to 29 Nov 2018 — Theatrette
Our Thursday lunchtime talks cover diverse aspects of the natural world in Australia and around the globe.
