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.
NatureArt Lab School Holiday Program – Water Wonders
8–11 October, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm — Banks Building
Splash into nature, science and art with NatureArt Lab’s exciting school holiday program! From coasts to deserts, these holidays are all about water around the world. Experiment with different art and craft mediums each day, and learn about water systems and the creatures that live within.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday 19 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.
Bushland Nature Walk – guided walks
10.00 am – 11.30 am, Thursdays 17, 24 & 31 October & 21 November — 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.
Native Plant Sale – Presented by the Growing Friends
Saturday 9 November, 8.30 am – 11.00 am (or earlier if sold out) — Crosbie Morrison Building car park
A boutique sale with plants grown by the Gardens' Growing Friends from material sourced in the Gardens.
Nature Photography Workshop with Steve Parrish
19 October 9.00 am – 6.30 pm & 20 October 9.00 am – 4.30 pm — Crosbie Morrison Building
Join Steve Parish for a weekend workshop that includes interactive seminar sessions combined with practical photo sessions in unique botanical settings at the peak of the flowering season.
Wake Up With the Birds
7.45 am–9.15 am, Saturdays & Sundays, 28 September–20 October — Meet at the Visitor Centre
Be enchanted by the birds on this early morning guided bird watching walk through the Gardens.
Beeswax Wraps Workshops for Pollinator Week
17 November 10.00 am – 12.30 pm & 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm — Banks Building
Make your own Bees Wax Wraps for Pollinator Week. Use less plastic at home and get creative at the same time.
ACT Threatened Species Children's Art Competition 2019
Outdoor exhibition 8.30 am – 5.00 pm, 7 September – 13 October — Paperbark Treehouse Garden
Discover Australia’s threatened species from the perspective of young artists in this outdoor exhibition.
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 2019 — Theatrette
Our Thursday lunchtime talks cover diverse aspects of the natural world in Australia and around the globe.
Grandparents Playgroup
Thursdays 10.00–11.30 am — Banks Building (spaces limited)
Encourage your grandchildren to make new friends and discover nature, in the idyllic surrounds of the Gardens. The Grandparents Playgroup offers a special weekly outing with the grandkids.
