Walks in the gardens

Free guided walks | Booked guided walks | Self guided walks | The main path

Free Guided Walks

Free guided walks leave the Visitor Centre at 11am and 2pm daily and take about one hour.
These walks help visitors to see and understand the beauty and clever adaptations of Australia's native flora, as well as the research and effort involved in creating and maintaining the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
Bookings are not required but please arrive 10 minutes before departure time. We request that groups of 8 people or more arrange a booked walk rather than joining a scheduled walk.
Conducted by volunteer guides from the Friends of the ANBG. Donations to the Friends are most welcome.

Booked Guided Walks

Guided walks for large or small groups can be arranged by booking in advance, at times convenient to the group.
These walks can be tailored to the needs and interests of particular groups, and can cater for larger numbers than the regular scheduled walks.
$5.00 per person. To make a booking please phone the Visitor Centre on (02) 6250 9540 or download a booking form.

Self Guided Walks

Joseph Banks Walk

The Joseph Banks walk is a short stroll and ideal for those with limited time or mobility. Located within easy distance of the car park and the Visitor Centre, this area of the Gardens is planted with a range of colourful plants to illustrate the diversity of the Australian flora.
There is also a bust of Joseph Banks, the naturalist who accompanied Captain Cook on his voyage to Australia in 1770.

The Main Path

The Main Path is paved along its whole length and all slopes meet Australian standards for wheelchair access.
A footbridge from the carpark leads visitors over the Tasmanian Rainforest Gully, past the beautiful Hudsons Cafe, and into the gardens.
It passes through the Myrtaceae, the monocots, the Protaeceae, the Sydney Region flora, the Eucalypt Lawn, the Acacias, the Hakeas, the Rock Garden, the conifers and into the Rainforest Gully. It finishes near the Visitor Centre. | (1.5 km, about 60 minutes)

Children's Discovery Walk - Who Lives Here?

Children love to learn by ‘doing’ so we’ve designed a fun 30 minute activity perfect for young ones.
"Who Lives Here?" provides nine activity stations that introduce children to the concept that plants are important for animal biodiversity.
An accompanying activity booklet provides parents and carers with interesting information and ideas for questions to ask their budding scientist.

Download the Children's Discovery Walk (Who Lives Here) or pick up a booklet at the Visitor Centre.

Walk to Black Mountain summit

This trail branches from the Main Path near the Eucalypt Lawn and passes by the site of the former Nursery into the higher areas of the Gardens. It leads visitors through a special boundary gate and into the Black Mountain Nature Park and on to the summit.
It is marked by posts showing a Telstra Tower symbol and arrow. | (about 90 minutes return, steep climb)

The Conifer Walk

The Conifer Walk is a short loop path off the Main Path highlighting Australian conifers.