What's on at the Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Gardens host activites and events to suit all tastes, from our celebrated Summer Sounds concerts, to new and innovative workshops and exhibitions. And lots of outdoor fun for children and families.

March in the Gardens

Download a flyer of what's on in the Gardens in March.

Image: Correa 'Canberra Bells' - Canberra's Centenary flower

Sunset Cinema

Enjoy your favourite latest release, classic and arthouse films in the beautiful garden surrounds. Bring a picnic or pre-order your evening meal. Beer, wine, soft drink, juice and water available for all movie screenings as well as hot buttery popcorn and tasty coffee.

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 February to 16 March | 7.00 pm
Where: Eucalypt Lawn
Time: 7.00 pm
Cost: $18.20 adult, $15.10 concession, $12 child, $42.70 family | Purchase tickets

More Information

Art in the Gardens with Friends Exhibition

A collection of botanic art featuring Australian native plants by the combined Friends' Botanic Art Groups. Many of the plants featured are in the collection of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The majority of paintings will be for sale with a proportion of proceeds going to support Friends activities.

When: Friday 8 March - Sunday 8 April 2013
Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm daily
Evening viewing hours (7, 8, 9 & 14, 15, 16 March only): 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Where: Visitor Centre Gallery

Image: Lambertia formosa by Cornelia Buchen-Osmond

Seniors Week Morning Tea and Walk

The Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens invite you to enjoy a guided walk, morning tea and botanic art exhibition during Seniors Week. Stroll through the Gardens with an expert guide then relax over devonshire tea at Floresco in the Gardens Café. Meet some of the artists at the Botanic Art Group’s Exhibition – Art in the Gardens with Friends.

When: Thursday 21 March
Time: 9.45 am (meet at Visitor Centre)
Cost: $9.50
Bookings: Essential by 15 March | through Floresco in the Gardens Café on (02) 6248 9680.

Pearls Before Swine Performance

Presented by the Griffyn Ensemble and Floresco Cafe

Jump aboard with the Griffyn Ensemble as they voyage uncharted musical waters with Sweden's premier contemporary music buccaneers, the Peärls Before Swïne Experience.

Kick off the Easter long weekend with LAST SUPPER - Michelangelo's masterpiece in musical form launches this trans-continental collaboration!

When: Thursday 28 March
Time: Performance commences 5.30pm with Tapas service from 5.30 - 7.30pm
Where: Floresco Cafe , Australian National Botanic Gardens
Cost: $40 PLUS ONLINE BOOKING FEE | PURCHASE TICKETS
MORE INFORMATION

Stargazers afterDARK

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Australian National Botanic Gardens' native Australian flora by night.

Start the evening with a heart warming hot chocolate, then venture into the magical world of our illuminated Rainforest Gully. Then explore the Garden under the torch light of our Ranger guide.

Finish your evening on the beautiful Rock Garden Lawn gazing at the stars under the guidance of the Canberra Astronomical Society.

When: Saturday 6 April and Saturday 4 May 2013
Time: 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm | Gates open 6pm and close at 6.30pm sharp
Cost: $20 adult plus online booking fee; $15 concession; $15 child plus online booking fee
Bookings: Essential as numbers are limited | More Information

Family Picnic Day

A delightful day out for the entire family including displays, guided walks, presentations, kids activities and performances. Bring your own picnic or purchase a delicious bush BBQ burger (including beef, chicken or veggie options) available all day from the cafe deck with special discount price for seniors.

When: Sunday 7 April 2013
Time: 11.00am - 3.00 pm
Where: Cafe Lawn and Education Lawn

MORE INFORMATION

Australian Native Plant Sale

Presented by the Growing Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

A boutique sale of plants propagated and sold by the Growing Friends from material sourced from the Australian National Botanic Gardens. All proceeds go to support the Gardens. Bring a bag or box for your purchases. Please bring purchases directly to your car.

When: Saturday 13 April 2013
Time: 8:30am - 11.00 am or until sold out | Be early for best selection
Where: Crosbie Morrison Building Carpark
Cost: $3 and $5

Flora Explorer Tours

THE FLORA EXPLORER IS TEMPORARILY OUT OF SERVICE
Discover the Gardens in relaxing style in this one hour guided tour aboard a 12-seater electric bus.

When: Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays | 1.00 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays during school holidays | 1.00 pm
Where: Tours begin outside the Visitor Centre
Cost: $6.00 adult | $3.00 child under 16 and concession | Children under 3 ride free
Purchase tickets: At the Botanical Bookshop in the Visitor Centre | Booking information 6257 3302

Bush Magic Storytime

Come join us for a story and a craft activity in the Gardens.

When: Friday 5 April | Storytime is on the first Friday each month
Time: 10 – 11 am
Where: Follow the signs from the Cafe or check in at the Visitor Centre for details on the day | Storytime will be held indoors during wet and cold weather
Cost: $5 per child | Suitable for pre-schoolers
Bookings: Not required

More information

Thursday Talks and 2013 Centenary Chats

A fascinating series of talks about Australian plants, plants of the world and special topics related to plants. Presented by the Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

When: Thursdays from February to November
Time: 12:30pm
Where: Theatrette
Cost: Gold coin donation to the Friends of the ANBG

More information

Free Guided Walks

Free Guided Walks by the Friends Volunteer Guides

Daily at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm
Meet at the Visitors Centre

Friends Events and Activities

See Friends' Calendar for special events and activities organised by the Friends of the ANBG