Frequently Asked Questions

• What are your opening hours?
• Is there an entry fee?
• Is there parking for caravans & motorhomes?
• When are Guided Tours run? Is there a fee?
• Can I do a self-guided tour?
• Can I bring my dog into the garden?
• Why are dogs not allowed throughout the garden?
• What is your Fire Plan at the garden?

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What are your opening hours?

Garden:	7:30am – sunset
Visitor Centre:	9:00am – 5:00pm Mon – Fri (April – November)
	9:00am – 4:00pm Mon – Fri (December – March)
	10:00am – 4:00pm weekends & public holidays
	Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day & Good Friday
Café:	As per Visitor Centre, plus:
Lunch Menu:	10:00am – 3:00pm Mon – Fri
	10:00am – 2:00pm weekends & public holidays
Coffee & cake etc.	all day

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Is there an entry fee?

No, entry is FREE but donations are very welcome.

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Is there caravan/motorhome parking?

Yes. There is drive-through caravan and motorhome parking available in our car park areas, including at both lookouts.

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When are Guided Tours run? Is there a fee?

Guided Tours commence at 10:00am on weekdays (excluding public holidays)

Tours for groups can be booked ahead at other days/times.

Adult	$10.00
Child	$6.00
Student	$6.00
School Groups (per child)	$6.00
Coach Groups >9 (per passenger)	$9.00

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Can I do a self-guided tour?

Yes, we provide maps & there is directional/interpretive signage throughout the garden.

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Can I bring my dog into the garden?

Dogs are only allowed in the on-leash area next to the car park and at the Matthew Flinders Red Cliffs Lookout. The remainder of the garden & walking tracks are off limits for dogs.

Short-term boarding at a discounted rate for Arid Lands visitors is available by calling Redgum Vet & Pet Boarding on 8642 3308 – booking ahead is recommended.

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Why are dogs not allowed throughout the garden?

While recreation is encouraged in our Botanic Garden, it's worth remembering that Botanic Gardens exist primarily for the preservation of the natural environment. Therefore, any activities that negatively impact on the environment are banned. These are the main reasons why dogs aren't allowed in our Botanic Garden:

• Even the most docile dogs are predatory animals and are therefore a threat to protected wildlife
• Native animals are vulnerable to diseases that dogs may carry
• Barking and scents left by dogs can scare wildlife and attract other predatory animals

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What is your Fire Plan at the Garden?

Fire Restrictions

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (AALBG) is a non-smoking premise and the lighting of fires is prohibited unless written approval has been obtained from the Manager Tourism or Fire Prevention Officer.

Fines will apply if a fire is lit within the AALBG without prior permission obtained from Council.

Fire break Audits

Each October, the Fire Prevention Officer will undertake an audit of the fire breaks around the garden boundaries and café boundary. This is an important part of fire prevention, not only for risk profile of the AALBG, but the western residential area of the City of Port Augusta.

Fire Danger Arrangements

On days of Catastrophic Fire Danger, in accordance with the CFS issued ratings the AALBG shall implement the following arrangements:

• Signs will be placed in both carparks and all pedestrian access points stating that the walking trails are closed due to fire risk
• All guided tours of the gardens will be cancelled
• Volunteers will not attend the nursery
• In the event of a fire, there will be a coordinated evacuation of the café, conference facilities and retail shop.