Frequently Asked Questions


What are your opening hours?

Garden: 7:30am – sunset except for Catastrophic Fire Danger days
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, and Catastrophic Fire Danger days
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

Is there an entry fee?

No, entry is FREE but donations are very welcome.


Is there caravan/motorhome parking?

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


When are Guided Tours run? Is there a fee?

Weekday Guided Tours Unavailable for January/February 2024

Our volunteer guides are having a well deserved, summer break.

Please enquire with the gift shop for the self-guided walks map.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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

Can I do a self-guided tour?

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


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.


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:


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 Director of Corporate and Community Services 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 be closed to the public (Garden and Visitor Centre) and will implement the following arrangements:


How accessible is the Garden?

The AALBG has a series of pathways running throughout the 250 hectare Garden. Some of these pathways are sealed/paved and suitable for wheelchair access, other pathways are loose gravel and can be a little uneven under foot, with slight inclines and declines. Our volunteer Tour Guides can cater for those living with a disability joining the guided tour. Please advise the Gift Shop staff upon booking.

The Visitor Centre’s layout is across one level with no steps throughout. There is a wheelchair available to use for your visit. If you would like to know more about the accessibility of our Garden please contact the Gift Shop staff, they will be able to assist you.

More Accessibility Information


Can I bring alcohol into the garden or to the Red cliff Lookout?

Alcohol can only be consumed within the licenced area of the Visitor Centre and must be purchased from the Café. The garden is located within the Port Augusta Dry Zone and no consumption is allowed outside the Café licensed area, including the Red Cliff Lookout.


Can I smoke within the Garden?

The garden is a smoke free site due to the high fire risk. There is a designated smoking area at the Western end of the Visitor Centre. Please use butt bin provided and refrain from littering.