Celebrate Botanic Gardens Week – 18 to 24 May
The Friends invite everyone to enjoy one or more activities offered by our volunteers and members of the Friends to celebrate Botanic Gardens Week 2026. Please book ahead if possible so we can provide enough mentors and guides.
Growing Friends – Plant Propagation sessions
Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
Time: 9.30 am – 11.30 am (two one hour sessions: 9.30 – 10.30 or 10.30 to 11.30)
Location: Potting space, outside the Banksia Building (follow the signs)
Botanic Art Group – Have a Go at Botanical Art
Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Time: 10 am to 12 noon
Location: Celia Rosser Room, in the Banksia Building, ANBG
Thursday Talk – Awe and Wonder in CSIRO’s Collections
Enjoy a lunchtime talk in the Gardens Theatrette. This week our speaker is Andrea Wild, from CSIRO, who will share stories from the new science book Wild Collections. Learn about sharks living in sponges, orchids flowering underground and other quirky tales.
Date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Time: 12.30 – 1.30 pm
Location: Gardens Theatrette (in Admin Building opposite the Visitor Centre)
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DKZFY
Bushland Nature Walk – Catch a View!
A special guided walk to explore the Gardens’ Bushland Precinct, across the Black Mountain road from the main part of the Gardens. The Bushland Nature Walk meanders through open forest and features expansive views to Canberra City and Parliament House. Some of the plants are labelled and you will find interpretive signs about the biodiversity, fire ecology and soil of the area. The walk culminates at a viewing platform offering spectacular views across Lake Burley Griffin. Return is via the same path.
The walk is easy to medium on uneven ground, with a few stairs and short steep sections. There are some places to rest along the way. Distance: 3.2 km. Wear a shady hat, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes and bring your bottle of water.
Date: Saturday 23 May
Time: 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Location: Meet your guide at the Gardens Visitor Centre at 9.25 am
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DLKGL
Enquiries: email events@friendsanbg.org.au or contact Linda on 0437 298 711.
Cost: $10 (towards projects in the Gardens)
Pause. Notice. Create. Nature Journaling at ANBG
As part of Botanic Gardens Week 2026, join us at the Australian National Botanic Garden for a Nature Journaling Workshop—a gentle, creative way to support your wellbeing and deepen your connection with nature.
When: 10 am to 12 noon, Saturday 23 May
Where: Banksia Centre, Australian National Botanic Garden
Cost: $64.84
Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pause-notice-create-nature-journaling-at-anbg-tickets-1987026984199
Botanical sound bath workshop & breath and stillness ceremony
Join us for an intimate 90‑minute Wellness Workshops, designed to restore balance, calm the nervous system, and reconnect you with yourself — all in a serene indoor sanctuary surrounded by the Gardens.
When: Various sessions Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May
Where: Crosbie Morrison Building, ANBG
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1579243
Photographic Group – Camera and Café walk
The Photographic Group invites you to join us on a CAMERA AND CAFÉ WALK in the Gardens. Bring along your camera (the camera in your phone is fine!) for a guided walk led by experienced photographers, followed by morning tea and a chat at Pollen Café.
Date: Sunday 24 May 2026
Time: Meet at 8.40 am
Location: Meet at the bus stop shelter at the top of the car park.
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DLYVV (enquiries to: events@friendsanbg.org.au)
Take a self-guided walk in the Gardens:
Take your own walk at any time that suits you, with a Eucalypt Discovery Walk, an Aboriginal Plant Use Walk, or a Flowers, Fruit & Foliage Walk.
Join a free Guided Walk with an experienced volunteer Gardens Guide, daily at 11 am and 2 pm. No booking necessary.
Ride on the Flora Explorer Bus. Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30 am and 1.30 pm. Bookings on the ANBG website, or Flora Explorer Bus Tours Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite