Background

Amazon Waterlily Pavilion: A Glasshouse Jewel

Discover the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion in Adelaide Botanic Garden: a stunning glasshouse showcasing exotic aquatic plants and unique architecture.

4.5

The Amazon Waterlily Pavilion in Adelaide Botanic Garden is a stunning glasshouse showcasing the Victoria amazonica waterlily. Inspired by the lily's giant leaves, it offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of aquatic plants.

A brief summary to Amazon Waterlily Pavilion

  • Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between September and April for the best chance to see the Victoria amazonica waterlily in bloom, but be quick, the flowers only last 48 hours!
  • Explore the interpretive gallery inside the pavilion to learn about the waterlily's biology and cultural significance.
  • Take advantage of the free guided tours of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, departing daily at 10:30 am from the Visitor Information Centre.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the rest of the Adelaide Botanic Garden to see other attractions like the Palm House and Bicentennial Conservatory.
  • Check the Botanic Gardens' website for events and exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main entrance of the Adelaide Botanic Garden on North Terrace, walk south along the main path. Follow signs towards the Bicentennial Conservatory and Palm House. The Amazon Waterlily Pavilion is located nearby, a short walk past the Palm House. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes on paved paths.

  • Public Transport

    Take the tram to the Botanic Gardens tram stop on North Terrace, which is directly outside the main entrance. Enter the gardens and follow the walking directions. Alternatively, several bus routes stop near the gardens on North Terrace and East Terrace. Check Adelaide Metro for specific routes and schedules. Tram travel is free within the city center. Bus fares vary depending on distance, but a single trip within the city typically costs around $4.10 AUD [Current date is Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 2:26:47 PM UTC].

  • Car

    Enter the Adelaide Botanic Garden via Plane Tree Drive, accessing the gardens through the Friends' Gate, Conservatory Gate, or Hackney Gate. Ticketed car parking is available on Plane Tree Drive. Parking fees are applicable from Monday to Saturday, with free parking on Sundays and public holidays. As of July 2025, parking costs $3.80 AUD per hour [Current date is Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 2:26:47 PM UTC]. Payment can be made via cashless, paperless ticket machines using credit or debit cards. Be sure to input your vehicle registration number when prompted.

Unlock the Best of Amazon Waterlily Pavilion

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Amazon Waterlily Pavilion

The Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, opened in 2007, is a highlight of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, offering a tranquil escape into the world of aquatic plants. This exquisite glasshouse was designed to replace the original Victoria House and provide an ideal environment for the Victoria amazonica waterlily. The pavilion's architecture draws inspiration from the waterlily's giant leaves, creating a visually stunning and energy-efficient space. The pavilion's centrepiece is the original pond from the Victoria House, which continues to house the magnificent Victoria amazonica waterlily. This remarkable plant, native to the Amazon River, is known for its enormous leaves that can grow large enough to support the weight of a small child. The best time to witness the waterlily's spectacular flower is between September and April, though the blooms only last about 48 hours. The flower opens white on the first evening, attracting beetles with its sweet scent, then reopens the following evening in pink/purple. Inside the pavilion, an interpretive gallery delves into the waterlily's unique form, remarkable biology, and cultural significance. The surrounding landscape features a variety of bromeliads, orchids, and begonias, enhancing the visitor experience. The Amazon Waterlily Pavilion is more than just a display; it's an educational hub where visitors can learn about plant conservation and the unique ecosystems that support these incredible waterlilies. The Adelaide Botanic Garden itself, established in 1857, provides a vibrant cultural precinct and a centre for botanical learning and research. Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped gardens, majestic avenues, and stunning architecture across its 50 hectares. Other attractions include the Palm House, Bicentennial Conservatory, and the Museum of Economic Botany.

Popular Experiences near Amazon Waterlily Pavilion

Popular Hotels near Amazon Waterlily Pavilion

Select Currency