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Bicentennial Conservatory: A Rainforest Oasis in Adelaide
Explore a lush rainforest within a stunning architectural icon at Adelaide's Bicentennial Conservatory, home to diverse plant species.
The Bicentennial Conservatory, located in Adelaide Botanic Garden, is the largest single-span conservatory in the Southern Hemisphere. This architectural marvel houses a lush, lowland rainforest environment, featuring diverse plant species from northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and nearby Pacific Islands, offering visitors a unique tropical experience.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Bicentennial Conservatory
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, AU
Monday
10 am-4 pm
Tuesday
10 am-4 pm
Wednesday
10 am-4 pm
Thursday
10 am-4 pm
Friday
10 am-4 pm
Saturday
10 am-4 pm
Sunday
10 am-4 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From the Adelaide Botanic Garden main entrance on North Terrace, walk south into the gardens. Follow the main path, keeping an eye out for signs directing you towards the Bicentennial Conservatory. The conservatory is centrally located and easily visible due to its distinctive glasshouse structure. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes on paved paths.
Public Transport
Take the tram to the 'Botanic Gardens' stop on North Terrace, which is directly outside the main entrance of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. From the tram stop, walk south into the gardens and follow the paved path towards the Bicentennial Conservatory, approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Tram travel is free within the city center. Alternatively, several bus routes stop near the Botanic Garden on North Terrace and East Terrace. Check Adelaide Metro for specific routes and schedules.
Driving
If driving, approach the Adelaide Botanic Garden via Hackney Road. Ticketed parking is available on Plane Tree Drive, accessed from Hackney Road. From the parking area, enter the Botanic Garden through the Hackney Gate, Conservatory Gate or Friends’ Gate and follow the signs to the Bicentennial Conservatory. Parking fees apply Monday to Saturday. As of July 2025, parking costs $3.80 per hour. Free parking is available on Sundays and public holidays.
Local tips
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Check the Botanic Gardens' website for any special events or exhibitions happening at the Conservatory.
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Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
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Take your time to explore both the lower and upper walkways for different perspectives of the rainforest.
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Note that the Conservatory may close early on very hot days for the safety of visitors and plants.
Discover more about Bicentennial Conservatory
Step into another world at the Bicentennial Conservatory, a stunning architectural landmark within Adelaide Botanic Garden. Opened in 1989 as part of Australia's bicentennial celebration, this conservatory was designed by architect Guy Maron and has received awards for its design and engineering. It stands as the largest single-span conservatory in the Southern Hemisphere, measuring 100 meters long, 47 meters wide, and 27 meters high.
Inside, you'll discover a carefully curated lowland rainforest environment, home to various plant species from northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Pacific Islands. Many of these are at-risk or endangered in their natural habitats. A lower walkway meanders across the forest floor, while an upper walkway takes you into the canopy of trees and palms, providing different perspectives of this vibrant ecosystem.
Originally, the conservatory maintained a heated tropical environment. However, rising energy costs led to a transition to a warm, temperate rainforest setting in 2012. Despite this change, the Bicentennial Conservatory remains a captivating destination, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
A brief summary to Bicentennial Conservatory
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