Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Port Augusta

Where is it?: The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is situated off the Stuart Highway, Port Augusta West. The gardens are open from 7:00 am to sunset all year round. Parking is found adjacent to the Visitor Centre.

Owner: Port Augusta City Council

Property summary: Total area c. 250 hectares. Hundred of Copley – Allotments 85 and 184

Landscape Management Region: South Australian Arid Lands

History: The concept of establishing an arid lands botanic garden at Port Augusta was first proposed in 1981 by John Zwar, Parks and Gardens Superintendent at Port Augusta City Council. The gardens were established in 1993, with the official opening in 1996.

Habitat: This site features significant areas of natural arid zone vegetation including western myall woodlands (Acacia papyrocarpa) and chenopod plains together with coastal vegetation dominated by grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) and samphire. An extensive collection of Eremophila species can also be seen which are also great for watching birds. From the Red Cliffs Lookout extensive areas of exposed sand banks can be seen at the head of Spencer Gulf.

More information: City of Port Augusta, Friends of AALBG

Total Species Recorded to Date: 122 (non-passerines 58, passerines 64) + 37 (Matthew Flinders Red Cliffs Lookout) (non-passerines 37)

Common Species: Crested Pigeon, White-winged Fairywren, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, White-fronted Honeyeater, Chirruping Wedgebill, Australian Magpie

Less Common Species: Splendid Fairywren, Pied Honeyeater, Orange Chat, Red-capped Robin, Crested Bellbird

Updated: 9/01/2022