Photo credit @frames_by_shiji
Visitor numbers at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden are reaching an all-time high as the breathtaking autumn colours continue to develop. In response to the huge surge in visitation, the team at the Garden has issued some important reminders and helpful hints.
It’s no wonder the visitor numbers are up! As you enter the garden, you’re greeted by a sea of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. The leaves on the trees have transformed into a kaleidoscope of hues, creating a picturesque landscape that will take your breath away. It’s like walking into a painting!
Weekends are a hugely popular time to visit, so patrons are advised to make their visit on weekdays or early in the morning if possible, to avoid peak times. Mount Lofty Botanic Garden opens its gates at 8:30am so head out early and then reward yourself with brunch in the Hills! The autumn hues will stay for several more weeks, providing opportunities for visiting after school holidays and public holidays.
Parking at the garden is expected to be challenging during this peak season. Both the upper and lower carparks may be busy. Visitors are asked to bear in mind that the upper carpark may hold more availability. It is crucial to remember, though, that it is a steep walk down and back up.
Visitors are also urged to be considerate of other drivers and aware of no parking zones. Don’s park across peoples driveways, or in front of gates!
It’s also important to note, that in line with Garden regulations, drones are not permitted within the garden for safety reasons.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden’s horticultural supervisor Mark Oborn has been working in the garden for two decades and has seen it all when it comes to the autumn colours period.
He attributes the surge in visitor numbers since 2017 to the impressive images of Mount Lofty Botanic Garden shared on social media. Each year, the first colours appear in mid-March and carry on until the end of May or even June.
Oborn indicates that the garden is expecting roughly 120,000 visitors this autumn, keeping on par with the last few years. The arboretum, the main lake, and the duck pond are some of the most successful areas for getting a good view of the autumn colour.
First-time visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear as some paths are steep. Also, given that the weather might be cooler than in the Adelaide Plains, visitors should be prepared with warm clothing.
Bracegirdle’s bus will be on-site on weekends and public holidays between 9am and 4pm for those in need of a snack or a cup of coffee.
For more info visit https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/mount-lofty-botanic-garden/visitor-information
