Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens

The objective of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is a pre-eminent facility where research, education and the display of plant biodiversity from the southern arid zone of Australia is centred.

Existing natural vegetation is incorporated into the new landscape.

A visitor reception building was completed in 1995 and houses botanical and natural history displays, a gift shop selling a selected range of books and Australian made souvenirs, the Bluebush Cafe, and toilet and office facilities.

This Royal Australian Institute of Architects award winning building incorporates energy and water saving features including stabilised earth walls, a combination passive and evaporative air-conditioning system, solar hot water system, rainwater storage and filtration for the majority of water needs and on-site effluent treatment for irrigation use.

Solar lighting illuminates the building surrounds, car park and sections of the entrance road. The garden incorporates and displays technology appropriate to arid Australia through quality interpretive displays.