Bicentennial Conservatory Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide, South Australia 5000

Welcome to the Bicentennial Conservatory, a must-visit establishment and point of interest in Adelaide, Australia. Located on Plane Tree Drive, this tourist attraction offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Please note that the Bicentennial Conservatory will be closed to the public until midday from 11-13 September 2023 while the windows are cleaned. We appreciate your patience during this time.

Step into the Bicentennial Conservatory and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of a lowland rainforest. Marvel at the impressive canopy of trees and diverse range of plants that create a thriving ecosystem within this architectural marvel.

Designed by renowned South Australian architect Guy Maron and built in 1988, the Bicentennial Conservatory holds the distinction of being the largest single span conservatory in the Southern Hemisphere. Its curvilinear shape stretches across 100 meters in length, 47 meters in width, and reaches a height of 27 meters. The elegant steel superstructure supports 2,434 square meters of toughened glass, forming the roof, walls, and doors. Its glistening and distinctive shape serves as a prominent landmark, especially for visitors arriving in Adelaide by air.

Inside, you'll discover a lush display of lowland rainforest plants sourced from northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the nearby Pacific Islands. Many of these plants are at risk or endangered in their natural habitats, making this conservatory a vital sanctuary for their preservation.

Explore the conservatory through its lower walkway, which winds across the undulating forest floor, or venture onto the upper walkway that takes you into the captivating canopy of trees and palms. Both walkways are fully accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this natural wonder.

Recognized for its architectural excellence, the Bicentennial Conservatory has received prestigious awards, including the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA, SA Chapter) Award of Merit in 1990 and the RAIA Sir Zelman Cowan Award in 1991. In 2010, it was ranked as the 9th best building in Australia by The Australian. Furthermore, it holds the Jack Cheesman Award for Enduring Architecture in South Australia (2014) and became the youngest building in the state to receive Heritage Listing.

Open daily from 10am until one hour before the Garden closes, the Bicentennial Conservatory offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. However, please be aware that on Mondays from 9.30am - 1pm, the conservatory may be closed for a school Space Botany educational program. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Additionally, please note that the Bicentennial Conservatory will be closed from midday on Thursday 21 June 2023 due to the installation of Resonate. During the Resonate exhibition, the conservatory will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm.

As you explore the Adelaide Botanic Garden, don't miss the beautifully heritage-listed Goodman Building on Hackney Road. Formerly the base for the Municipal Tramways Trust, it now serves as the administration building for the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.

Join us in celebrating World Ocean Day on 8 June, an annual event that brings together people from around the world to protect and restore our blue planet. In our latest blog, Jem Barratt from the State Herbarium takes a deep dive into the scientific work focused on seagrasses and seaweed, highlighting their crucial role in preserving and restoring our ocean ecosystems.

Come and experience the wonders of the Bicentennial Conservatory, where nature, architecture, and preservation converge to create a truly unforgettable experience.