Visiting the Garden

The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is a must-see, family-friendly bush garden.

Wander through the diverse plant life: The garden showcases over 600 plant species native to the arid region, including many rare and threatened varieties. Take your time to appreciate the fascinating adaptations of these desert survivors.

Embark on a self-guided walk: Choose from several well-marked trails, such as the Mallee Walk or Wattle Walk, each offering insights into different plant communities and their ecological significance. For stunning views of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges, trek up Tharrarletneme (Annie Meyers Hill).

Spot local wildlife: The Garden offers the chance to encounter various native animals in their natural habitat. Eighty-nine bird species, including some rare, have been observed in the garden. Look out for the Black-footed Rock Wallaby, the Euro (Hill Kangaroo), or various reptile species.

Enjoy a picnic or coffee: The Bean Tree Café offers a delightful setting to relax and refuel amidst the tranquil garden atmosphere.

Opening Hours

The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is open to the public:

The Garden Guide

The Garden Guide offers detailed insights into the Garden. It features maps of the walking trails and information on some descriptions of the various plants found along the route. It also tells the story of the Garden’s origins and highlights Miss Olive Pink’s contributions.

A hard copy of the Guide to the Garden is available at the garden for a donation of $10.

You can make a donation electronically at the cafe, by cash into the box at the cafe entrance, or online here.

Our Walks

Olive Pink Botanic Garden offers a range of walks for all ages and physical abilities.

Wattle Walk

Allow 15 minutes.

There are over 1000 different wattles in Australia and over 1300 worldwide. The wattle has been regarded as Australia’s national flower since 1901; however it was not until 1988 that Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) officially became our national emblem.

Wattles have been used extensively by Aboriginal people and by European settlers for timber, firewood and food. The seeds of several different species are an important food resource for Aboriginal people, and more recently wattle seed products have been developed for the growing bushfood market.

Mallee Walk

Allow 15 minutes.

Mallee is the name given to multi-stemmed trees which belong to the gum tree genera Eucalyptus and Corymbia (bloodwoods). There are around 1000 different species worldwide, the majority of which occur only in Australia.

Mallee was a very common vegetation type across drier parts of southern Australia before extensive clearing for agriculture.

Mallees provide an important source of firewood, timber, gum, honey and Eucalyptus oil. Mallee habitat is critical for many native plants and animals. Unlike other parts of Australia, mallees and other gum trees are relatively uncommon in Central Australia, where wattles predominate.

Hill Walk / Arrernte Trail

Allow 35 minutes return.

Many of these plants have evolved to tolerate drought. Some, known as ‘resurrection plants’, do so by dying back and regenerating from rootstock or tubers once rain falls again. Please make sure you take water, have appropriate footwear for the rocky path and supervise children.

There is a sign at the top of the hill outlining the importance of this site to the Arrernte people. We ask visitors to keep to the path and respect this important cultural site, Tharrarletneme (Annie Meyers Hill).

Senna Walk

Allow 15 minutes.

A new walk coming soon!

More information about the Senna Walk coming soon…

Olive Pink Walk

Allow 40 minutes.​

During this time Olive Pink successfully campaigned for the area to be declared as the Australian Arid Regions Native Flora Reserve, now the Olive Pink Botanic Garden. This walk will give you an insight into her life as an anthropologist, supporter of Aboriginal rights, conservationist, botanical collector and artist.

Our Flora

Browse & identify over 600 plant species using the Olive Pink Botanic Garden archives.

Our Birds & Animals

Animals such as Black-footed Rock-wallabies and Euros, and birds such as Western Bowerbirds and Grey-crowned Babblers also reside in the Garden and can be seen and enjoyed daily.

Audio Stories Series (2009)

The First Garden (2009)

Cultural Stories (inc. Tharrarletneme)

Our Stories, Memories & Living Culture

Alice Springs (Mparntwe) has a rich intercultural history and the Olive Pink Botanic Garden is a great place to learn more and connect with the unique stories that add layers of depth and understanding to the experience of place.

In addition to the many written accounts of Olive Pink’s life and times, numerous creative projects have explored the experience of Central Australia through the eyes and/or life- journeys of Olive Pink.

Olive Pink (and the garden) has been a source of inspiration for plays, operas, poetry, songs and much more.

The Gardens are also very fortunate to have strong cultural guidance led by Central Arrernte custodians, and where possible these stories are shared or incorporated into our signage as is deemed appropriate.

Olive Pink Labyrinth

Our Artworks

The Olive Pink Botanic Gardens run, or partner with local organisations to run, a wide range of events, workshops and community activities.

We will add more details here concerning our regular and established activities.

For now it’s probably best to check our news section here or visit our Facebook page here.