| Auburn Botanical Gardens | |
|---|---|
 | |
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| Type | Botanical, fauna, forest, wildlife park, nature reserve |
| Location | Auburn, New South Wales, Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°51′31.54″S 151°1′2.38″E / 33.8587611°S 151.0173278°E |
| Opened | 1977 |
| Owned by | Auburn Council |
| Status | Open all year |
| Website | Official website |
The Auburn Botanical Gardens are a botanical garden located in the city of Auburn, New South Wales, Australia. It was established in 1977 and covers an area of 9.7 hectares (24 acres).[1] There are two lakes, a waterfall and bridges. Duck River winds through the garden.
The garden is maintained by the Municipal Auburn council. It is open daily, and there is a small entry fee. There is no indoor exhibit space.
History
The gardens were opened by the New South Wales governor Sir Roden Cutler on 11 September 1977. Local residents are very proud of 'their' gardens, which were designed by Eric Black, chief engineer of Auburn Municipal Council from 1949 to 1979. Community groups have added a bonsai garden and an aviary to the basic plan. The native fauna reserve, set up in consultation with Taronga Zoo, is a later addition by the council's parks and gardens department.
The gardens owe their origin to the Cumberland Planning Scheme (1946–1951) which set aside the area along the banks of the Duck River for recreation. Both before and after the scheme, the council dumped rubbish and sewage along the banks and in brick and tile clay-pits for many years. In July 1968, Black presented a detailed report to the council on proposing a mixture of sporting grounds and intensive cultivation of the Duck River parklands. Black envisaged a series of gardens representing national styles from around the world. This vision was later reduced, though some elements survived, including the Japanese gardens and lake, the formal gardens and reflection pool, and the different Australian habitats.
The next crucial step was when the Whitlam Government (1972–1975) pioneered federal government recognition of local government through direct funding. Through the regional development program, Auburn Council received funding in 1974 and 1975–76 to develop the gardens.
The gardens have matured since their opening, to the extent that some areas have had to be replanted after maturing trees and plants came to the end of their life cycles. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change has identified the gardens as part of the recovery plan for certain environments and species, including Cooks River clay plain scrub forest, Acacia pubescens (downy wattle) and Wahlenbergia multicaulis (Tadgell's bluebell).
Tourism
The Auburn Botanic Gardens attract thousands of visitors each year, including a significant number from outside Australia. The Japanese gardens and hill are favourite venues for weddings and have hosted couples from overseas.
Topography
The topography of the site, which slopes gently towards the Duck River, has been altered to create different perspectives and microclimates. Three habitats are intended to provide an experience of 'Australia' in the city – the woodlands theatre, the native garden and billabong, and the Australian rainforest.
Collections
- Japanese garden
- Fauna reserve
- Rose garden
- Scented garden
- Australian native and rainforest gardens
Plants and animals
See also
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Wollongong Botanic Gardens
- Nurragingy Reserve
- List of botanical gardens
- List of parks in Sydney
- Japanese rock garden
- Garden tourism
- List of gardens
- Wildlife garden
- Natural landscaping
- Tourism in Australia
References
- ^ "Auburn Botanical Gardens". chah.gov.au. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
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