See how roses are tested for Australia’s climate while you return to nature in these historic gardens.

The sprawling Adelaide Botanic Garden flanks the northeast edge of the city. This extensive green space is made up of 48.5 hectares (120 acres) of landscaped parklands, glass houses and scientific research facilities. Founded in 1857, as envisioned by Adelaide’s original planner, Colonel William Light, the garden has a rich history of providing conservation, education and fascination.

Start your visit by entering from Plane Tree Drive and strolling down Murdoch Avenue, home to the oldest strip of Moreton Bay fig trees in Australia. When you get to the Kainka Wirra Main Lake at the end of the avenue, take a left to Schomburgk Pavilion to find the Visitor Information Centre, the garden shop and a café. Here you can decide the best way to see the rest of the park.

Take a free guided tour from the Visitor Information Centre or a self-guided tour using the MyParx app on your smartphone. And, of course, you can always simply wander around the garden and explore.

Make your way through the Madagascan plants inside the Palm House. This glass house, imported from Bremen, Germany, in 1875, is considered a feat of architecture. There are two other glass structures in the garden: the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion and the Bicentennial Conservatory, built to commemorate Australia’s bicentenary in 1988.

Stop to smell the roses at the International Rose Garden, and see what might be next for Australian rose enthusiasts at the National Rose Trial Garden. Here, roses from around the world are tested to see whether they can withstand Australia’s climate.

You’ll feel inspired after a day in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Select from a range of seeds and books available in the garden shop to bring your inspiration home.

Entry to Adelaide Botanic Garden is free and opening hours are seasonal. Many of the exhibits are indoors, so dry weather isn’t essential for your visit. The gardens can be reached on foot from the city centre. Ticketed parking is available on Plane Tree Drive.