The Gardens were established and are maintained by a group of volunteer Friends to conserve local rainforest species. We are supported by the Lismore City Council.
Unlike the majority of botanic gardens worldwide, we try to only grow local plant species, in particular rainforest plants that grow naturally within a 200 km of Lismore. The far north coast of NSW and southern Qld is a biodiversity hot spot and includes the World Heritage Listed Border Ranges National Park so there is a lot of species to include in our gardens.
The initial idea for a botanic gardens in Lismore was put forward in the 1998 by Laurie Chelsworth. Despite much effort on the part of a dedicated group of people to find a suitable site for the gardens, it was not until 1997 that the current site, next to the Lismore Waste Facility, was suggested. Before work could commence approvals had to be gained and a plan drawn up so it was not until 2002 that the first planting took place and not until 2013 that the gardens were officially opened. You can read more of the history here.
The main rain forest plantings are accessed from the second car park. Other area of the gardens include Useful Plants, Uncommon Plants, Sensory Garden, Wilson Park Planting and the Hoop Pine Forest.
Visitors are welcome! As well as walks through the rainforest there are picnic spots, a BBQ and a large area for children to play. Why not try walking to the top of the hoop pine forest and do the labyrinth?
You will find the Gardens at 313 Wyrallah Rd Lismore– approximately 3 kms south of the CBD
Enter via the main gate of the Lismore Waste Facility and then follow the signs to the right into the Gardens, or drive down to the new Environmental Education Centre, to the right of the weighbridge, and park near the sealed, wheelchair friendly path. We look forward to seeing you there.
Open: Mon to Fri 7 am to 4 pm, Sat and Sun 9 am to 4 pm
Closed Public Holidays Mob: 0450 596 705