Asteraceae Garden: Canberra’s Dedicated Celebration of the Daisy Family

Why the Asteraceae Garden Stands Out

The Asteraceae Garden showcases the enormous daisy family across more than 200 species, many of them Australian natives. Visitors encounter towering sunflowers, delicate alpine daisies, bright paper daisies and silvery-leafed everlastings that thrive in the region’s cool-climate conditions. The garden demonstrates how this single plant family supports pollinators, stabilises soils and provides year-round colour.

What to See and Do

Follow the circular path that leads from the entrance lawn through the Mediterranean section, the high-country collection and the wetland edge. Look for the labelled everlasting display that peaks in late spring and the seed-saving beds where staff collect material for restoration projects. Benches placed among taller shrubs offer quiet spots for sketching or photography. Educational signs explain the family’s economic importance, from artichokes to safflower oil.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: mass flowering of native Brachyscome and Rhodanthe species
• Summer: bold sunflowers and cosmos reaching over two metres
• Autumn: seed heads that attract goldfinches and other small birds
• Winter: structural interest from dried stems and evergreen foliage

Getting There

The garden sits within the Australian National Botanic Gardens precinct on the lower slopes of Black Mountain. Catch the R2 or R3 bus from Canberra City Interchange and alight at the Botanic Gardens stop; the entrance is a short, level walk from the drop-off point. Cyclists can use the dedicated path along Lady Denman Drive. Limited on-site parking is available for those arriving by car.

Best Time to Visit

Early to mid-October delivers peak native daisy bloom and comfortable daytime temperatures around 18–22 °C. November and March also offer good flowering with fewer crowds. Early morning visits avoid the midday sun and coincide with active pollinator activity.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with the adjacent Australian National Botanic Gardens rainforest walk or the nearby National Arboretum Canberra. The walk up to the Telstra Tower on Black Mountain provides panoramic views over Lake Burley Griffin and the parliamentary triangle.