The Seeds of Discovery: Exploring the State Herbarium
Description
Discover how preserved specimens help tell the story of South Australia's botanical history in a tour of the State Herbarium
Once home to the city’s original tram fleet, this heritage-listed building has been transformed into the State Herbarium of South Australia, a vital hub for plant science and conservation.
Discover how this former transport depot powered the East End, and how it now safeguards more than one million preserved plant, algal and fungal specimens. Each specimen provides a valuable record of where and when a species existed, forming an essential foundation for scientific research.
Learn how these collections support researchers, students and the broader community both locally and around the world. With millions of annual data downloads, the Herbarium’s digital and physical records play a critical role in shaping environmental understanding and informing decision-making.
Gain insight into the expertise behind the collections, from identifying species to contributing to the management of native and introduced flora.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and explore the stories, science and future of this remarkable space.
Please note this workshop is intended for adults; we recommend it is suitable for ages 16 and up.
Event details
Dates & times:
Wednesday 7 October 2026, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday 8 October, 10:30am - 11:30am
Location: State Herbarium, Adelaide Botanic Garden (C6 on the map)
Tickets: From $25.00 per person
Every contribution helps cover the costs of the event and profits will go towards supporting the work of the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre. This is the guide price for the event, but we invite you to contribute an amount that is right for you
Experience More!

The Great Botanic Seed Swap and Share
Additional ticket required 10:00am - 12:00pm or 12:15pm - 2:15pm $15.00 per person

From Seed to Survival: Inside the Seed Conservation Centre
Go behind the scenes to learn how a small seed can make a big difference to the future of South Australia's rare and threatened flora.
Plan Your Visit
- Getting to the event
Entry
A staff member will meet at a designated location 10-minutes before the tour start time.
The closest entry gates are the Conservatory Gate, accessed off of Plane Tree Drive, and the Hackney Gate, accessed of off Hackney Road.
Tram
Adelaide Botanic Garden has a tram stop close to its Main Gate on North Terrace. The tram stop is called Botanic Gardens and it is approximately 100 metres from the entrance. Travelling by tram is free of charge in the city centre. Please visit Adelaide Metro for more information.
Bus
The Garden can also be accessed by bus. Please check Adelaide Metro for bus services into the city.
Already in the city? A free city connector bus stops on North Terrace and East Terrace, close to the Garden's Main Gate entrance on North Terrace.
Bikes and Scooters
Bikes and scooters can be used to get to the Garden, but please note that they are not permitted inside the Garden for the safety and comfort of visitors.
Bike racks are available outside the Garden entrances. Please only walk your bike through the Garden.
Car
Car parking is available on Plane Tree Drive and Hackney Road (also accessed off Plane Tree Drive). Please see parking details below.
Please note that visitors are not permitted to drive their vehicles inside Adelaide Botanic Garden or onto Botanic Park. - Parking
Parking
All car parks are accessed off Hackney Road.
Ticketed car parking is available on:
Plane Tree Drive - use car parks here to enter via the Friends' Gate and Conservatory Gate
Hackney Road - use car parks here to enter via the Hackney Gate, or to access the Goodman Building or State Herbarium. Car parks here are adjacent to the Rose Garden; take an immediate left as you enter Plane Tree Drive to access them. There is also a small car park immediately north of the National Wine Centre, also off Hackney Road.
Our ticket machines are cashless and paperless - these machines will only accept credit or debit card payments.
To use the machines, input your vehicle registration number plate into the machine when prompted, select the length of time you would like to park for and tap your credit/debit card.For instructions on accessing a receipt/tax invoice for your ticket, please click here.
Parking fees apply from 8am - 10pm on Monday - Saturday.
There is free parking on Sundays and public holidays.
Accessible parking spaces are available within all 4-hour parking zones and are free of charge for people displaying a disability parking permit. For visits longer than 4 hours, permit holders are welcome to park in 10-hour bays, and can pay half the ticketed price for the duration of the stay.
Find out more about parking at Adelaide Botanic Garden and Botanic Park.
See the car parking map for more information on where to park and zones.
All funds collected from ticketed parking are used to support conservation, education and horticulture at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.
- Toilets
You can find toilets at five locations across the garden. They all include accessible toilets and baby change tables:
Noel Lothian Hall, between the Rose Garden and Kitchen Garden (C6 map reference).
Schomburgk Pavilion, by Evergreen Deli, the Museum of Economic Botany and the Diggers Shop (D4 map reference).
Simpson Kiosk, by Botanic Lodge and Restaurant Botanic (C3 map reference)
Classgrounds, between the Friends' Gate and Conservatory Gate (A4 map reference, adjacent to Plane Tree Drive, Botanic Park). These include a Changing Places facility. You will require a mlak key to access these toilets.
Francis Arbor, to the west of the Garden (E3 map reference)
- Food and drink
There are some perfect spots for al-fresco dining in the Garden. Grab a coffee or lunch under the shade of an old oak tree at Botanic Lodge, relax with lunch next to the Mediterranean Garden at Evergreen Deli, or indulge in a fine dining experience at Restaurant Botanic. See more here.
As part of
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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