Australian National Botanic Gardens

Overview

Spread across 35 hectares of vibrant flora, the Australian National Botanic Gardens features over 6000 native plant species. The gardens are free to enter, so you can explore the various zones — including the Red Centre Garden, the Sydney Region Flora Garden, the Rock Garden and the Rainforest Gully — at your leisure. You can also join one of the one-hour guided tours, which depart from the Gardens' Visitors Centre at 11am and 2pm daily.

It's also one of the lushest possible places for a picnic in Canberra, especially when you consider that it's just minutes away from the city centre. Choose from any of the peaceful sections mentioned above and break out a bougie selection of locally produced cheese, wine and cured meats. There's also the option of heading to the on-site cafe, Pollen, to enjoy a hot coffee amid the greenery. And if you're feeling like you need a particularly deep unwind, the Jindii Eco Spa offers a luxe retreat surrounded by tranquil rainforest.

Images: VisitCanberra