FAQs
Jump to questions about:
- visiting and getting around the Garden
- animals and plants
- events at the Garden
- history and commemorations
- donations, volunteering, and complaints
Visiting the Garden
What are the opening hours?+
- During school terms: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am - 4pm
- Open public holidays and every day during NSW school holidays: 9am - 4pm
What days is the Garden closed?+
- During school terms we are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
- We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Good Friday.
Are dogs allowed?+
The only dogs allowed in the Garden are those registered and trained by an accredited organisation such as The Guide Dogs or Assistance Dogs Australia.
We want our visitors and wildlife to stay safe and we also don’t want your dog to be put at risk of a tick or snake bite.
Can I take photographs in the Garden?+
Yes, there are no restrictions for private photographers.
If you're a keep photographer, you can also take part in our annual photographic competition and exhibition.
The Manager must approve all commercial photography.
Can I operate a drone in the Garden vicinity?+
Flying drones for recreational use is strictly not allowed.
The Manager must approve any commercial use.
Can I ride a bike through the Garden?+
No, you are not allowed to ride a bike in the Garden.
We want to keep all of our visitors and wildlife safe, and our paths are not designed for bikes.
Cyclists must dismount before crossing the bridge to the Garden's entrance.
Can I drive to the BBQ/play space to unload stuff or drop off an elderly person?+
No, vehicles are not allowed beyond the designated parking areas.
If you're hiring the Spotted Gum Pavilion, you can drop off and pick up your supplies adjacent to the pavilion.
If a guest attending your function has limited mobility, you can also drop them off or pick them up adjacent to this venue.
How do I book a guided walk?+
We offer free walks on the first Sunday of each month at 11am with our volunteer guides.
For a small fee, you can also book a private guided walk. To book a private walk, get in touch with us:
- T: 4471 2544
- E: contact@erbg.org.au
Do you have a wheelchair I can use?+
Yes, we can help you with that. We suggest you pre-book the wheelchair and contact our Visitor Centre before you visit:
- T: 4471 2544
- E: contact@erbg.org.au
Animals and plants
What happens if I see a snake?+
We share the Garden with many native animals including snakes, lizards and goannas.
We appreciate visitors alerting us to sightings of snakes so that we can monitor or close areas if required.
It is illegal to kill or harm a snake and you could be prosecuted.
Can I pick flowers, fruit or foliage at the Garden?+
No, this is not allowed.
Do you have a plant list?+
Yes, you'll find a list of plant species you can buy at the Garden's shop. We propagate the plants we sell from seeds and cuttings sourced throughout our region, and the Garden's own collection.
The stock available for sale does vary seasonally and we can also grow to order.
Do you grow other plants that aren’t in the shop?+
Yes, the selection of plants varies depending on availability of stock in our nursery.
Can I get a plant identified?+
Yes, just drop your plant specimen into our Visitor Centre. We will take some details from you and pass the specimen on to our Herbarium staff. We provide this service for free.
Can someone visit my garden to give me a landscape design advice or look at a tree for me?+
We would love to but can’t - looking after our Garden is a full-time job.
You could contact a local horticulturist or Eurobodalla Council's Natural Resource Team to see if you're eligible to take part in their bush-friendly garden visit program:
- T: 4474 1000
- E: Eurobodalla Council's Natural Resource Team
Events
Where can I have an event?+
We have several areas throughout the Garden you could use for your special event.
Speak to our Visitor Centre staff and they will help you find the perfect place.
You can also hire the Banksia Function Room in the Visitor Centre or the adjacent Spotted Gum Pavilion for your event.
Can I book a table at the Mossy on Gardens Café?+
Yes, the Mossy on Gardens Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday, and every day during the NSW school holidays and public holidays, except Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
To make a booking, please phone the café on 4471 2400.
Can I run a workshop, exercise, team building or other class in the Garden?+
Yes, get started by chatting with our Visitor Centre staff and completing a Venue Booking Form.
You can also check out some of the venue spaces we offer.
Can I borrow a projector, screen, computer for my event?+
Yes, these items are available when you hire the Banksia Function Room.
At my event, can I put up a marquee or garden arbour?+
Maybe, you can only set up a marquee in certain areas with prior permission.
A site fee will also apply.
At my event, can I set up a jumping castle?+
No, jumping castles set up privately by visitors are not allowed in the Garden.
At my event, can I bring a BBQ, pizza oven or have a pig on a spit?+
No, but barbecues are available in the:
- Spotted Gum Pavilion, which you can hire for your own special event
- Snotty Gobble Pavilion, next to the play space, which you can share with other Garden visitors.
At my event, can I play loud music?+
Public address systems and amplifiers are not allowed in the Garden, but quiet pre-recorded music or a small live ensemble is allowed.
At my event, can I throw confetti?+
No, confetti or other scattered decorations are not allowed in the Garden.
At my event, can I serve alcohol?+
Alcohol may be consumed on the premises without a liquor licence, provided it is not sold.
If you are hiring our facilities and want to serve alcohol at your event, you must meet all requirements of responsible serving of alcohol.
You will be responsible for your visitors' behaviour and ensuring there is no underage drinking at your event.
History and commemorations
How old is the Garden?+
The Garden was established in 1986.
Who started the Garden?+
Friends of Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden in partnership with Eurobodalla Council.
Can I sponsor a tree or bench?+
No, you can no longer do this.
Can I spread my loved one's ashes in the Garden?+
No, the Botanic Garden is not a memorial garden and spreading ashes is not allowed.
Donations, volunteering, and complaints
I want to make a complaint. How do I do that?+
Ideally, we would hope to resolve any problems straight away.
If you want to formalise your complaint, please submit it in writing by:
- email: Michael Anlezark
or - post: The Manager
Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden
PO Box 1014, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
I want to make a donation, who do I give it to?+
Thank you, that would be amazing.
You can:
- place your donation in our donation box in the Visitor Centre foyer
- read our donations and bequests page
or - contact the Manager to discuss your donation:
How do I become a volunteer?+
The first step to become a volunteer is to attend an induction session. We hold these sessions every two months.
To get started, give us your contact details and we'll let you know the next induction date:
- T: 4471 2544
- E: contact@erbg.org.au
- in person: at our Visitor Centre.
Can I get on a mailing list for the Garden?+
You can subscribe to our regular email newsletter, The Garden Path. This newsletter includes upcoming events, gardening tips, news and announcements, and regular features from our staff and volunteers.
If you join Friends of the Garden, you'll also receive their quarterly newsletter, which provides up to date information on everything happening at the Garden.
How do I join Friends of the Garden?+
Complete an application form or pick up a copy from our Visitor Centre to join Friends of the Garden.
More information
Please contact us with any requests or questions not covered here:
- T: 4471 2544
- W: send an enquiry