jml297

Located 5 kilometres south of Batemans Bay on the south coast of NSW, about 280 kms south of Sydney, is the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden. It is in the Mogo State Forest, and the 43 hectare site is a showcase for regional plants.

A local group formed in 1986 to establish a flora reserve. Volunteers were integral to the creation and development of the garden, and they support the ongoing operation with assistance from the local council and NSW Forestry.

The site has been devastated by bushfires multiple times. In 1994, all buildings were destroyed. The site was rebuilt, and the 2019/2020 bushfires destroyed 95% of the vegetation and 80% of the infrastructure. There are remnants of bushfire damage on some tracks, but regeneration is significant.

There is a large botanic garden volunteer workforce. It consists of over 120 volunteers who contribute more than 15,000 hours each year. In addition, there is a dedicated group of friends and supporters, and a small full-time staff to keep the gardens operational.

There is a range of activities on offer throughout the year, along with guided walks and workshops. The café and gift shop, which also sells local plants, is well worth a visit. Various walking trails offer different experiences in the gardens. They include the arboretum and forest tracks, an Aboriginal heritage walk and a forestry children’s walk.

I came across the gardens by chance on a Sunday afternoon, and had a lovely wander around sections of several trails. The plants, trees, and birdlife were a delight with surprises around many bends. The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens is open Wednesday to Sunday, and you can find more information about it here.

Photo: sculpture at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden