Wollongong Botanic Garden Masterplan now on exhibition

A ten-year plan for the management of the iconic Wollongong Botanic Garden is now on public exhibition, with the community encouraged to have its say on the future of one of our most treasured public spaces.

The draft Wollongong Botanic Garden Masterplan (Masterplan) proposes a ten-year program of works and projects to enhance the visitor experience, including the renewal of the Gleniffer Brae Manor House, the Kawasaki Bridge, accessible toilet facilities and the Nursery Glasshouse as priority projects over the coming two years.

These renewals are among a range of proposed short, medium, and long-term improvements over the next decade to guide service delivery and ensure the Garden can be best enjoyed by our community and visitors to the region.

The initial Masterplan was first exhibited in 2018 and underwent an extensive consultation process with the ultimate aim of adoption alongside a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Gleniffer Brae precinct.

This CMP provides details for the management of conservation values of the state heritage-listed site located within the Botanic Garden. Endorsement of the CMP for the site by the Heritage Council of NSW now allows for both documents to be considered concurrently prior to final adoption of the Masterplan.

Once adopted, the Masterplan will guide the development and service delivery for this prized public recreation space and ensure the continuation and growth of existing horticulture and plant conservation programs, environmental education, and recreation space for the community.

While it remains a stunning place to visit for both locals and visitors to Wollongong, the Botanic Garden and Nursery service also underpin a host of sustainability outcomes across the city including Urban Greening, Natural Area restoration, waste and environmental education and hands-on community outreach projects.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said it’s vitally important all factors and functions of the Garden are considered in the immediate and long-term planning for the site.

“Wollongong Botanic Garden is a much-loved community asset and has been over many decades,” Councillor Brown said.

“Whether it’s for a stroll in solitude, an educational excursion for school kids, or a birthday party at the all-abilities playground, it’s a wonderful place to experience for free 363 days a year. It also plays a crucial role in meeting the objectives of plans and strategies like Council’s Urban Greening Strategy and servicing our many community and environmental programs.

“It’s obviously an incredibly unique site with a variety of different environmental, heritage and community accessibility factors to manage. It’s why planning for its future must be carefully considered and we certainly welcome the input of the community through the exhibition process.”

The draft Masterplan is on exhibition from 17 July to 20 August 2025 and can be viewed:

• On Council’s Engagement website our.wollongong.nsw.gov.au
• At the Botanic Gardens: Discovery Centre, Towri Centre and Wollongong Conservatorium
• At all Wollongong City Library branches during opening hours
• At Council’s Customer Service Centre, Ground Floor Administration Building, 41 Burelli Street Wollongong, between 9am and 5pm weekdays