Veale Gardens

Stop and smell the roses, watch ducks swim by and admire an elegant statue in this beautiful formal garden in the heart of Adelaide.

Adelaide is blessed with an abundance of parks and gardens and Veale Gardens are part of the reason the South Australian capital stays so beautiful even as it grows. Sitting just to the south of the central business district, Veale Gardens offer a convenient escape from the bustling city streets.

Adelaide’s urban parks and gardens were part of the original city plan laid out by Colonel Light, the first surveyor-general of South Australia, back in 1836. However, the Veale Gardens were designed by the local town clerk William Veale after he visited 40 cities around the world to get inspiration for urban garden designs. Work began in 1959, with a waterway, rockeries and statues being incorporated into the “alpine” theme.

Start your explorations by slowly following the stream that meanders through the garden. A huge variety of flowers and blooming plants add fragrance and colour to the park all year round. With over 50 different rose varieties on display, you’ve got to stop and smell the roses even if flowers are not your thing.

Mini waterfalls and rock pools add to the serene look and feel of the waterways. Take a seat on one of the benches and watch families of ducks bob around in the creek. Also notice colourful parrots and noisy cockatoos in the trees.

Look for the different statues dotted around the gardens, such as the elegant Pan and Song of the Wind. Let the kids check the stone sundial to see if they can figure out the time of day.

Many weddings are held in the gardens, which form the idyllic backdrop for ceremonies. Watch as the happy couples pose for photos on the small bridges or beneath the wisteria pergola. The Adelaide Pavilion function centre sits at one end of the gardens and hosts many of the wedding receptions.

Veale Gardens are open 24/7 and entry is free of charge. Street parking is available nearby and the city tram stops right beside the gardens. It is also a fairly easy walk from the city centre. There are toilet facilities near the South Terrace entrance.