Mediterranean Biome

Key info

Huge indoor garden with Mediterranean climate
Over 1,000 varieties of plant
Allow 1 hour to see everything
Temperature: 9-25°C
Al fresco style dining

Meander through the landscapes of the Mediterranean, South Africa, California and Western Australia and discover the amazing variety of plants growing in these warm temperate regions of the world.

With the sweet aromas of herbs in the air, you'll take an unforgettable journey through a paradise of brightly coloured flowers, gnarled olive trunks and bountiful vines.

Family in Mediterranean Biome — Both plants and visitors love the Biome’s hot, dry summers and frost-free winters

Western Australia in the Med Biome — Marvel at Western Australia's extraordinary flora in our latest addition to the Biome

The Rites of Dionysus sculpture amid grapevines in the Med Biome — Dynamic bacchanalian sculptures revel among the grapevines

Large pink protea flower — There's a dazzling array of proteas in the Mediterranean Biome

Persian buttercups (ranunculus) in the Med Biome — Spring brings a riot of colour with beds of Persian buttercups, tulips and other flowers

Gardener watering plants in the Med Biome's Perfume Garden — Experience the beautiful scents in our Perfume Garden

Mother and young boy looking at a giant citron — See giant citrons growing in our Citrus Grove

Olive trees lining the Liquid Gold mosaic pathway through Med Biome — Follow the golden mosaic path, unearthing the incredible story of olives

Couple in Med Terrace — Enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine - open during the evenings too

Video

The plant that releases pollen clouds

Tap a cone of the Stone Pine and a huge cloud of pollen is released!

Play video

Top 10 things to see

The iconic grass trees in Western Australia
Bacchanalian sculptures revelling in the vineyard
A collection of heady natural scents in our perfume vats
Giant lemon-like fruits called citrons
A dazzling array of South African proteas
A carpet of tulips in the spring
Gnarled old cork trees - and even some cork sculptures
Huge sprouting aloe veras
The mosaic path; we call it Liquid Gold
The delicate flowers and scents of South Africa's Fynbos habitat

New exhibit: Western Australia Garden

Our major new exhibit, featuring the fantastical plants of Western Australia, is now open. Incredible specimens include:

the iconic grass tree (Xanthorrhoea spp.), with its tufts of grassy foliage bursting from its trunk
the red-and-green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii), a furry flower that really does look like it sounds
scarlet banksia (Banksia coccinea), whose eye-catching cones are triggered by fire or rain to release their seeds

Find out more about the new Western Australia Garden.

Explore on Google Street View

Mediterranean facts and figures

A 'Mediterranean climate' means hot, dry summers and frost-free, rainy winters. Winter and spring are the main growing seasons.
The Mediterranean shares its climate with 4 other regions around the world; South Africa, South West Australia, Central Chile, and California.
Each region is known for its superb fruits, fine wines and good crops.
Plants native to these areas thrive on drought and poor thin soils. Their survival techniques include having small, grey, hairy leaves, spiny, evergreen or waxy leaves, and making protective oils.