Olive Pink Botanic Garden, NT

There’s something unique about this wonderful collection of arid plants, which were so adored by the garden’s founder, Olive Pink. Gazetted in 1952, today this 16ha garden in Alice Springs stays true to its purpose of giving visitors a site to learn about desert species. Don’t expect lush and green, but what is so good about this place is how it feels like everything is planted in just the right spot. Regulars enjoy keeping an eye on the resident western bowerbird’s collection of all sorts of things, including bones and shells. Start early and beat the heat. opbg.com.au, (08) 8952 2154