Adelaide Botanic Garden, SA

What’s not to love about this peaceful 50ha oasis located in the heart of the city? It is beautifully laid out and there is lots to see. Stroll through the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, which houses a favourite of mine – the world’s largest waterlily, Victoria amazonica from South America, with its floating leaves that look like giant dinner plates and measure up to 2m in diameter. Water plants shine in the gardens in summer. The pink sacred lotus will be in full, splendid bloom. There’s nothing more beautiful than a pond of these graceful flowers, which evokes memories of trips to Asia. One visit here and you could be transported to sipping cocktails in the tropics. botanicgardens.sa.gov.au, (08) 8222 9311