The Seeds of Discovery: Exploring the State Herbarium

Discover how preserved specimens help tell the story of South Australia's botanical history in a tour of the State Herbarium

Once home to the city’s original tram fleet, this heritage-listed building has been transformed into the State Herbarium of South Australia, a vital hub for plant science and conservation. 

Discover how this former transport depot powered the East End, and how it now safeguards more than one million preserved plant, algal and fungal specimens. Each specimen provides a valuable record of where and when a species existed, forming an essential foundation for scientific research. 

Learn how these collections support researchers, students and the broader community both locally and around the world. With millions of annual data downloads, the Herbarium’s digital and physical records play a critical role in shaping environmental understanding and informing decision-making. 

Gain insight into the expertise behind the collections, from identifying species to contributing to the management of native and introduced flora. 

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and explore the stories, science and future of this remarkable space. 

Please note this workshop is intended for adults; we recommend it is suitable for ages 16 and up.