Ever considered opening a cafe, education, or ecotourism outpost within the stunning Wollongong Botanic Garden? Now's your chance!
Wollongong City Council is inviting "diverse and innovative activation proposals that enhance the Botanic Garden experience" through a formal Request for Proposals, open until 29 January 2026.
It's the first cab off the rank under the freshly minted Wollongong Botanic Garden Masterplan .
Built through extensive community and stakeholder feedback, the Masterplan provides a ten-year program of projects and services to manage the space and enhance the visitor experience. It was adopted unanimously by Council on 17 November 2025.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said the approach to market was driven by strong community support.
"Through the engagement process, we heard loud and clear that our community wants Council to grow the visitor experience and hospitality aspects of this much-loved site," said Cr Brown.
"Rather than making a box and trying to fit an idea into it, we're going the other way. We want to hear the ideas, see how they can support our long-term vision for Wollongong Botanic Garden, and then work with operators willing to invest and to bring them to life.
"We're inviting proposals of all shapes and sizes that support economic development, community engagement, and place activation at the Garden. Concepts will be assessed on creativity, feasibility, compliance, sustainability and value for money. We're open to innovative delivery models and commercial partnerships, so think big!
"There are a range of considerations that prospective operators need to consider, which are outlined in the request for proposal documents."
Notably, the proposal must tie-in with one or more of the Masterplan objectives:
- Incorporating environmental education and/or ecotourism activities.
- Providing a food and beverage offering.
- Collaborating with existing site users and complementing Botanic Garden events.
- Offering opportunities to act as a visitor information hub for the broader Botanic Garden.
Cr Brown explained that the approach to market is one of several exciting actions planned to grow what is already one of Wollongong's best spots.
"Council has also budgeted to restore and reopen Kawasaki Bridge, build new accessible toilet facilities, renew our nursery glasshouse and depot, and continue with heritage restoration works on Gleniffer Brae manor house and gardens," she continued.
"These renewals are among a range of projects over the next decade to enhance service delivery and ensure the Garden can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike into the future."
Proposals are welcome through Tenderlink until 29 January 2026. Interested parties are invited to attend an onsite inspection at Wollongong Botanic Garden on 11 December or 12 January, both starting at 2pm.
