The Wollongong Botanic Garden site was originally inhabited by the Dharwel Aboriginal peoples; they remain the custodians of the land. Aboriginal culture and identity has been preserved in the Garden.

1825 - 1928

James Spearing acquires 2000 acres of land including the current Botanic Garden site and named it 'Paulsgrove Estate'. 

In 1836, John Leahy purchases 'Paulsgrove' and renames it 'Mt Keera Estate'. Upon his passing in 1839, his heirs subdivide the estate into farming and house lots.

In 1919 James Fitzgerald purchases 75 acreas and and two years later built the Discovery Centre, previously named it 'Cratloe'.

In 1928, Sidney Hoskins purchases the 75 acres of land, in 1938 he completed building his family home 'Gleniffer Brae Manor'. Their original garden around the Manor was designed and planted by landscape architect Paul Sorenson and sets the scene for the future inspiration of the Botanic Garden.

The 'Cratloe' cottage is given to Hoskin's Gardener, Eric Winter in 1937. 

1950s

In 1951, Hoskins donates a 46 acres of the estate to Wollongong City Council for the purpose of building a Botanic Garden and a further 36 acres was purchased by the Department of Housing

In 1954, Glennifer Brae and surrounding areas (15.5 acres) were purchased by the Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School (SCEGGS). A year later they purchased a further 20 acres from the Wollongong City Council.

1960s

In 1963, the Wollongong Botanic Garden developing the Garden to represent Professor Peter Spooner's (University of NSW) Master Plan. The first plantings on the Azalea bank are installed in 1964. .

In 1966, Wollongong City Council purchased 'Cratloe' and the adjoining 2.5 acres. This became the home of the Garden Curator until 1978.

In 1968, the Botanic Garden was opened to the public during working hours and in that same year, Council obtain a $9,500 grant to build The Sir Joseph Banks Glasshouse within the Garden.

1970s

In 1971, the Garden is offically opened to the public on 2 January. More than 6,000 people visited within the first year.

Construction of the Walled Rose Garden took place between 1975 and 1978. The Rose Garden today still contains a large selection of international rose varieties.

Wollongong City Council purchases Gleniffer Brae and the surrounding grounds on 7 July 1978.

1980s

The Wet Schlerophyll habitat was created in 1980. Swamp Mahogany, Sydney Blue Gums and Port Jackson Figs were planted within this new feature of the Garden.

The Woodland Garden was created, with a range of exotic species being planted like Maples, Magnolias, Birches and Dogwoods

The Dry Land Plant collection, the Dry Sclerophyll Forest, the Herb Garden and the Exotic Rainforest was also developed during this decade.

1990s

The Friends of the Botanic Garden donated the gazebo adjacent to the Woodland Garden in 1991 and in 1993 the iconic Kawasaki bridge was built. 

2000s

The Wollongong Botanic Garden Visitor Centre was opened in 2001.