Cairns Botanic Gardens are a tropical paradise and a wonderful place to discover the beauty of plants from the tropics.
The five areas of the garden are too large to discover in one day so it is worth choosing only one or two areas for a day's visit.
The Flecker Garden contains a fantastic selection of tropical plants and should not be missed by first time visitors. The range of plants is extensive including palms, gingers, orchids and bromeliads to name but a few. Within the Flecker Garden areas have been created to display Understorey Rainforest Plants and Aboriginal Plant Use in Gardens, there is also a Fernery and an Orchid House. Intensely planted beds extend out to meandering and shady rainforest walks, all chock full of vibrant life and an amazing array of brilliantly coloured flowers and foliage.
The Lakes and Rainforest Boardwalk - The Rainforest Boardwalk starts on the other side of the road opposite the Flecker Gardens, it takes visitors through lowland swamp rainforest on the way to the Centennial Lakes. The Lakes were created to celebrate the centenary of Cairns City Council.
The Freshwater lakes are full of wild life and the grassy banks make it a great place for a picnic. The Saltwater lake is tidal and is visited by a large selection of birds.
When returning from the lakes don't miss the Bamboo Collection which contains many tropical clumping bamboos, including the enormous species Dendrocalamus giganteus. If there's a breeze then just stand beside them to hear them talk ! Its a primeval but enchanting experience.
Gondwana Heritage Garden - Evolution Garden. Wander along the paths of the garden and follow the evolution of plants.
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park - The forested area provides many walking tracks. There are two walking circuits of 1.5km and 6.6km
Mangrove Boardwalk - Is located 3km from the Visitors Centre. It is only a 6min drive to car park on Airport Avenue. The boardwalk allows you to see many of the varieties of local mangroves as well as the birds and animals that live in the tidal zone.
Insect repellent is recommended as there tend to be lots of hungry insects.
Author: Bob Saunders.
Restaurants: There are two eateries, a cafe in the Flecker Gardens and a restaurant in the Visitors Centre. There are free BBQs scattered around the grounds.
Visitors Centre
• Weekdays 9am - 4.30pm, Weekends 10am - 2.30pm
• Closed on Public Holidays
Housed within the centre are the Reception Centre offering information about the gardens and surrounding area, a gift shop and interpretive displays.
Guided Walks
There are guided walks through the Flecker Gardens Mon-Fri at 10am.
There are also self guided walks of the Flecker Gardens, brochures are available at the Visitors Centre or The Flecker Garden Library.
Bird Watching Walks start at 8.30 on Tuesday for those who are interested in the birds of the area, bring binoculars if you have some.
Audio Tours Available from the Visitors Centre. The tours can be downloaded on an 'ipod touch'. Commentary covers Flecker Gardens, Rainforest Boardwalk, The Lakes and Gondwanna Heritage Garden.
Disabled Access There is disabled parking at the Visitors Centre and on McCormack Street. There are suitable toilets at the Visitors and in Flecker Gardens. The main paths along the Flecker Gardens Self Guided Tour are suitable for chairs.
The gardens are situated just 4 km from the centre of Cairns.
Buses run regularly between the City Centre and the Botanic Gardens seven days a week and ample street parking surrounds the Gardens.