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Garden · Cairns, Queensland
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Tropical botanic gardens created in 1886 in Edge Hill, about 4 km from downtown, with collections of regional plants, lakes and trails that climb Whitfield Range.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cairns Botanic Gardens
The Cairns Botanic Gardens are in the Edge Hill neighborhood, about 4 km north of downtown, at the foot of Whitfield Range. The area was reserved in 1886 and includes the Flecker Gardens, the Centenary lakes, the Tanks Arts Centre—housed in former fuel tanks—and the Whitfield Range reserve.
The Flecker Gardens, listed on the Queensland heritage register, feature collections of palms, orchids, foliage plants and useful tropical species, plus an area dedicated to Aboriginal plants. The Gondwana Heritage Garden demonstrates, on a short walk, the evolution of plants since the ancient supercontinent.
Behind the visitor center the Whitfield Range Conservation Park trails begin, with rainforest and lookout points over the city and bay. The Red Arrow trail is about 1.5 km round trip and takes about an hour; there are longer routes.
The gardens are open every day and have no entrance fee. There is a café on site.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours in the gardens; add about 1 hour for a Whitfield Range trail.
Best time
In the morning, when it is cooler and there are more birds. After heavy rain, the Whitfield Range trails can become slippery.
How to get there
By car or taxi, about 10 minutes from downtown via Collins Avenue. Local buses pass through Edge Hill.
Tip
Bring insect repellent and water for the Whitfield Range trails, which include steep climbs. The Tanks Arts Centre hosts exhibitions and events; check the program.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cairns Botanic Gardens
Is there an entrance fee for the Cairns Botanic Gardens?
No entrance fee. The gardens are open every day.
Where are the Cairns Botanic Gardens located?
In the Edge Hill neighborhood, about 4 km north of the city center, near the airport.
Are there trails in the Cairns Botanic Gardens?
Yes. Behind the visitor center the Whitfield Range trails begin, with rainforest and viewpoints over the city. The shortest, the Red Arrow, takes about an hour.