Water lilies in Centenary Lake Cairns
It is no surprise that the botanic gardens located in Cairns, a tropical city on the doorstep of the Wet Tropics Heritage site are particularly lovely. Comprising four distinct areas, the Cairns Botanic Gardens Precinct introduced our children to rare and lovely plants and a vast array of wildlife, particularly birdlife in the Centenary Lakes area. As well as Centenary Lakes, the precinct comprises the Flecker gardens (plenty of shaded paths to explore), the Mt Whitfield conservation area, and the Tanks Arts Centre. The Tanks Arts Centre hosts a variety of performance and art exhibitions, as well as a monthly market which I recommend for both families visiting Cairns and locals. If you do visit at market time be sure to take advantage of the free art and craft activities for children. Markets are held on the last Sunday of the month April-November.
For those that don’t bring their own picnic on a visit to the gardens, wiithin the precinct are two dining options, the most suitable for those with small children being Cafe Botanic, situated in Flecker Gardens and open from 7-4.30 7 days a week. Cafe Botanic is renowned for its breakfast menu.
When visiting the gardens during the summer months it is wise to take insect repellant, and always remember a hat.
Centenary Lake, Cairns
Carnivorous Plant. Flecker Gardens.
Bub 2 examines the flora. Flecker Gardens
The Cairns Botanic Gardens are located on Collins Avenue in Edge Hill, just 4km north of the Cairns central business district.
Hours of operation
- Visitor Centre: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.00pm
- Flecker Gardens gates : 7.30am-5.30pm
