Botanic Gardens and Centenary Lakes Masterplan

• Five-stage blueprint to revitalise the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Centenary Lakes.
• Plans for new attractions and upgrades, including a public nursery, renewed Nature Play area, upgraded Visitor Centre, and a future Japanese Friendship Garden.
• Aims to improve the visitor experience through better safety upgrades, and flexible ‘pop-up’ food and drink options that maintain the Gardens’ tranquil character.
• New purpose-built facility that will provide greater comfort, safety, and independence for people with high support needs, their families, and carers.

A revised Botanic Gardens and Centenary Lakes Masterplan provides a blueprint for the precinct’s future, guiding the delivery of improved access, upgraded facilities and new experiences that celebrate Cairns’ tropical and cultural identity.

Cairns Regional Council’s Masterplan builds on the success of the original 2005 plan, which saw the delivery of major projects including the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, the Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory, and the popular Nature Play at Centenary Lakes.

Mayor Amy Eden said the plan represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance the Gardens’ legacy while ensuring they remain a world-class attraction for locals and visitors alike.

“The Botanic Gardens are a jewel in Cairns’ crown and a living museum of tropical flora. It’s also a place deeply loved by our community,” Cr Eden said.

“This Masterplan paves the way so the Gardens can continue to thrive as a place of learning, relaxation and inspiration. The plan focuses on accessibility, sustainability and visitor experience, so everyone can continue to enjoy this special place for generations to come.”

The reviewed plan includes a suite of projects to renew ageing infrastructure, enhance safety and connectivity, and create new opportunities for cultural learning and nature immersion.

Highlights include:

• A New purpose-built facility that provides greater comfort, safety, and independence for people with high support needs, their families, and carers.
• A new publicly accessible nursery that will allow visitors to observe horticultural work up close and learn about tropical plant conservation.
• Upgrades to the Visitor Centre to become the first point of entry to Flecker Gardens.
• Renewal of the Nature Play area at Centenary Lakes using more durable, sustainable materials.
• A new Japanese Friendship Garden, celebrating Cairns’ sister city relationship with Minami, Japan.
• A Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to plan for and manage the future impacts on Centenary Lakes over the next 50 years.
• Safety improvements along Collins Avenue, including raised crossings and new signage.

Council acknowledges the strong community interest in maintaining food and beverage options within the Gardens following the conclusion of the Botanic Gardens Café lease in December 2025.

The new Masterplan responds to this feedback by allowing for ‘pop-up’ food and refreshment experiences in the precinct, creating variety and flexibility for visitors while ensuring the Gardens retain their peaceful and natural character.

“We know how important it is for people to be able to sit down and enjoy a coffee or a cool drink while exploring the Gardens,” said Division 7 Councillor Anna Middleton.

“This approach will introduce a range of pop-up refreshment options in the Gardens, enhancing the visitor experience while keeping the focus on the natural beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings”

“There will be increased connectivity to encourage better exploration and wayfinding of the Gardens,” Cr Middleton said.

Development of the Masterplan was shaped by extensive community engagement, including consultation with the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Traditional Owners the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji People, local businesses and environmental groups.

The timing of the five-stage program of works, which are valued at $12 million, are subject to future budget considerations and will be delivered through a recalibration of the existing capital works program.