Visit the Gardens

With its stunning reflective exterior, the Visitor Information Centre is a popular focus for visitor photos. Pop in to learn more about the Gardens, view an exhibition or take a class

The Visitor Centre also stocks a range of books, gifts and souvenirs designed and hand-made by our talented local artists, as well as locally sourced produce, perfect as a memento of your visit to the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Designed by Charles Wright Architects and opened in October 2011, the building has won numerous design, construction and sustainability awards. It features 104 solar panels (20kw system), its own rain catchment system (used for non potable areas), and louvres and fans to minimise the need for air-conditioning.

• Located at 64 Collins Avenue, between Flecker Gardens and Tanks Arts Centre
• Open 8.30am to 4pm weekdays, 9.30am to 2pm weekends and public holidays
• Closed Christmas Day
• Public toilet facilities are available
• Phone 4032 6650 for enquiries

Note: you can store bags and luggage at the Visitor Information Centre while you explore the Gardens. Luggage can not be left at the Friends House (Gardens library).

Venue hire

The modern multi-purpose venue is available for hire. It incorporates an outdoor undercover amphitheatre and an air-conditioned multi-purpose room suitable for small cocktail functions, product launches, corporate seminars and community meetings.  For more information on hiring the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre or a venue at the Tanks Arts Centre please phone (07) 4032 6650 or email tanksvenues@cairns.qld.gov.au

Display space for artists and community groups

Emerging artists, professional creatives and community groups can apply to exhibit or display at the Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre. To be considered for inclusion, work must meet specific criteria and respond to one or more of the following themes - Botanical/Horticultural, Environmental/Conservation, Local community. Download the exhibition space guidelines and conditions ( DOCX, 1.06 MB ) and contact the Tanks Curator for further information by email visarts@cairns.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 4032 6609.

The Library is located within the Friends of Botanic Gardens House in Flecker Garden, and is operated by the Friends of Botanic Gardens.

It houses and preserves a collection of subject-specific botanical and horticultural books and other publications relevant to tropical gardening, providing plant science resources and accurate information.

The Library is open to the public when the Friends of Botanic Gardens House is open. For more information, email the Friends of Botanic Gardens or phone (07) 4032 3900.