The Cairns Botanic Gardens is a tropical paradise, renowned as one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. Come and explore the beauty of tropical plants, relax in stunning surroundings and learn about tropical flora and horticulture.

Opening hours

  • Flecker Gardens, including Watkins Munro Martin Conservatory, open every day from 7.30am to 5.30pm (subject to weather conditions).
  • All other garden areas are open around the clock.
  • Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre open 8.30am to 4pm weekdays, 9.30am to 2pm weekends and public holidays.
  • No animals are allowed in any part of the Cairns Botanic Gardens (including the Centenary Lakes area), however registered assistance animals are accepted. You may be asked to provide evidence that your dog is a legitimate assistance animal. So please ensure you bring appropriate evidence.
  • Phone 4032 6650 for enquiries
  • Admission is FREE

Location

Collins Avenue, Edge Hill.  The Freshwater and Saltwater Lakes can be easily accessed from Greenslopes Street.

Visit the Gardens

Visitor information centre, library, food and volunteer opportunities.

Guided walks are held in the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Garden areas & collections

From the Aboriginal Plant Use Garden to the Zhanjiang Friendship Garden, there's so much to explore in the Cairns Botanic Gardens. One visit is just not enough!

Guided walks are held in the Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Walking tours

Discover more about the plants and animals in the Cairns Botanic Gardens on one of our free tours!

Events & functions

The Cairns Botanic Gardens is the perfect place to hold your next family function or corporate event.

Rainbow Lorikeet

Birds of the Gardens

Come for the flowers, stay for the birds! The Cairns Botanic Gardens is known for its gorgeous plants but beautiful birds also abound here.

Little Taccas

Fortnightly, nature-based activity program for children under five. Features art and craft, storytelling, sing-alongs and garden discovery walks.

Little Sprouts

Registrations are open for the Term 4 Little Sprouts program. This program fills quickly so register now so you don’t miss out.

Cairns Botanic Gardens improvements

We’re building a new amenities block to make your visits to the gardens more comfortable.

Last Updated: 4 February 2026

Latest News > All News

Getting active around Cairns

Active travel includes cycling and walking, and any transport that relies on human-power. Pedestrian walking paths and community footpaths provide...

Council Projects & Services
15 October 2026

Regionally responsive growth at Mount Peter

As Cairns works to address growing housing demand, Cairns Regional Council has endorsed a submission on Economic Development Queensland's (EDQ)...

General Updates
15 October 2026

Annual Report shows strong delivery for Cairns

Major infrastructure projects, community upgrades, support for local events and long-term planning for growth are among the achievements highlighted in...

General Updates
14 October 2026