Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre

The Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre is where you can learn more about the arts and gardens precinct, view an exhibition, find a gift, or even take a class.

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.

OPENING TIMES
Weekdays: 8.30am - 4pm
Weekends & Public Holidays: 9.30am - 2pm (closed Christmas Day)

Free Guided Tours

Volunteer guides will take you on an informative walk around the Tanks Arts Centre and Botanic Gardens Precinct.

  • The tours take approximately one hour
  • It is recommended that you wear sensible walking shoes
  • Insect repellent is recommended
Botanic Gardens & Tanks Precinct Guided Heritage Tours
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10am Thursdays (Mar-Nov)

Join the volunteer guides for a free history tour of the Tanks and Botanic Gardens precinct. Learn about how the Botanic Gardens evolved and the role played by the Tanks in the history of the precinct.

Tours leave from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 10am every Thursday (March-November). No bookings required, be at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre by 10am.

Bird Tours
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7.30am Tuesdays

Join experienced birders on guided birding tours of the Botanic Gardens precinct.

Tours leave from the Friends House at 7.30am every Tuesday. No bookings required, be at the Cairns Botanic Gardens by 7.30am each Tuesday.

Contact the Friends House 4032 3900 for further details.

Friends Flecker Gardens Tours
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10am Mon-Fri

Discover the Cairns Botanic Garden and its vast array of tropical plants. Join the volunteer guides for a free tour of the Flecker Gardens.

Tours leave from the Friends House at 10am Monday to Friday. No bookings required, be at the Cairns Botanic Gardens by 10am Monday to Friday.

Contact the Friends House 4032 3900 for further details.

Exhibitions & Workshops

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.

Contact the Tanks Curator for further information by emailing tankscurator@cairns.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 4032 6609.