George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens span 42 hectares about 2 km north of Darwin’s city centre. Established in 1886, these gardens have survived cyclones and showcase a wide variety of northern Australian and tropical plants. Visitors can wander through diverse habitats, including a recreated monsoon rainforest, coastal mangroves, and open woodlands of cycads, palms, baobabs and other exotic and native species. Highlights include a waterfall, lily ponds, an all-abilities playground, and the Eva’s café housed in Darwin’s oldest church building (relocated to the gardens). The gardens are named after George Brown, a former curator and Darwin’s Lord Mayor, in honor of his 32 years of dedication. With multiple entrances and walking paths, the gardens are a popular spot for picnics, birdwatching and experiencing the region’s rich botanical heritage in a peaceful setting. Entry is free, and interpretive signs throughout help identify the flora and explain their traditional uses.