George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens span 42 hectares about 2 km north of Darwin’s city centre:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}. Established in 1886, these gardens have survived cyclones and showcase a wide variety of northern Australian and tropical plants:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}. 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:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}. 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):contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}:contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}. The gardens are named after George Brown, a former curator and Darwin’s Lord Mayor, in honor of his 32 years of dedication:contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}. 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:contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}. Entry is free, and interpretive signs throughout help identify the flora and explain their traditional uses.