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.
Our volunteers are a diverse and eclectic bunch of people who share the passion of working outside in the beautiful natural environment and enhancing our region's green areas. If you're not afraid of green ants and creepy crawlies, are hard-working, fun loving and keen to share knowledge and make new friends, we'd love to welcome you as a volunteer!
Find out more below, or visit our Green Space Our Place web page to see even more volunteer opportunities to suit various talents, interests and age groups. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Volunteers Supervisor on (07) 4032 6648 or 0429 983 252 to discuss options that suit you.
Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns (FOBG)
The Friends of the Botanic Gardens are engaged in a range of activities to raise funds for and awareness of the Gardens. They operate the Friends' House shop and library from Monday to Friday, giving advice to visitors and selling shop goods to raise money for the Gardens as well as organising fund-raising events and plant sales throughout the year. Friends' Visitor Guides provide tours of the Flecker Gardens starting at 10am on weekdays.
The Friends' Gardeneers meet each Wednesday to propagate and grow plants for sale throughout the year to raise funds for the Botanic Gardens. At the moment this group is full (limited space available due to nursery conditions).
Read more on the Friends of the Botanic Gardens website.
Plant database volunteers
Plant Database Volunteers assist with entering plant information into the Gardens Plant Database, an important aspect of any Botanic Garden.
Down 'n' Dirty volunteers
There are a couple of gardening programs available for those who prefer to be outside and getting their hands dirty. The Cairns Botanic Gardens Down 'n' Dirty Volunteers meet each Wednesday from 9am until noon and take part in general gardening duties such as weeding, pruning, mulching, turfing and planting.
Visitor Enhancement volunteers
Volunteers help our visitors to get the most out of the Gardens by answering questions, offering directions and sharing plant knowledge on weekends.
There are two cafes operating in the Cairns Botanic Gardens Precinct.
Botanic Gardens Restaurant Cafe
- Inside the Flecker Gardens
- Phone: 0409 537 087
- Hours: 7am - 4.30pm, 7 days
- Website: www.cafebotanic.com.au
TANK sixty four
- Next to the Visitor Centre
- Fully licensed
- Phone: 0434 633 188 (Kamal)
- Email: wildbean000@gmail.com
- Hours: 7am to 3pm 7 days
Please note:
- Do not feed the birds. Bread and other human foods can make the birds sick, and offering food discourages the birds' natural foraging behaviour.
- Fishing is not permitted at any of the lakes within the Gardens. Fishing lines are hazardous to waders and water birds.
- 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.
Last Updated: 21 November 2023
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