The only Wet Tropics garden in Australia. The main garden mimics the tropical rainforest with its informal style. Visitors find tall trees and palms supporting lianas and tropical climbers, orchids, fens and bromeliads. The
understorey of colourful flowering shrubs, gingers, heliconias and other new and exotic flowers is underscored by a wonderful display of low growing ground covers and plants. Fallen seed and attractive fungi are left in their place which gives the visitor the complete experience of wondering through a living and evolving tropical rainforest.
An information centre and book shop is provided where visitors can obtain maps, self guide books and information leaflets. An 'Al Fresco' style cafe is set amongst the tropical surrounds serving, morning and afternoon teas and meals.
The Botanic
Gardens began in 1886 as a recreational reserve when Mr Eugene
Fitzalen established a small nursery, under an agreement with the
Council that he open his gardens to the public.
In 1971 the Council named this the Flecker Botanic Gardens in
honour of Dr. Hugo Flecker, founder of the North Queensland Naturalist
Club and the Flecker Herbarium.
Flecker Botanic Gardens provides an outstanding visitor experience of three unique eco-systems, just 4klm from the City heart of Cairns. With the Tanks Art Centre, these council provided attractions are a definite must see.
Providing a close look at Australia's unique and timeless beauty from exotic plants and palms to native flora, the Flecker Botanic Gardens give the visitor an enchanted look at our Wet Tropics Rainforest eco-system. The Flecker Botanic Gardens, Centenary Lakes and The Mount Whitfield Conservation Park are a local council initiative designed to preserve our natural ecological wonders.
