Introduction
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are two kilometres north of Darwin city.
The gardens cover 42 hectares and are noted for their collections of north Australian and other tropical species.
Find out more about what to see and do.
Start at the Visitor and Event Centre
The Visitor and Event Centre is located near the Gardens Road main car park.
It is air conditioned and a great place to learn about Territory history, plants and seasons.
The centre includes:
- a mini amphitheatre
- event space
- retail gift shop
- interpretive centre to learn about the history of the gardens.
You can collect maps and information about self-guided walks at the visitor centre gift shop.
Get the app
The Darwin Botanic Gardens app includes free self-guided walking tours and points of interest in the gardens. Read more about walks in the garden.
To get the app go to:
Opening times, location and contacts
Opening times
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens: 7am to 7pm daily.
Visitor and Event Centre: 9am to 5pm daily.
Plant display house: 8:30am to 3:30pm daily.
Entry to the gardens is free.
Location
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are bordered by Gilruth Avenue and Gardens Road, 2km from Darwin city centre.
Enter via Geranium Street or Gardens Road car parks.
Map of the gardens
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens map PDF (4.8 MB)
Location map
Gardens contact
Phone: 08 8999 4418
Fax: 08 8981 1647
Email: botgardens.darwin@nt.gov.au
Event bookings
Contact the events coordinator for information about hosting a function in the gardens.
Phone: 08 8941 8110
Email: events@botanicgardenscatering.com.au
Eva's Café
8am to 3pm Monday to Friday.
7am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
Mobile: 0447 474 776
Email: info@botanicgardenscafe.com.au
Gift shop
9am to 5pm daily.
Closed on these days:
- Christmas day
- Boxing day
- New Year's day
- Good Friday and
- Easter Monday.
Phone: 08 8941 8110
Email: events@botanicgardenscatering.com.au
What to see and do
Facilities
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens has all of the following:
- a Visitor and Event Centre with:
- media room
- interactive displays
- a gift shop
- an event space
- drinking water
- public toilets
- electric barbecues
- picnic tables
- Eva's Café, located in one of the Territory's oldest churches. Read more about the church below.
A mobility scooter is available for anyone who is unable to walk and must be booked in advance by calling 08 8941 8110.
Activities you can do
You can do all of the following at the gardens any time of year:
- visit Eva’s Café in the historic Wesleyan Church
- walk through the rainforest and see the waterfall
- the waterfall operates from 9am to 3pm
- see the different types of butterflies in the sensory garden
- have a barbecue next to the shady Borassus lawn
- see the tallest fountain in the Darwin area
- have a picnic on the lawns
- visit the gift shop selling local NT products
- take a photo of the 9m crocodile sculpture in the Africa Madagascar garden.
Children's activities
All of the following are activities for children:
- ride scooters or bikes on the garden paths
- play games on the heritage lawn
- climb up the birdcage tree house in the children’s playground
- play on the viking swing
- get a bird ID sheet from the Visitor and Event Centre
- find the five dinosaurs in the Cycad Garden.
Wildlife
You may see the following wildlife at the gardens:
- the Rufous owl in the rainforest
- giant spider webs throughout the gardens
- bush chooks (scrubfowl) digging in the gardens
- birds, snakes and possums.
Flowers
There are two seasonal changes in the gardens:
- wet season - October to May
- dry season - May to October.
The following are flowers and other botanical plants you can enjoy:
- desert rose garden
- cycad garden
- frangipani
- boabs in the Africa Madagascar garden
- NT native plant collections in the woodland area
- tea pot boab tree and cannon ball tree
- bromeliads and orchids in the plant display house
- poinciana tree best in October or November
Garden features
Plant Display House
Exotic plants and special seasonal displays including:
- Tropical orchids
- bromeliads.
Visitors are not permitted to pick any flowers in the gardens.
Cycads
Cycads are grown throughout the gardens.
NT, Australian and international cycads are displayed near the Geranium Street entrance.
Palms
Approximately 450 species, near or in the rainforest gully.
Rainforest gully
Waterfalls and ponds provide a setting for an established rainforest with an understorey of palms and shade plants.
Follow the boardwalk through the rainforest loop to see the magnificent trees.
Children's playground
A refreshing, safe and shady retreat for children and parents.
Native Top End plants
Planted throughout the gardens, particularly in the open woodland area.
Baobab collection
In the northern part of the gardens the baobab collection contains species from Africa and Madagascar.
Mangroves and coastal plants
These plants are on the beach side of Gilruth Avenue - a boardwalk forms part of a walking track to the museum.
The former Wesleyan Methodist church
This unique prefabricated church was designed, constructed and erected on Knuckey Street, Darwin in 1897.
It is one of the oldest churches in the NT.
In 2000 the church was moved and reassembled at the Gardens Road entrance.
The building now serves as Eva's Cafe.
Rufous owls
Rufous owls are often sighted in the gardens. You can read owl sighting book at the gift shop - it is regularly updated by visitors.
Desert rose display
See the vibrant desert roses.
Hold a function at the gardens
You can apply to hold an event or a function such as a wedding at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
Events other than yours, both community-based and individual, may be held on the same day.
Every effort will be made to run these harmoniously.
Contact
For all event and function enquiries, contact the events coordinator by emailing events@botanicgardenscatering.com.au or calling 08 8941 8110.
Function areas
There are several areas you can reserve for a function at the gardens.
The function areas below are numbered and match the numbers on the George Brown Botanic Gardens map PDF (4.8 MB) .
You can also get a printable copy of the areas by emailing events@botanicgardenscatering.com.au or calling 08 8941 8110.
Read more about how to hold a function at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
Visitor and event centre - includes mini amphitheatre
The centre is an air conditioned space with verandas and grassed terraces.
It is suitable for a variety of events including:
- corporate functions
- exhibitions
- presentations
- music and theatre productions
- weddings
- parties.
| Visitor and event centre | |
|---|---|
| Area use | All size events |
| Capacity |
240 people inside. Up to 500 people banquet style in the event space and decking areas. Larger numbers can be accommodated using full centre and surrounds Up to 500 in mini amphitheatre |
| Facilities |
Cool room and food preparation area available with limited catering equipment Delivery area and ramps available |
| Electricity | Power available for most functions - contact the events coordinator to discuss your needs |
| Lighting | Throughout the centre |
| Toilets | Ladies, gents, unisex accessible including baby change table |
| Water | Various points throughout the centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park and overflow parking at Geranium Street or Mindil Beach |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator for all requests and questions |
Holtze Lawn
This area features a flat grassed lawn surrounded by a border of evergreen shrubs, ground covers and palms.
| Holtze Lawn | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium size events |
| Capacity | Up to 200 people |
| Electricity | Yes - 10x15 amp |
| Lighting | Partial - you may need to organise extra lighting |
| Toilets | Located behind the Holtze lawn |
| Water | two bubblers nearby |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street entrance off the Stuart Highway. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Via Geranium Street entrance off of the Stuart Highway |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site - no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Secret Moonlight Garden
Secret Moonlight Garden | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small events |
| Capacity | 150 people standing |
| Electricity | Available on Holtze lawn nearby |
| Lighting |
Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn. Floodlight option for area – you may need to organise additional lighting |
| Toilets | Adjacent to Holtze lawn |
| Water | Bubbler |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Geranium Street car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site - no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Heritage Lawn
This is a large grass area surrounded by a creek bed, gardens and a boab tree.
This area suits large functions and has catered for corporate events and wedding receptions.
| Heritage Lawn | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to large events |
| Capacity | 700 to 800 people |
| Electricity | Yes - a large power box is in the middle garden bed - 6 x 10 amp |
| Lighting | Limited |
| Toilets | Next to the event centre |
| Water - not drinking water |
Non potable only. There is also water at the event centre |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking |
Either Geranium Street or Gardens Road car parks Discuss this with the events coordinator |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site - no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Shade Garden
This secluded and peaceful area is at the north side between the rainforest and the open woodlands.
A large stand of tropical trees provides a cool shady atmosphere. The entrance to this area is via a bridge and boardwalk.
This site provides an ideal venue for small wedding ceremonies, small plays and poetry reading.
| Shade Garden | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium events |
| Capacity | 50 people standing |
| Electricity | No |
| Lighting | No |
| Toilets | At the event centre |
| Water | None onsite |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrance. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking |
Via either Geranium Street or Gardens Road entrances. Discuss with the events coordinator |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. No stakes or star pickets may be used. |
Borassus Lawn
Borassus Lawn | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to large events |
| Capacity | 500 people depending on the area you use |
| Electricity | 1 x 3 phase and 1 x 10 amp |
| Lighting | Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn – you will need to organise additional lighting |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafe - former Wesleyan Church |
| Water | None onsite |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. No stakes or star pickets may be used. |
Fountain area
The fountain is a popular area in the gardens. It has a manicured lawn and paved area and is surrounded by trees and palms.
There is a bridge at each end of the pond which is ideal to take photos on.
The fountain can be loud so consider holding your ceremony when the fountain is off - times are below.
| Fountain area | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium events |
| Capacity | Up to 100 people, standing room only |
| Electricity | Available from the pump shed. 1 x 3 phase and 3 x 15 amp |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafe or at the Visitor and Event Centre |
| Water - not drinking water |
Near Eva’s Cafe - former Wesleyan Church At the barbecue area, you will need a tap key |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car parks |
| Special instructions | If you need equipment or want to inspect the site, contact the events coordinator - where possible no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Fountain times
The fountain runs from 7:30am to 7pm on a 30 minute cycle and can't be changed.
- 7:30 - 8am
- 8:30 - 9am
- 9:30 - 10am
- 10:30 - 11am
- 11:30 - 12 noon
- 12:30 - 1pm
- 1:30 - 2pm
- 2:30 - 3pm
- 3:30 - 4pm
- 4:30 - 5pm
- 5:30 - 6pm
- 6:30 - 7pm
Coconut Grove
This site is ideal for large gatherings and corporate balls or functions.
| Coconut Grove | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Large events |
| Capacity | 500 to 1000 people banquet style |
| Electricity |
Yes 9 x 15 amp and 5 x 10 amp general power outlets on light poles 3 x 3 phase power is available, a C-form plug is available |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal street lighting and lights on ground only from dusk until dawn |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafe - former Wesleyan Church |
| Water | Opposite Eva's Cafe |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Via Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. No stakes or star pickets may be used |
Central Green - car park
This area is for the light-hearted and fun-seeking and is popular for weddings and parties. It is partially covered by rain trees and is extremely open, so privacy is not assured.
| Central Green - car park | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to medium events |
| Capacity | 80 people+ |
| Electricity | Yes, 3 x 15 amp general power outlets |
| Lighting | Yes, minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn |
| Toilets | Behind Eva's Cafè |
| Water | Opposite Eva’s Cafè |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Gardens Road. Do not drive or park on the grass. |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site. No stakes or star pickets may be used |
Eva's Café
Eva's Café is in the former Wesleyan church near the west entrance to the gardens. It was heritage listed and is now available for private functions such as wedding receptions, birthdays and corporate functions. The café can provide catering for events.
To make a booking at Eva's Café, email functions@botanicgardenscafe.com.au.
| Eva's Cafe | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Medium to large events |
| Capacity |
50 to 250 people for a standing event Approximate maximum 80 people seated for dinner on the decking, depending on table layouts |
| Electricity | On the decking, interior and side lawn |
| Lighting | Yes |
| Toilets | Next to the venue |
| Water | Yes |
| Site fees |
Different minimum spends apply for weekdays and weekends See menus and contact details Also available for hire without catering and staff |
| Opening hours |
Monday to Sunday 7am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm Wet Season Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm Private functions are available outside these hours |
| Access | Via Gardens Road |
| Car parking | Gardens Road car park |
| Special instructions |
You must ensure dance floors, marquees and extra lighting are compliant - discuss this with Eva’s Cafe’s function manager by emailing functions@botanicgardenscafe.com.au A liquor licence also requires special permission |
Cycad Garden
The garden has a complete collection of NT cycads in small and large private shaded areas.
It is easily accessible and is different to other function areas if you want to create a unique event.
| Cycad Garden | |
|---|---|
| Area use | Small to large events |
| Capacity | Up to 500 people depending on the area |
| Electricity |
Yes – 2 x 10 amp general power outlets 1 x 3 phase power |
| Lighting | Minimal street lighting only from dusk till dawn – you will need to organise additional lighting |
| Toilets | Adjacent to the Holtze lawn |
| Water | None available |
| Site fees | Contact the events coordinator to discuss |
| Access | Only authorised vehicles can access via Geranium Street entrance off the Stuart Highway |
| Car parking | Geranium Street car park off the Stuart Highway |
| Special instructions | Contact the events coordinator if you need equipment or want to inspect the site - no stakes or star pickets may be used |
Other function areas
There are other sites in the gardens that may be used for functions. Most of these don’t have ready access to power or water.
Ask the events coordinator if one of these or any other area or venue may suit your event.
Walks in the gardens
Download the free Darwin Botanic Gardens app to get self-guided walking tours and points of interest in the gardens.
Tree walk
The Tree walk covers 18 significant trees in the gardens and is available in the app.
This walk will take 45 minutes to one hour.
Matboerrma Walk
Provides information about how the local Larrakia people use native plants for traditional purposes.
This walk will take 45 minutes to one hour.
You can follow this walk in the app.
Cycad walk
There are 11 species of NT cycad plants at the Geranium Street entrance near the car park.
The area displays Australian and Northern Territory cycads.
There are five dinosaurs to show the connection between cycads and dinosaurs.
Larrakia coastal walk
This walk takes you from Mindil Beach onto a boardwalk, through natural mangrove forest and up to Bullocky Point.
From there, you can walk to the museum and art gallery.
En route are painted poles indicating various Larrakia coastal plant uses.
This walk will take 30 to 45 minutes.
Guided walks
Guided walks are not provided by The George Brown Botanical Gardens.
You can book and pay for a guided walk through a local tour company.
Rules for dogs and park use
Dogs
You can walk your dog in the gardens without a leash but you must ensure all of the following:
- your dog must be under your control
- your dog must not interfere with or trouble other visitors
- your dog must not enter the children's playground
- your dog must not enter ponds or waterways
- your dog must not attack wildlife
- you must clean up after your dog.
Your dog must be on a lead while in the garden's car parks.
Gardens rules
All plants and animals are protected in the gardens.
You are not allowed to:
- pick flowers
- take cuttings
- catch fish
- release fish in any of the waterways or
- get into or swim in the fountains, ponds and waterways.
You must place all rubbish in bins or take it away with you.
You should keep to lawns, paths and tracks. Be aware of theft, lock your vehicle and secure valuables.
You can use electric barbecues in the gardens, no fires are allowed.
Asbestos at the gardens
Asbestos has been discovered at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
Left alone, this particular type of asbestos poses no risk to human health.
There is a management plan for dealing with asbestos.
If you see an item you suspect to be asbestos, don't touch it, call the garden staff on 08 8999 4418.
Children's playground and school group excursions
The playground at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens features all of the following:
- a bamboo ambush trail for games of hide and seek
- a grassy area and a small rolling hill for parents and children
- a slide
- a viking swing
- a boundary fence
- a water bubbler.
The playground tree house is temporarily closed while work is being done to bring the iconic structure up to standard. Tenders to undertake the repair works will close in January 2025 and a contract awarded in early March. Completion and re-opening are expected by June 2025.
For details about events and activities, go to the Darwin Botanic Gardens Facebook page.
School groups and excursions
School visits to the gardens are welcome. Email your request to botgardens.darwin@nt.gov.au.
Events at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
You can view upcoming George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens events on their Facebook events page. You do not need a Facebook account to view these events.
If you do have a Facebook account, like and follow the Gardens to keep up to date.
Snake Bean community food garden
The community food garden is also known as the Snake Bean garden. It is located at the Geranium Street entrance.
There are 29 plots allocated to people who can't grow produce in their homes.
The garden allows community members to grow a range of seasonal vegetables and tropical fruit in a sustainable way.
The garden is open to the public to visit. You must not pick any fruit or vegetables from the garden.
For more information email snakebeangarden@gmail.com.
Friends of the Darwin Botanic Gardens
Friends of the Botanic Gardens volunteer in many areas of the gardens.
They aim to increase community awareness of the scientific, educational, horticultural, conservation and recreational functions of the gardens.
They also:
- promote the objectives of the gardens
- serve as a link between the gardens and the community
- encourage the use and enjoyment of the gardens by the community
- raise money to support gardens projects.
For more information email info.fodbg@gmail.com
Volunteering
Find out more about volunteering in parks and reserves in the NT or email botgardens.darwin@nt.gov.au.
