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The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are two kilometres north of Darwin city. They cover 42 hectares and are noted for their collections of north Australian and other tropical species.

The gardens were established in 1886, originally as an experimental farm for identifying viable crops suited to the tropical climate. The gardens today are a vibrant assemblage of native and exotic plants with significant collections of Adansonia (boab) and baobab species, local, Australian and exotic cycads, tropical orchids species and an extensive variety of palm species.

The gardens extend from the escarpment down to the marine and mangrove habitats along Mindil Beach. There are a number of water features including a waterfall, lily ponds and a large fountain.  A visitor can discover lifelike reptile sculptures, a nine metre saltwater crocodile sculpture and a mosaic dragon. There are dinosaurs in the Cycad Garden!

Refreshments are available at Eva’s Café which is housed in the historic former Wesleyan Church building. Visitor information, including bird watching identification sheets, and unique locally made arts and crafts can be found at the Gift Shop located in the Visitor and Events Centre. The Visitor Centre contains displays on the history of the gardens, the primary plant collections, conservation activities, the interrelationships between plants, animals and humans and the use of plants by Aboriginal people including the local Larrakia people. There is also a video room that shows the seasonal changes in the gardens.

The gardens have indoor and outdoor function and event areas, a playground with a tree house and Viking Swing and many hectares of lawns, paths and garden displays to explore. Visitors can download the Botanic Gardens App which provides self-guided walks that feature locals and staff talking about significant trees and the Matboerrma Walk featuring local Larrakia people and Elders explaining the traditional uses of local plan species growing in the gardens.

The gardens offer volunteers the opportunity to engage in plant propagation to support the gardens activities through the Friends of the Darwin Botanic Gardens and a community garden where they can raise organic produce.

Visit https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/george-brown-darwin-botanic-gardens for more details.