Norfolk Island is part of a small archipelago in the South Pacific, approximately 1,700 km off the coast of Australia. The Norfolk Island Botanic Garden spans 5.5 hectares, offering a lush subtropical oasis where visitors can explore the island’s unique plant life.
The garden showcases a diverse collection of Norfolk Island’s native flora, with a strong focus on increasing knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of Australia’s plant heritage. The lower gardens protect some of the last remaining areas of subtropical rainforest that once covered Norfolk Island before settlement. This includes remnant lowland rainforest, characterised by its dense network of vines.
In contrast, the upper gardens are more cultivated, with an emphasis on Norfolk Island’s endemic and rare plant species. Highlights of the collection include several Phillip Island Hibiscus (Hibiscus insularis) plants, which were once reduced to a single genetic individual. The garden also nurtures the Norfolk Island Abutilon (Abutilon julianae), a rare endemic species rediscovered 70 years after being declared extinct.
The Norfolk Island Botanic Garden is home to the Discovery Centre, where visitors can learn about the fascinating plants and animals found throughout the Norfolk Island group. This spacious exhibition room features an extraordinary glass artwork created by a local artist and a heartwarming film documenting two scientists’ journey to study migratory seabirds.
Beyond the Discovery Centre, visitors can explore six different forest trails, ranging from an easy, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk to a more challenging track that winds down into a rainforest gully.
Each week, a free guided tour of the Botanic Garden highlights some of Norfolk Island’s most remarkable ecological conservation stories. Additionally, Norfolk Island National Park hosts a range of educational programs throughout the year, collaborating with the Norfolk Island Central School and the broader community. These free events, often led by visiting experts, include experiences such as insect night walks and hands-on conservation activities.
Visit https://norfolkislandnationalpark.gov.au/things-do/activities/botanic-garden for more details.
