George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Admire bush orchid displays, spiky palms and local bird species as you explore one of Darwin’s most diverse natural environments.

Visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and discover a peaceful oasis not far from the heart of the city. Built over 130 years ago, the gardens have survived World War II bombings as well as several cyclones to become an integral part of Darwin’s recreational and scientific culture.

Explore the gardens’ natural environments, which stretch from the sea to an inland plateau just north of Darwin’s centre. Enter from the south and admire the central water fountain, which turns on at various times throughout the day. Nearby, the Orientation Centre and Office can supply maps and information guides for your tour.

Set off on the path between the Orientation Centre and the Wesleyan Church, which is the oldest church building in the Northern Territory. Walk past Australian and international cycads and desert roses.

The Rainforest Gully is home to a fascinating tropical ecosystem. Follow boardwalk trails over glistening streams and spot some of the 450 palm species that have been planted in the area. Continue exploring in the Plant Display House, where you will find tropical orchids and bromeliads.

After working up an appetite, take a seat at Eva’s Cafe and savour a coffee. Bring a picnic and eat at one of the many shaded tables. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Evolutionary Playground, a shady recreational area surrounded by trees.

Pass through the Community Gardens and admire vegetable patches that have been grown by locals. Bring a bird identification sheet and try to spot some of the gardens’ known species. If you are lucky, you might see the rufous owl, which has only been seen a few times over the years.

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is over half an hour’s walk north of Darwin’s central business district. If you arrive by car, find parking on nearby Geranium Street. The gardens are open every day and entry is free. Make sure to wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.

Gilruth Ave & Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia | View Google Map

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Mindil Beach

Explore one of Australia’s best beaches by day or visit by evening to enjoy Asian food, a massage, live music and indigenous crafts at Darwin’s sunset markets.

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Learn the stories behind Aboriginal paintings, local wildlife, regional archaeology and the cyclone that flattened Darwin in this gallery that has free admission.

Aquascene

Head to Doctors Gully at high tide to see a natural phenomenon turned tourist attraction, as shoals of fish come to the shallow waters to be fed by hand.

Bicentennial Park

Take a break from the city and stroll through this calming natural space. Pass harbour views, native flora and sobering war monuments.

Crocosaurus Cove

This wildlife park offers the chance to admire a number of local species, as well as the safest encounter you can have with a saltwater crocodile.

Hotels near George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

7 Kitchener Drive

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is steps from The Esplanade, Wave Lagoon, and Christ Church Anglican Cathedral Darwin. Darwin Waterfront and Darwin Convention Centre are also within 5 minutes.

Cullen Bay Resorts

26-32 Marina BoulevardCullen Bay, Cullen Bay

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cullen Bay Marina and Mindil Beach. SKYCITY Casino and The Esplanade are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Skycity Darwin

Gilruth Avenue

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of SKYCITY Casino and Mindil Beach. George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and Cullen Bay Marina are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

7 Kitchener Drive

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury aparthotel is steps from The Esplanade, Wave Lagoon, and Christ Church Anglican Cathedral Darwin. Darwin Waterfront and Darwin Convention Centre are also within 5 minutes.

Casa on Gregory

52 Gregory Street(Cnr Gregory & Toy Streets), (Cnr Gregory & Toy Streets)

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is steps from Parap Village Markets and 24HR Art. Fannie Bay Race Course and Fannie Bay Gaol Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments

146 Dick Ward Drive

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this apartment building is within 3 mi (5 km) of Casuarina Beach, Marrara Sports Complex, and Casuarina Square. Charles Darwin University and Casuarina Coastal Reserve are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Quest Parap

49 Parap Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the business district, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of 24HR Art and Parap Village Markets. Fannie Bay Race Course and Fannie Bay Gaol Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

901 Stuart Highway

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this cabin is within 6 mi (10 km) of Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation, Crocodylus Park, and Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. Holmes Jungle Nature Park and Hidden Valley Raceway are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Hidden Valley Holiday Park

25 Hidden Valley Road

Rated 5.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this cabin is within 2 mi (3 km) of Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation, Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, and Hidden Valley Raceway. Charles Darwin National Park and Crocodylus Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Discovery Parks – Darwin

11 Farrell Crescent

Rated 3.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the beach, this campground is 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Australian Aviation Heritage Centre and within 3 mi (5 km) of Charles Darwin National Park and Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation. Hidden Valley Raceway and Crocodylus Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Quest Palmerston

18 The Boulevard

Situated in Palmerston, this luxury apartment building is within 9 mi (15 km) of Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation, Crocodylus Park, and Hidden Valley Raceway. Australian Aviation Heritage Centre and Holmes Jungle Nature Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Darwin Waterfront Apartments

19A Kitchener DriveDarwin Waterfront, Darwin Waterfront

Rated 3.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Fort Hill Wharf, The Esplanade, and Wave Lagoon. WWII Oil Storage Tunnels and Darwin Deckchair Cinema are also within 10 minutes.

Barramundi Lodge

4 Gardens Rd

Located in Darwin City Centre, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, SKYCITY Casino, and The Esplanade. St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral and Darwin Entertainment Centre are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Capricornia Motel

3 Kellaway Street

Situated in Fannie Bay, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Fannie Bay Gaol Museum, 24HR Art, and Parap Village Markets. Fannie Bay Race Course and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory are also within 15 minutes.

Hi Way Inn Motel

430 Stuart Highway

Situated in Winnellie, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, Parap Village Markets, and 24HR Art. Fannie Bay Race Course is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

Paravista Motel

5 MacKillop Street

Situated in Parap, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of 24HR Art and Parap Village Markets. Fannie Bay Race Course and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory are also within 1 mi (2 km).

The Leprechaun Resort

378 Stuart Highway

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated near the airport, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Charles Darwin National Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Parap Village Markets and Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. 24HR Art and Fannie Bay Race Course are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Stayover in Darwin

55 Batten Road

Situated in Marrara, this lodge is within 3 mi (5 km) of Crocodylus Park, Holmes Jungle Nature Park, and Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation. Australian Aviation Heritage Centre and Leanyer Recreation Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Parap Village Serviced Apartments

39-45 Parap Road

Situated in Parap, this apartment building is steps from 24HR Art and Parap Village Markets. Fannie Bay Race Course and Fannie Bay Gaol Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Quest Berrimah

4 Berrimah RoadDarwin Suburbs, Darwin Suburbs

Situated near the airport, this apartment building is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation and within 3 mi (5 km) of Australian Aviation Heritage Centre and Hidden Valley Raceway. Crocodylus Park and Charles Darwin National Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites

19 Kitchener Drive

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury apartment building is steps from The Esplanade, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, and Christ Church Anglican Cathedral Darwin. Wave Lagoon and Darwin Waterfront are also within 5 minutes.