Visiting George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

What To Do & See at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

There are many ways to explore the city’s botanic gardens. But they all provide you with a day among the lush greenery and the sensation of being a world away from Darwin’s inner core. Partly manicured, partly wild, the gardens let nature do the talking. 

Start at the Visitor Center

Adjacent to the garden’s main car park on Gardens Road, the striking Visitor and Event Centre makes a great first impression. After stepping inside, you’ll be met with exhibits and multi-media features that help you learn more about state history and the plants on site. This is complemented by learning about how local Larrakia people used these plants through the wet and dry seasons.

The small amphitheatre is a great way to sit back and soak in all the information and stories of the park from an expert guide. From there, you can pick up a map and information on self-guided walks at the gift shop. There are also local Aboriginal art and products.

Note: We recommend downloading the Darwin Botanic Gardens app ahead of time for tips and trail information.

Walk the Paths

With your map or app in hand, it’s time to put one foot in front of the other. There are roughly 5km of trails throughout the park. That includes the central loop and a handful of side trails, so you can walk as little or as much as you like.

The paths guide you through gorgeous open lawns on your way to specific garden sections. Along the way, you’ll pass the fountain. In a stunning setting, take a moment to bask in the serenity that’s an eloquent blend of nature and humanity.

Soon, you’ll stroll through the Sensory Garden, home of the Singing Bowl Tree. Afterward, the Madagascar Garden awaits. It boasts an eclectic mix of plants that takes you across the Indian Ocean to a world of rare and endangered flora.

The path later draws you back to the Top End to be among cycad and eucalyptus as you wander the Woodland section. This is followed by captivating boab trees, rainforests, waterfalls, the Moonlight Garden, and the Dinosaur Trail.

It all reaches a brilliant climax along the Larrakia Coastal Walk that traipses the edge of Mindil Beach towards beautiful wetlands. Wander along a tidal creek through mangroves to Bullock Point Lookout. 

After reaching the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, you’ll find poles painted by Larrakia artists. Each describes a plant and its purpose among Aboriginal communities.

Enjoy a Picnic

There are some magnificent, grassy lawns in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. They are the perfect base to set down the picnic rug, take off your shoes, and feel the blades dance between your toes.

The breathtaking rain trees, avenues of beauty leaf, and maniltoa trees provide shade as you break out the charcuterie and take in the scene. Our favourite spots for picnics are along the Coconut Lawn and Central Green. The former hosts several events, including the Darwin Festival, local markets, and the Teddy Bears Picnic.

If you have little ones in tow, you can complement your picnic with the gardens’ playground. Here, you’ll find the immersive Tree House, a maze, a sandpit, and the Viking Swing, which is fun for all ages.

Enjoy Some Birdwatching

With hundreds of unique species of plants and trees, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens draws in birds from Australia and other regions.

As you wander through the park, you may spot the chatty red-collar lorikeet among flowering, nectar-rich plants. Along the coastal trail, keep your eye out for forest kingfishers while the finches search for seeds throughout.



This is just a small introduction, with the Visitor Centre and app able to provide extensive birding information.

Stop by Eva’s Cafe

All that walking and craning for birds is bound to work up your appetite. Eva’s Cafe resides in a former Wesleyan Church that was built in 1897. The church remained here until 2000 before being repurposed into its current iteration in 2014.

The dog-friendly cafe is named after Evlampia, the wife of the gardens’ original curator, Maurice Holtze. Guests can come in and enjoy the opulent decor, Allpress espresso, baked treats (try Eva’s Famous Scones!), and healthy lunch favourites.



If you’re travelling in a group, Eva’s Cafe also hosts High Tea. It’s in the perfect setting by the gardens’ inspiring fountain!

Join a Walking Tour

To see and learn more about the flora and fauna here in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, we suggest joining a walking tour. With the help of the guides at Walk Darwin, you can enjoy 2 hours of comprehensive exploration at a leisurely pace.

Along the way, you’ll learn all about the heritage of the gardens, prominent trees, and plant collections. Your guide will even help point out birds discovered along the many trails. Each tour requires only two guests to run. 

Stay Near the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Just minutes from the Darwin Waterfront, these botanical gardens are an excellent way to see the beauty of the Top End without extensive travel. Each section explores the significance, history, and use of various tropical plants from around the world alongside local protected lands like Kakadu National Park.

Such easy access will make it a popular trip from your Zen Luxury Retreat. From the gardens, you can easily jump across to the Mindil Sunset Markets and even Waterfront fishing excursions.