Magnificent Flecker Botanical Gardens is 38 hectares of native Australian landscape in Tropical North Queensland, four kilometres from the heart of Cairns. A beautifully maintained tropical oasis created in 1886, Flecker Gardens has an extensive collection of well-established flora, many of which are rare and seldom found in other areas of the world.
(photo credit gardensonline.com.au)
Situated within Cairns Botanic Gardens (established in 1876), Flecker Gardens is one of several recreational reserves in which an established demonstration of the diversity of tropical plant life is gazetted. Open from 7 30am – 5 30pm daily, other reserves include Centenary Lakes, Mt. Whitfield Conservation Park and Tanks Art Centre. Admission to the gardens is free, with collection boxes placed around the area for those wishing to make voluntary contributions.
Tropical flora from around the world, including the jungles of South East Asia, Africa and South America, as well as Far North Queensland, flourish in this exquisite environment. Tropical fruit trees reside companionably with a range of breathtaking orchids, bromeliads, gingers and aroids. With a taste of the magnificent World Heritage Listed Daintree, groups of exotic palms provide a canopy of variegated greens, which protect the smaller species.
The Amorphophallus Titanum, a giant tropical flower that weighs 70kg and which sports a single leaf that measures almost seven meters across, is one of only two extant in Australia. The Nepenthes – a carnivorous plant – can be found deep within the lush rainforest using its sweet nectar to lure its prey. After insects become trapped in the nectar, they are then swiftly digested by the plant.
Durian, Purple Mangosteen, Soursop and Black Sapote fruit trees are magnificent tropical specimens, highly prized and lauded in the gardens. The combination of such luxurious vegetation, nearby grassy verges and waterways, make this one of the most delightful attractions in Cairns. There are numerous areas in the gardens in which to relax, do a bit of bird watching and marvel at the butterflies flitting beneath the canopies of lush rainforest.
Enjoy a luxurious dining experience at the Botanic Garden Restaurant open until 4:30pm daily, which offers a range of sumptuous breakfasts, brunches and lunches, featuring champagne and all natural produce.
Cairns Tours provides a whole range of Cairns based day tours and aims to help provide the best information about other things to do in Cairns.
