"Better Signage and Information"
The plan includes upgraded visitor facilities and an enhanced educational experience at the Visitor Centre, along with new site-wide signage.
Cairns Botanic Gardens Masterplan Review
The Cairns Botanic Gardens is one of Australia’s premier Botanic Gardens and showcases a wide variety of native tropical and exotic plant species. In consultation with the community, Council has undertaken a review of the Cairns Botanic Gardens Masterplan 2005.
Key outcomes of the review have recommended a range of improvements that will create new and exciting experiences for the public, improve connectivity and access, improve Council operations and ensure that the site continues to evolve and adapt to a changing climate, as well as remaining a key destination for the region. Council invites the public to view the plans and provide any feedback they have.
Click or tap a hotspot to reveal details about this location
First draft and community consultation
The first draft of the Masterplan was published in 2022. Several reviews and adjustments were made to the initial draft following community consultation.
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"More plant displays & better maintenance"
New themed gardens will be planted in Flecker Gardens to boost visual vibrancy, showcase a variety of landscapes, and feature different plant species.
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"The old café is a tired space"
The café will be removed and replaced with a new garden featuring highlight plantings.
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"Toilets are old and inaccessible"
The existing toilets will be replaced with new all-abilities facilities in a more suitable and accessible location.
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"More seating and picnic facilities"
Additional seating and picnic tables will be introduced across the gardens in stages.
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"Increase events and activities"
The connectivity project will improve access to Flecker Gardens for events and enhance the quality of the stage lawn as an event space.
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"Better access around the whole site"
New pathways will be created to provide all-abilities access across the entire gardens.
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"Better food and beverage offering"
A future coffee/food cart is proposed to expand refreshment options.
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"Better shade"
More trees and landscaped areas will be planted to increase shade and comfort for visitors.
Master Plan main focus areas
The works included in the Masterplan can be grouped into the following focus areas.
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Nature Play Space Upgrade
More fun, more nature, more to explore for little adventurers.
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Flecker Gardens Upgrade
Bringing new life and colour to the heart of the Gardens.
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Connectivity Upgrade
Seamless pathways connecting every corner of the Gardens.
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Vistors Centre Upgrade
Learn, explore and connect with new environmental and educational displays.
Share your brief comments here, to be displayed as a post-it note below.
Tell us briefly, what are your thoughts about our plans? If you wish to provide more comprehensive comments, please use the feedback form below the post-it notes. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝘆 𝟭𝟱 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.
CLOSED. The visioning activity has now concluded. Click to see all the submitted ideas.
15 September, 2025
davidween says:
Maybe grow more bamboos in that area in a certain arrangement and have a path running through it in a circuit so to be enshrouded by them.
15 September, 2025
David says:
Maybe grow more bamboos in that area in a certain arrangement and have a path running through it in a circuit so to be enshrouded by them.
15 September, 2025
Lyn says:
Keep our popular cafe (+owner) regularly revisited by locals, Australian + International visitors. When will real consultation take place?
15 September, 2025
Laurie says:
Stop the vandalism! This is a multi generational asset. What are Council's REAL plans??
15 September, 2025
Jim says:
Great stuff. Well done CCC
13 September, 2025
Dot says:
Why can’t the lights go on at the barbecue area at night, at least for a few hours till 8pm?
13 September, 2025
Fran says:
Such a shame the Cafe will be shut down, wonderful memories , with a beautiful ambience like no other, followed by a walk in the gardens. 😔
13 September, 2025
Jackie Friesen says:
The botanical gardens used to be my favourite place to visit. Now all I see are the majestic trees cut down, concrete paths and huge toilets
12 September, 2025
Jenny Solomon says:
As a visitor from Melbourne I’m shocked you would even consider not having a cafe in the Botanic Gardens. Very wrong and shortsighted!!🤬
9 September, 2025
Kim Nielsen says:
The cafe is much loved and attended. Please rebuild with character and consider parking in the area
9 September, 2025
Glen says:
The idea of the Japanese Friendship Garden is great. I think it would be popular with visitors to Cairns as well as the local community.
9 September, 2025
Melanie Ryan says:
Ambience/shelter at Kimmy's was the first thing that attracted me to the gardens. Chinese friendship garden was looking unloved last visit.
