"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. (max 140 characters).
3 September, 2025
Olivia says:
No consultation with locals whatsoever re demolition of Botanical Gardens cafe, despite approx 400 out of 460 posts to Cairns Post against!!
1 September, 2025
R Kunda says:
What happens to the lovely cafe owners if they are evicted? Does the council make allowance for the commitments they've made for the future?
1 September, 2025
Shishi says:
have an office/gaming/reading lounge/cafe in the gardens for children and adults (and teenagers) embrace progress, Cairns
1 September, 2025
Jane says:
The cafe within the gardens needs to be updated not removed. It is more in keeping for a botanical garden than the new concrete one.
1 September, 2025
LB says:
The nature play is not fenced off from the water. The reason it’s not used more is all the mosquitos. Better off shifting to alternate place
31 August, 2025
frans says:
"The old cafe is a tired space" is a hideous phrase. The place is sure in need of some upgrading (toilets) but to bulldoze it is insane.
30 August, 2025
Mary venables says:
Stop stripping all the lush green undergrowth away and stop cutting down trees to spoil the canopy
PLEASE
29 August, 2025
Diane says:
Keep the quiet, peaceful cafe that blends with the planting around it. More in keeping than the noisy cafe at visitors centre.
29 August, 2025
Kahleana says:
I think the Japanese Friendship garden would be a great addition to Cairns and support the large Japanese community. I strongly support this
28 August, 2025
Eva says:
Impossible to use Nature Play Space due to mosquitos. Please allocate funds where community actually can use space.
28 August, 2025
Christine Hall says:
There definitely needs to be a cafe & sitting area in the garden where people can relax and take in the gardens.
28 August, 2025
Bridgette says:
Yes Speed Bumps or some other speeding deterrent should be added to Collins Avenue. I too have witnessed animals being hit.
