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

Travelodge Resort Darwin

64 Cavenagh St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Darwin hotel is located near the airport, within 1 mi (2 km) of St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral and Darwin Waterfront. The Esplanade and Smith Street Mall are also within 10 minutes.

Mantra on the Esplanade

88 The Esplanade

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Darwin Harbour and Darwin War Memorial are also within 5 minutes.

DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin Esplanade

116 The Esplanade

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is steps from The Esplanade, The USS Peary Memorial, and Darwin Harbour. Bicentennial Park and Darwin Entertainment Centre are also within 5 minutes.

Hilton Darwin

32 Mitchell Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Maningrida Arts & Culture and Darwin Waterfront. Smith Street Mall and Parliament House are also within 5 minutes.

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

7 Kitchener Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Wave Lagoon and WWII Oil Storage Tunnels are also within 5 minutes.

Rydges Darwin Central

21 Knuckey Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and The Esplanade are also within 5 minutes.

DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin

122 The Esplanade

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Darwin hotel is located by the sea, within a 5-minute walk of The Esplanade and Darwin Entertainment Centre. Smith Street Mall and Mindil Beach are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Novotel Darwin Airport

2 Sir Norman Brearly Drive

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Eaton, this eco-friendly hotel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Marrara Sports Complex and within 3 mi (5 km) of TIO Stadium and Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Casuarina Square and Charles Darwin University are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Cullen Bay Resort

26-32 Marina BoulevardCullen Bay, Cullen Bay

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Cullen Bay, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Cullen Bay Marina and Mindil Beach. The Esplanade and Smith Street Mall are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Mantra Pandanas

43 Knuckey Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and Brown's Mart Theatre are also within 10 minutes.

Mercure Darwin Airport Resort

1 Sir Norman Brearley Drive

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Eaton, this romantic hotel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Marrara Sports Complex and within 3 mi (5 km) of TIO Stadium and Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Casuarina Square and Charles Darwin University are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Novotel Darwin CBD

100 The Esplanade

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this beach hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Darwin Harbour and Bicentennial Park are also within 5 minutes.

Palms City Resort

64 Esplanade

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Darwin War Memorial and Darwin Harbour are also within 5 minutes.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort

Gilruth Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in The Gardens, this beach hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Mindil Beach, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, and SKYCITY Casino. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and Cullen Bay Marina are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Value Inn

50 Mitchell Street

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and Smith Street Mall are also within 5 minutes.

Quality Hotel Darwin Airport

225 Mcmillans Road

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Jingili, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Marrara Sports Complex and TIO Stadium. Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Casuarina Square are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

7 Kitchener Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

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

Casa on Gregory

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

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Parap, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Mindil Beach, The Esplanade, and Cullen Bay Marina. Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments

146 Dick Ward Drive

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Coconut Grove, this apartment building is within 2 mi (3 km) of Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Casuarina Beach, and Darwin Harbour. Marrara Sports Complex and Charles Darwin University are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Melaleuca on Mitchell Backpacker Accommodation

52 MITCHELL STREET DARWIN NT 0800, 52

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of The Esplanade and Darwin Waterfront. Maningrida Arts & Culture and Smith Street Mall are also within 5 minutes.

Darwin City Edge Motel & Suites

38 Gardens Road

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Darwin City Centre, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral, Darwin Waterfront, and Cullen Bay Marina. The Esplanade and Darwin Entertainment Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Quest Parap

49 Parap Rd, Parap

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This hotel is situated in the business district.

Argus Apartments Darwin

6 Cardona Court

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Darwin aparthotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Smith Street Mall and Darwin Waterfront. The Esplanade and Brown's Mart Theatre are also within 10 minutes.

Darwin FreeSpirit Resort

901 Stuart Highway

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Holtze, this holiday park is within 6 mi (10 km) of Holmes Jungle Nature Park, Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation, and Crocodylus Park. Darwin Aviation Museum and Charles Darwin National Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).