This tropical garden is 42 hectares in size, and a great variety of trees, shrubs and flowering plants line the shady walks. Picnic lawns and barbecue facilities make this an ideal spot right in the heart of Darwin. The Gardens were originally established in Fannie Bay by Dr. Maurice Holtze in 1879. Many of the trees were dug up and moved to their present site in 1866. Some of these original plantings are now magnificent trees.

The Gardens have suffered many setbacks since their establishment. A fire in 1902, cyclones in 1897 and 1937 and the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese during World War II all caused severe damage. Most recently, Cyclone Tracy in 1974 destroyed some 80% of the buildings, trees and shrubs. The Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory took control of the Gardens in 1990. Planned future developments will see the Darwin Botanic Gardens become of international importance with regard to tropical flora.

Plant Collections at The Gardens Include:

• Palm collection of approximately 400 palms species.
• The Gesneriad collection is a starter located in the plant / display house, with most of these plants being moist tropical herbs and creepers.
• The Orchid collection consists primarily of hybridised exotics located in the plant / display house.
• Succulent collection in the plant / display house.
• Begonia collection in the plant / display house.
• Bromeliad collection (Pineapple family) in the plant / display house.
• Araceae collection (Aroid family) in the plant / display house.
• The Cycas collection consists of about 40 different species mostly in the cycas growing area.
• The Acacia collection is approximately 30 species found growing at the Northern end of the Open Woodlands area.
• The Frangipani collection includes some 20 hybridised species from Singapore, found growing on the hill slope next to the Botanic Garden's office.
• Fern collection in the plant / display house.

Within the Darwin Botanic Gardens there is also an extensive area where you can be fully informed on the interesting way in which Aborigines use plants. There are several walks designed to introduce you to this theme, known as the Aboriginal Plant Use Walks.

Habitat Themes in The Gardens include :

• Mangroves

There are approximately 30 Top End Mangroves species found growing in the tidal creek and pool areas of this habitat. This habitat features as unusual mangrove called Nypa fruiticans or Mangrove Palm, as it is commonly called. It can be found in brackish water and on the sides of the creek in mud. This palm is located near Maria Leveris drive end of the tidal creek system.

• Coastal Foredune

This woodland habitat is generally characterised by dominant Casuarina equisetifolia with a mixed understorey of grasses and vines such as Ipomoea pres-caprae.

• Woodland/Open Forest

Most of the Top End, approximately 85% is covered by tropical woodland. This habitat features Eucalyptus and Acacia species.

• African Section

A starter collection of African trees and shrubs.

• Sandstone Escarpment

This escarpment can be found on the Western side of St. John's College.

• Exotic Rainforest

The rainforest gully has a broad range of densely planted native and exotic trees, shrubs, palms and groundcovers. Featuring a waterfall and ponds at the top end of the rainforest.

• Shade Garden

This area features a forest canopy of Pterocarpus indica underplanted with low growing shrubs, palms, and Heliconias. Many weddings are held in the Dry Season in this area.

• Coconut Grove Area

A large open lawn area, with plantings of very tall old Coconut Palms (Cocos nucifer). Large commercial and non commercial functions are held here.

• Barbecue Area

Features a Lily pond and fountain. Many weddings and small functions are held here.

• Water Efficient Gardens

The Water Efficient Gardens Display was developed as a joint project between the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, the power and Water Authority and Private Industry. The intent of the Gardens was o demonstrate to the public a variety of landscaped approaches, and for the first time in the Northern Territory, provide some factual information on water use associated with these approaches, as an aid to home owners in determining which approach offered the greatest benefits.

Entry is via Geranium Street off the Stuart Highway or Gardens Road off Gilruth Avenue.

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