Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

One of Queensland's oldest public gardens

100 Spencer Street, Rockhampton | 4km from the Rockhampton CBD

Celebrating 150 years in 2020, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest and most established public gardens in Queensland. The site has been heritage listed since 1999 and is home to The Central Queensland War Memorial (The Cenotaph).

Originally developed as a facility for trialling plants for their commercial potential, the Gardens today retain their historical significance with a number of iconic plantings including the 150 year old canopy of Banyan figs and avenue of Bunya pines. The rich, colourful history of the gardens expands to the tranquil Japanese Gardens, designed by leading Japanese landscape designer the late Kenzo Ogata, as part of a Treaty of Friendship signed after World War II.

Open from 6am to 6pm daily, this oasis of sub-tropical specimens is a firm favourite with nature lovers. Find your zen in the peaceful surrounds of the Japanese Gardens, take a picnic lunch under the shade of the giant fig trees, bask in the glorious sunshine or take the shady route to explore the secret corners of the gardens. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Gardens Tearooms for lunch.

While you're there, head along to Rockhampton Zoo which is nestled within the Gardens. With over 60 native and exotic animals to discover, including a family of seven chimpanzees, it's sure to be a fun day out for the whole family.