Gardens

The City Gardens is Queensland's oldest public gardens. These gardens were originally established in 1828 close to the new town of Brisbane. The area was cleared by convict labour. English trees and plants were grown, and a zoo located in the grounds of the gardens. The steel barred animal cages have long been removed, but the now well established and stately trees remain, giving the City Gardens a feeling of beauty and security. These gardens offer the visitor a glimpse of rainforest, mangrove environment, bright flower beds set in lush grassed areas, ponds which are home to a number of water birds, and an area of peace within a busy city. At dusk, the visitor will see 'possums' scurrying about, on the ground and in the trees as they feed on flowers and fruit. Most nights one can observe the 'flying foxes' (fruit bats) flying overhead and also squabbling over food in the trees. Sharp eyes will also see these flying mammals hanging upside down as they sleep during the day, usually in the trees close to the mangrove walk. These gardens contain many interesting and special plants, but cover an area too small to be able to display a large botanic range, one must visit Mt Coot-tha for this.

How to get there:
The City Gardens are only a short walk from the heart of Brisbane.

Situated in the 'old' Botanic Gardens is the City Gardens Cafe, a heritage listed cottage restaurant with an open-air verandah.

Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Begun in 1970, these extensive (52 hectares) gardens have been developed as Botanic Gardens, to display a wide ranging plant collection, with specimens of Australian and foreign plants. These gardens lie at the base of Mt Coot-tha and can be visited in conjunction with Mt Coot-tha Lookout, which offers a spectacular view of the Brisbane environs. The gardens offer professional facilities such as library, herbarium and research programs, as well as being an interesting and beautiful area for the casual visitor. Some notable sections are the Tropical Dome, Bonsai House, Japanese Garden, Lagoon and Bamboo Grove, Fragrant Plant and Herb Garden, Cacti and Succulents, and Rainforests. One large section is devoted to Australian Plant Communities. Although not recognised as a nature reserve, it is well known for its large population of water dragons, and the many flowering shrubs attract large flocks of birds. A lookout offers a view over the gardens to the city. There is also a planetarium, restaurant, outdoor café and exhibition hall where there are regular displays of special interest such as orchids, roses, bonsai and various hand crafts.

How to get there:
Both Brisbane City Council buses & a number of day tours travel regularly to the Mt-Cootha Botanic Gardens.