Start your explorations at the Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits provide insight into the gardens’ diverse flora, then follow the marked trails around the park’s highlights. Walk the Rainforest Loop to marvel at tropical blooms and see the natural waterfall; learn about baobab and boab trees in the Africa/Madagascar Garden; visit the Desert Rose Garden; and admire colorful orchids and bromeliads in the Plant Display House. Along the coast, the Fairweather Coastal Walk winds its way through the mangrove forests with views along Mindil Beach. Darwin sightseeing tours and hop-on-hop-off bus tours frequently include a visit to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. To discover more of the gardens, join a guided walk or Segway tour.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are located about 2 miles (3 kilometers) northwest of Darwin city center. It’s just a 5-minute drive or taxi ride from downtown and free parking is available. Buses 4 and 6 stop on Gilruth Avenue, just a few minutes’ walk from the Visitor Centre.
The Gardens are open daily all year round, but it can be unbearably hot during the wet season (November to March), so visit early or late in the day. Walking in the gardens is most pleasant during the dry season (April to October) and many visitors stay to watch the sunset at neighboring Mindil Beach.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are situated close to a number of Darwin’s top attractions. Make a day of it by combining a tour of the gardens with a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, where exhibits cover Australia’s natural history, maritime heritage, and Aboriginal art. Continue to the coast for a stroll along Mindil Beach and stick around for the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (April to October only), where you can shop for handicrafts, tuck into exotic street food, and enjoy live entertainment.