You’ll find sprawling gardens and exciting animal encounters in the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo. Located on the edge of the city’s large lagoon, the estate features an extensive array of tropical gardens and leafy groves. Delve into a fernery and explore bamboo forests. Let the kids go wild in nature’s playground and find a moment of tranquility amid the palm trees. Check out 70 different species in the Rockhampton Zoo, including striking cassowaries, sleepy koalas and mischievous dingoes.
Stop by the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens visitor centre to plan your visit. Pick up a brochure for a self-guided tour around the gardens’ beautifully curated parklands. The Outer Gardens encompass the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens’ leafy Palm Grove and the Lassen Fernery. Stretch out on a patch of grass in the shade at the Flowering Tree Lawn and visit the quaint cottage plantings at the Old Office Garden.
Head to the Lower Gardens to find the magnificent lagoon-side parklands, including a bamboo grove, the lagoon foreshore and the Lower Rainforest. See what leafy wonders are being grown in the Experimental Garden. In the Upper Gardens find a collection of spectacular Banyan fig trees, as well as the Japanese Garden and an arboretum for tropical fruit trees. Be transported to the Queensland desert in the Arid Garden and walk along a boulevard of fragrant tamarind trees. A playground is also located here for kids to explore while you relax on the lawn with a picnic or a book.
Don’t miss checking out the Rockhampton Zoo, which is located adjacent to the Murray Lagoon. Spy native Australian animals, including wombats and a collection of reptiles. Watch a feeding session or have an unforgettable experience meeting one of the zoo’s koalas. Recharge with a snack and a drink at the Gardens Tearooms, located within the leafy park.
The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo are located 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) southwest of downtown Rockhampton. The gardens and zoo are both open daily for free. There is a bus station outside of the gardens and parking is available on site.
