George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Community Education
We welcome school visits to the Gardens. They’re a great ‘outdoor classroom’ where teachers can develop their students understanding and enjoyment of tropical plants. The Gardens are also home to a wide range of native wildlife, including our famous Rufous Owls.
We no longer have an Education Officer on staff and so, unfortunately, cannot tailor activities to suit your curriculum.
However, one of our horticulturists may be available to assist your group if you give us advanced warning of your proposed visit. This could take the form of a short introduction to the Gardens on arrival or perhaps a ‘question and answer’ session at the end.
Please bear in mind that they are not ‘trained teachers’ and are uncomfortable handling large groups. However, they’re happy to help where they can.
Bookings are essential
- Contact The Gardens for a booking form to be sent out.
- View and print the Community Visit Request Form (pdf 75Kb). This form needs to be returned to the office for confirmation.
- Fill out our online booking form.
Playground
A feature of the playground is the tree house built around a Rain Tree which is still alive despite being blown down in 1974 during Cyclone Tracy.
The playground is currently being fenced for added safety and redeveloped to make it a more interesting area where children can have fun while exploring the plant world. It will include a new ‘sandy beach’ and ‘flowing creek’.
Self-guided Walks
Every tree has a story to tell
Along the road between the Orientation Centre (near the Gardens office) and the Wesleyan Church are 19 wooden posts with yellow Perspex markers.
To guide you along the way, we have produced a laminated information card which you can borrow from either the Orientation Centre or the Church.
You may also download information (pdf 182Kb) on each tree and a map (pdf 68Kb) of the walk.
Rainforest
Our Rainforest boardwalk is currently being upgraded. When the work is completed, there will be a number of new, full-colour signs along the way to introduce to some of the fascinating tropical trees living in this part of the Gardens.
Bird Watching
Identification sheets of some birds commonly seen are available on site at the Orientation centre and Wesleyan church or are also available for download (pdf 976Kb).
