Cairns' motto of "City in a Garden" is a fitting one, with most of the city area covered in lush trees and tropical plant life.

The tropical environment makes it perfect for growing plants, with an abundance of rain throughout the year and many fabulous gardens, both private and public.

The Cairns Botanical Gardens in Edge Hill are the centrepiece of the city's public facilities, with stunning tropical gardens divided into a range of displays showcasing tropical plants native to the region and from abroad.

The gardens are immaculately maintained and enjoy great popularity with both locals and tourists alike.

Across the road from the gardens is Centenary Lakes, which focuses on the low-lying rainforest swamp that formed Cairns' original environment before the arrival of white settlers in the 1800s.

The area has a series boardwalks which interject between the gardens on Collins Avenue and the lakes on Greenslopes Street.

The gardens has an excellent restaurant or if you like to pack your own, the Lakes is a perfect place to share a picnic lunch or BBQ while you explore the gardens.

Also in close proximity to the area is the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park, which features the popular Red and Blue Arrow walking tracks.

Visitors are advised to make the trip during the day, because the tracks are extremely popular with local walkers and runners in the afternoon.

The council also operates an open gardens scheme, which allows people to visit select private residences around the city that wish to show off their own take on tropical gardening.

Cairns Botanical Gardens, Centenary Lakes and Mount Whitfield Conservation Park are all located in Edge Hill, around 5-10 minutes drive from Cairns city

They are easily accessed by Cairns public transport and are open between 9am and 5pm daily.

People wishing to enquire about the open gardens should contact Cairns Regional Council or see the Cairns Gardens section for more details.

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