The zoological park, once an integral part of many botanic gardens, is now an uncommon feature, making the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens important in demonstrating the historical development of botanic gardens in general.[1]. [1], The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock financially supported the gardens with an annual grant of between £300 and £500. Hugo Lassen was a local dentist who bequeathed money to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. The feedback and ideas put forward have been reviewed and will be taken into consideration for future developments of the Botanic Gardens. *No domestic animals allowed* During his time as curator, limited financial arrangements impeded the expansion of the gardens and the popularity of the gardens declined. The obelisk is located on a raised circular mound and encircled by Canary Island Date Palms. The Murray Lagoon in the Botanic Gardens was a popular picnic area for the Rockhampton district in the late nineteenth century. They demonstrate the importance of Rockhampton as the major urban centre for the central Queensland region, demonstrating the desire to sustain a scientific, educational and recreational centre of international repute. The barbeque and playground areas are busy throughout the week and particularly on the weekends. Although the scientific arm of the gardens is no longer a predominant aspect of the operations, present staff are keen to create links between the Gardens and the University of Central Queensland. more. The proximity to a constant water supply, in the adjacent Murray Lagoon, and striking vistas from the western slopes of the Athelstane Range were primary considerations for a successful botanic gardens site. Necessary for enabling core functionality. There's a beautiful lagoon you can sit by and watch the birdlife and we enjoyed a fabulous burger at the cafe too. There is a small zoo but unfortunately not open at the moment due to covid19 restrictions. [1], Other significant gardens include the lower gardens with the mature mango orchard; the arid garden; the pinetum with mature stands of Kauri, Radiata and hoop pines; the outer gardens figs (Ficus hillii) with associated ginger underplantings and water course; the zoological gardens and picnic area associated with the Murray Lagoon. Open from 6am to sunset daily – entry is free. [1], Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are located on a 33-hectare site west of the Athelstane Range and bordered to the west by the Murray and Yeppen-Yeppen Lagoons. [2] Between 1868 and 1872, three sites were gazetted as botanic gardens for Rockhampton. The Spire Tropic of Capricorn Visitor Information Centre, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Rockhampton, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Rockhampton, Game & Entertainment Centers in Rockhampton, The Spire Tropic of Capricorn Visitor Information Centre Tickets, 2nd World War Memorial Aquatic Centre Tickets. The adjacent partially developed Diggers Park establishes the southern boundary. I would love to see more flowers in the garden. Great place for families with children. Great place for families with children. Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are travelling with a. Lovely maintained gardens in close proximity to the city centre, bonus is it also hold a Zoo with free entry. Green and wonderful. A small cupola and a number of decorative gables surmounted the roof. Read more. [1], The formal entrance to the botanic gardens is from Spencer Street through a set of masonry pillars with decorative iron gates. The fernery, a sophisticated cross form bush house, contains extensive rockeries and houses an impressive exotic fern collection. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy. [1], Rockhampton Botanic Gardens was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 23 July 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.[1]. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It demonstrates the principal characteristics of a provincial botanic reserve, with a greater emphasis placed on the creating of an exotic collection of living botany rather than providing herbarium and library facilities. [1], The children's playground located in the understorey of a series of mature shade trees including, weeping Figs (Ficus benjamina) and other fig varieties. An open barbeque shelter is located adjacent to the playground. Entrance gates commemorating King George V were erected in 1953. The Gardens Tearooms offers an all day Breakfast and Lunch Menu. The mature nineteenth and early twentieth century planting are indeed spectacular and the gardens provide a cool leafy oasis in the dry hot tropical climate of Rockhampton. The Rockhampton Zoo is back open and running again now so we hope you get the chance to stop in again soon. The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, gazetted in 1869, are located on a 33-hectare site on the western slopes of the Athelstane range and bordered by the Murray and Yeppen-Yeppen Lagoons. The free zoo is a must. Edgar maintained a professional link between these and other international botanic gardens, collecting specimens and distributing seed stock developed in Rockhampton as well as receiving plants and seeds for propagation in the gardens. Thank you for stopping by to leave a review, we are glad you enjoyed your visit! Feedback gained from this survey will be used as a tool by Rockhampton Regional Council to increase positive visitor experiences and greater community engagement at Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. Give yourself a couple of hours to meet the animals, then take a relaxing walk around Rockhampton's Botanic Gardens and the Murray Lagoon - all free and all in the same spot! It is significant as a Rockhampton landmark and for its visual amenity.[1]. Catalogues of available plants were distributed on a regular basis and orders were taken from throughout the central Queensland area as well as far afield as the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The influence of Anthelme Thozet, a local botanist and collector, is thought to have prevailed in the selection of the Spencer Street site. Qld 4700 [1], Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are located on a 33-hectare site west of the Athelstane Range and bordered by the Murray Lagoon and Yeppen-Yeppen Lagoon. [1], The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are once again a popular recreational feature for the people of the district. The Rockhampton Zoo is back open and running again now so we hope you get the chance to stop in again soon. Awesome sunset over the lagoon. Great place for families with children. Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a. Lovely maintained gardens in close proximity to the city centre, bonus is it also hold a Zoo with free entry. Apart from 'Strictly necessary cookies', you can change other cookie settings if present, at any time by clicking the 'Cookie Settings' link in the footer of the page. Green and wonderful. Fantastic botanical gardens very nice Japanese garden set up as well. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Edgar was trained in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and this first section to be developed is still known as the lower gardens. The clock face presents to the northern entrance to the gardens. The Queensland Acclimatisation Society was also active in providing plant stock and seed material to the new curator. Awesome sunset over the lagoon. [1], In 1930, the curator's position passed to the deputy curator, H. George Simmons, son of Richard Simmons. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. George Simmons is responsible for the avenue of Bunya Pines (Araucaria bidwillii) and Bougainvillea at the Ann Street entrance. Rockhampton Regional Council continually strives to improve your Gardens, Parks and Playgrounds for the enjoyment of the community and visitors. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens is the perfect venue for weddings, private functions, or educational and guided tours – fees apply for these services and bookings are required. Click here to learn more or control your settings. The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places. Recommended experiences in and around Rockhampton, Gardens, Scenic Walking Areas, Playgrounds, Things to do near Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. In the 1990s the work for the dole scheme has seen many young unemployed people working alongside staff of the Gardens. Please choose a different date. The kitchen closes at 3.30pm daily. There are many fine species of common and exotic trees, a zoo which is free to enter, a Japanese garden, a war memorial, a great walkin, As locals, we’ve frequented the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and FREE Zoo over the years for birthday parties, family bbqs, family outings, photo shoots, ANZAC ceremony, walking and even for romantic, 100 Spencer Street, Rockhampton, Queensland 4700 Australia, Botanical gardens and Rockhampton Zoo - both free to see. By this time Richard Simmons had assumed the role of curator of the gardens and set out to bring more of the land under cultivation. Local Botanist Thozet, Ferdinand von Mueller of Melbourne Botanic Gardens and Walter Hill of Brisbane City Botanic Gardens contributed material for the garden. I would love to see more flowers in the garden. [1], Plant collections were also distributed for educational purposes with the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens the key regional distribution point to primary schools for Arbor Day trees. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Spire Tropic of Capricorn Visitor Information Centre, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Rockhampton, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Rockhampton, Game & Entertainment Centres in Rockhampton. The northern boundary is the Rockhampton Golf Club and residential development lies to the east of the site. Please choose a different date. There is a small zoo but unfortunately not open at the moment due to covid19 restrictions. They open daily from 6am to 6pm. As part of this we invite you to under take a short survey about your precious heritage listed Botanic Garden. There is a small zoo but unfortunately not open at the moment due to covid19 restrictions. Thank you to those who participated in the survey. This was supplemented by annual subscriptions to the Botanic Gardens trust and nursery sales. A pinetum developed at this time includes Kauri, Radiata and Hoop pines, and now large mature trees.