Centenary Lakes
Flecker Botanic Gardens, Edge Hill, Cairns, Queensland, 4870
The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef often draws visitors to Cairns, but the natural beauty found on land is another great reason to visit. Lush, green, and with a touch of wilderness, this tropical city has a rainforest feel just off the Australian coast. One of the best places to experience this scenery is at the Flecker Botanic Gardens—specifically inside the swampy section known as Centenary Lakes.
The basics
Connected to the central Botanic Gardens by a boardwalk along the water, the Centenary Lakes house a flotilla of water lilies and over 130 species of birds. The park around the freshwater lake is perfect for a midday picnic, where ducks and turtles casually stroll the manicured, park-like grounds. The adjoining section with the saltwater lake is where the park gets a little wilder, as dense mangroves and a rainforest boardwalk create a true wilderness surrounding. In addition to exploring on your own, you can join a guided photography tour of the area to discover flora and fauna in a unique way.
Things to know before you go
- While rare, saltwater crocodiles have been spotted in the lake.
- There is no admission fee, but donation boxes can be found throughout the park to help fund the upkeep and facilities.
- The area also features a playground with water play, climbing ropes, and a fossil-digging area for kids.
- Centenary Lakes is fully accessible by wheelchair.
How to get there
The Centenary Lakes are within Flecker Botanic Gardens, about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the city center, and within easy walking distance of several resorts. The two lakes can be accessed from Greenslopes Street. Also, the city bus stops on Collins Avenue, directly outside the Cairns Botanic Gardens entrance.
When to get there
The Centenary Lakes are open daily. The best, most comfortable time to visit Cairns is during the dry season from May through October. This is when you’ll experience less humidity and pleasant temps. The wet season, which runs from December through April, brings frequent, heavy downpours. Birding enthusiasts should head out early in the morning to spot the most feathered creatures.
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park
Another popular natural attraction in Cairns, the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park attracts locals and visitors alike. It’s located just north of the Centenary Lakes and has two main walking tracks and two more connecting circuits. It’s also home to Australian brush turkeys, orange-footed scrubfowl, and sometimes buff-breasted paradise kingfishers.
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