What it is
The gardens were established in the 1860s on the southern side of the city, near the Murray Lagoon. Shaded lawns, tropical plantings and big old trees make them a cool refuge in the Central Queensland heat, and the Japanese-style Tsurumi Garden marks Rockhampton’s sister-city link with Ibusuki in Japan.
The Rockhampton Zoo inside the gardens is run by the council and keeps native animals such as koalas and kangaroos as well as a group of chimpanzees.
Getting there by bus
Route 404 stops at Spencer St at Botanic Gardens, about four minutes on foot from the gardens. Route 403 runs nearby along Spencer Street and Agnes Street, with a hail ’n’ ride section near Bishop St.
Both routes connect with the city centre, where most Rockhampton routes meet around Denham Street.
