One of our favourite places to take the kids is the Darwin Botanic Gardens. Weekend family time we find it is always good to get out and explore somewhere with the kids and let them burn some energy. We are truly lucky in Darwin with the various locations and loads of events to fill our calendars – many of them being free of charge too – which is always helpful with a large family.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Our Botanical gardens are a truly beautiful place. Just two kilometres north of Darwin city and open 7am to 7pm daily. Entry is via Geranium Street or Gardens Road car parks. The Botanic Gardens boast many pathways and lovely shady areas to explore and have an adventure. Why not pack a picnic lunch or check out Eva’s Cafe.
Eva’s Cafe – Family Friendly!
Our first stop was to have a coffee at the beautiful Eva’s Café (Open Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm) located close to the bottom car park (off Gardens Road) and entrance of the gardens. This cafe was originally the historic Wesleyan Church. Eva’s is a great cafe to take the kids too, very family friendly! They have toys set up and my kids are easily entertained here while we sit and enjoy our coffee. They have a great menu too. Another bonus is the free babycino’s. Eva’s also can cater for various functions including high tea’s, weddings, birthday celebrations, baby showers and much more!
After coffee we wandered through the gardens to the playground area. This is no typical playground. It reminds me of a magical story, a tree house. My kids love to climb all over the trees and if they are brave enough going all the way to the top level. There is plenty of grass to run about on and my kids loved to run down the hills. Next time we need to remember to take a ball with us. There are now even Segway tours you can go on through the gardens! The Darwin botanic gardens are a very popular venue for Weddings and other functions. During our recent visit there was a 1st birthday party set up on one of the spacious lawn areas.
If you haven’t been to the Botanic Gardens or it has been awhile – make the family time to head there. It will not disappoint.
The Botanic Gardens has the following facilities:
- an information centre
- Darwin’s largest ornamental fountain which goes off a set times of the day
- a waterfall deep in the rainforest
- drinking water refills
- public toilets
- electric BBQs
- picnic tables
- Eva’s Café, one of the oldest churches in the NT.
If your looking for another family friendly dining place check out our review on the Foreshore cafe in Nightcliff.
Let us know your thoughts and comments if you visit!
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