A week of creativity, nature, learning and community connection will come to life this May as Cook Shire Council celebrates Botanic Gardens Week 2026 at the Cooktown Botanical Gardens.
Running from Monday 18 May to Sunday 24 May 2026, the week offers a diverse program of free and low-cost activities designed to encourage people of all ages to explore, enjoy and connect with one of Cooktown’s most treasured natural spaces.
Throughout the week, residents and visitors can take part in a range of hands-on workshops, competitions and activities including the Scavenger Hunt, Colouring-In Competition, Pot-Up a Plant workshop, Yoga in the Gardens, Trivia Night, and creative competitions such as the Gnome Making Competition and Floral & Foliage Beard Competition.
The celebrations build towards the highlight of the week — Botanic Gardens Day on Sunday 24 May 2026 — a full day of activity held in the heart of the Cooktown Botanic Gardens from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Botanic Gardens Day will feature a packed program of entertainment, learning and hands-on experiences for all ages. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, creative workshops, live demonstrations and family-friendly activities, alongside the display and judging of key community competitions.
Highlights of the day include:
Guided Garden Tour with Botanic Gardens Curator Nikko
Photography Workshop with Colyn Huber of Lovegreen Photography
Floral & Foliage Beard Competition
Gnome Making Competition displays and judging
Beekeeping Information Stall
Scavenger Hunt and Colouring-In Competition prize draws
Live music, giant lawn games, face painting and children’s activities
Botanic Gardens Day provides an opportunity for the community to experience the Cooktown Botanic Gardens through creativity, learning and celebration, while showcasing the importance of botanic gardens in conservation, biodiversity and community wellbeing.
Full event details, booking information and competition guidelines are available on Council’s website.