Community turned out for a beautiful Botanic Gardens Day 2026

The Cooktown Botanic Gardens came alive on Sunday 24 May, as locals and visitors gathered to celebrate Botanic Gardens Day 2026, wrapping up a successful week of community events, workshops and activities.

With beautiful sunshine overhead, the gardens were filled with families and friends enjoying a relaxed afternoon amongst the tropical surrounds. Many visitors set up picnic rugs and chairs on the lawns, soaking up the atmosphere while enjoying live local music throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the day was the popular Botanic Gardens Scavenger Hunt, which encouraged participants to explore all corners of the gardens while learning interesting facts about the unique plants, history and natural features found throughout the space. The activity gave visitors the opportunity to slow down, discover hidden pockets of the gardens and appreciate the beauty of one of Cooktown’s most treasured community spaces.

The event also featured a range of activities, workshops and community stalls, with visitors learning more about beekeeping, wildlife rescue and healthy living through displays and information shared by local groups and organisations including Health and Wellbeing Queensland.

Winners of the Gnome Making Competition and Flower & Foliage Bread Competition were also announced during the day, with the creative entries drawing plenty of attention from visitors.

Botanic Gardens Day marked the conclusion of Botanic Gardens Week 2026, a week-long celebration of nature, biodiversity, creativity and community connection held across the Cooktown Botanic Gardens.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated throughout the week, along with the dedicated Botanic Gardens team whose ongoing hard work and care help keep the gardens looking beautiful for the community to enjoy year-round.