The Atherton Arboretum, situated in the Atherton Tablelands of Queensland, Australia, is a sanctuary for rare tree species from the nearby wet tropics, boasting both environmental and historical importance. Established in 1971 by biologists Geoff Stocker, Bernie Hyland, and Tony Irvine, this 3.64-hectare tree garden is a crucial component of the Australian National Herbarium, housing approximately 500 mature trees labeled with their species names.
Although public access to the site was discontinued by CSIRO in October 2021, conversations have been ongoing regarding the future of the arboretum, including the potential transformation into a stunning botanical garden. The Tablelands Regional Council has been a vocal advocate for preserving the arboretum, underscoring its significance to the local community.
While the Atherton Arboretum remains inaccessible to the public at present, individuals can still immerse themselves in the beauty of tropical gardens by visiting the Flecker Botanical Gardens in Cairns, just four kilometers from the city center. Covering 38 hectares, these gardens exhibit native Australian plants, many of which are exclusive to the region. The Botanic Garden Restaurant, nestled beneath the verdant rainforest canopy, serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, renowned for its Sunday Champagne breakfast and diverse café menu featuring 100% natural ingredients. Complimentary guided walks are offered Monday to Friday at 10:00 am, with bird walks conducted on Tuesdays at 08:30 am.