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LOCATION: University Road, Annandale


Watch the Palmetum movie

INTRODUCTION

The Palmetum is a botanical garden featuring one family of plants, the palms. The collection contain all six subfamilies within the family Arecaceae. Approximately 60 species of palms are native to Australia; most are represented. The collection contains about 300 species; many rare and threatened in their natural habitat.

A visit to the Townsville Palmetum is proof of community energy. A Bicentennial Project, this internationally recognised attraction was supported and planned by the Townsville community and organised through the Townsville City Council Parks Services.

Opened in September 1988, the Palmetum has continually expanded as new palm varieties and scenic walks are added. Tumbetin Lodge is an example of local heritage architecture. Any visitor would agree that the Palmetum is an exotic and attractive feature of our city, and a significant botanic achievement.

Palmetum Aerial View
Click to enlarge

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THE ENVIRONMENT

The Palmetum covers almost 17 hectares. It has a range of habitats to suit flora originating from the dry topics through to the wet tropical lowlands. In addition to the recreated habitat types, there are expansive lawns and water features frequented by numerous bird species. The changing face of the developing Palmetum allows visitors to return year after year and still be delighted with the seasonal changes that continue to occur.

THE HISTORY

Townsville Palmetum, situated on 25 hectares of land bequeathed to the Townsville City Council, is an attractive botanical garden featuring the palm family.

Large mango trees that shade the rainforest walk are remnants of the areas earlier use as a mango orchard and dairy farm.

The garden’s design utilises the areas existing habitats and landforms to create distinct climatic habitats to suit plants from the dry tropics through to wet tropical lowlands.

The Palmetum was officially opened in September 1988 as a Bicentennial project. Today the collection contains 300 species; many rare and threatened and includes most Australian palms. A Birds of the Palmetum brochure is available in the foyer of Tumbetin Lodge.

  • Townsville’s Japanese sister city Tokuyama funded the initial development of the Licuala Walk and Tokuyama Garden, completed in 1996.
  • The Blackhawk Memorial, completed in 1997, is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in a training exercise accident at High Range Training Area.
  • Tumbetin Lodge was built in 1934 in Railway Estate for the Roman Catholic Church. It was, until 1975, used as the St Francis Xavier School. In 1993 it was relocated to its current site. It is constructed predominately of Australian silky oak. Public facilities include public conveniences, information, selected art exhibitions, meeting rooms and The Palmetum Restaurant and Tea Rooms.

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Map of the PALMETUM

Palmetum Map
Click to enlarge

 

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FACILITIES

Shade Shelters
3
Rubbish Bins
4
Seating
15
Picnic Tables
4
Drinking Fountain
1
Water Taps
1
Picnic facilities
Yes
Caravan parking area
Yes
Tumbetin Lodge – café, public toilet and telephone
  

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How to Get There

Travelling South along Nathan Street cross the Ross River. The entrance is located 300m on the left. Located in the suburb of Douglas.

Open Hours

The gardens are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

For more information about the Palmetum contact Parks Services, Townsville City Council.

PARK BOOKINGS FOR PRIVATE EVENTS, CEREMONIES AND/OR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MUST BE MADE THROUGH THE TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL’S PARKS SERVICES DEPARTMENT:

https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/parks-beaches-and-community-venues/venues-and-open-space-bookings/open-space-bookings

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