About The Palmetum
The Palmetum is a 17-hectare botanical garden in Annandale, Townsville, Queensland, dedicated to the palm family (Arecaceae). Located on University Road beside Ross Creek, it is one of Townsville's three botanic gardens. Notable for its collection of around 300 palm species from around the world, landscaped lagoons, walking tracks and the heritage-listed Tumbetin Lodge, it serves as a conservation, education and recreation site showcasing tropical and dry-tropical palms.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a landscaped palm garden with themed collections of palms from around the world arranged around lagoons, lawns and walking tracks beside Ross Creek. The site includes paved and gravel paths, boardwalks, bridges, picnic areas, the heritage Tumbetin Lodge (now a restaurant and function venue), and birdlife around water features. It is an open, tranquil outdoor setting for walking, photography and picnics.
Key highlights
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Collection of approximately 300 palm species including rare and exotic taxa
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Landscaped lagoons and waterways with boardwalks and bridges
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Heritage-listed Tumbetin Lodge (c.1934) relocated to the site
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Walking tracks through themed palm collections including Licuala Walk
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Abundant birdlife and natural setting beside Ross Creek
History of The Palmetum
Developed as Townsville's Bicentennial project and opened in 1988. The site incorporates Tumbetin Lodge, a heritage-listed timber building constructed c.1934 and relocated to the Palmetum. It was established as one of three Townsville Botanic Gardens to conserve and display the palm family and to provide a public botanical collection for North Queensland.
Culture & Context
Serves as a botanical, educational and recreational resource for Townsville, showcasing the diversity and cultural uses of palms worldwide and providing a community venue for events, weddings and functions at Tumbetin Lodge within a landscaped public garden setting.
Route
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