Features restored and reopened for George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Playground

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Children's Playground has had its popular treehouse feature restored following its closure in 2023 for safety concerns.   

The popular feature has now reopened following upgrades to ensure the structure meets modern safety and compliance standards.

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is a popular spot for locals and visitors, with 448,500 coming through the park during the 2024-25 financial year. The playground, with its multi-level play structure nestled among the trees, has long been a crowd favourite.

$205,000 in capital works were identified to upgrade and deliver this important community project. Construction was completed by local contractors Wurrba Pty Ltd and upgrades included soft-fall replacement, structural reinforcements and independent certification.

Students from Larrakeyah Primary School played a key role advocating for the playground to be reopened, with their calls being heard by NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby who advised "we took action to reopen this popular site for the next generation of Territory children to enjoy. Labor prioritised other projects, but our government is restoring the spaces that make Darwin unique.

"With the tree house back in action, families can once again enjoy a truly unique part of the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens experience - which is a fantastic spot for locals and visitors to enjoy on the weekend and a great place for locals and visitors to bring their kids."

Member for Fannie Bay Laurie Zio has been a key driving force in getting the tree house restored along with strong support and advocacy from Friends of the Botanic Gardens, local families, and community groups.

Jason Hanna, owner of Eva's Cafe located in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens added "The Botanic Gardens is and has always been free for locals and visitors to enjoy the hard efforts of the gardens staff so close to heart of the city.

"I can speak for all the kids and families that come to visit us at Eva's, everyone is excited by the opening of the iconic Botanic Gardens treehouse."