The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are located on the Brisbane River near the city's business centre. The Gardens are bounded by Brisbane River on one side, the Parliament House on the other and the Queensland University of Technology campus on the third. Queensland University of Technology campus on the third. The site was identified by Charles Fraser in 1828 and the gardens themselves, which cover 20 hectares, were established in 1855. The Botanic Gardens were once known as the 'Royal Park' and the caretaker's cottage, built in 1905, is now houses a café. Some of the oldest trees planted in the Gardens were also the first trees of their species to be planted in Australia: the Gardens' first caretaker, Walter Hill, was keen on experiments in the acclimatisation of of plants. A local fountain was named in his honour.
The proximity to the river has served the Gardens bad service to the Gardens - between 1870 and 2011 the area suffered 9 times from flooding. Part of the plant collection was relocated by Brisbane City Council to a new botanical garden at Mount Kutta.
Today at the Botanic Gardens. Botanic Gardens showcase many rare and unusual plants - collections of cycads, palm trees fig trees and bamboo. Along the river are mangroves. On the territory of the The Gardens can be walked or you can hire a bicycle. This is a favourite place the employees of the nearby business centre during their lunch break, and weddings are often held at weekends. There's also a special stage where local music bands perform and various events, such as the annual Christmas carol service. Visitor facilities include - guided walks, picnic areas and restaurants.
