Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo

The Japanese Garden was designed by acclaimed landscape designer Kenzo Ogata and constructed in 1982 in partnership with Rockhampton's sister city of Ibusuki in Japan. Ornamental bridges, stone lanterns, and a koi-filled pond create a meditative corner within the broader tropical planting. Nearby, a 1938 fernery shelters an impressive collection of exotic ferns beneath its bush-house canopy.

The zoo occupies the northern section of the grounds and houses a broad range of Australian native animals including red kangaroos, cassowaries, saltwater crocodiles, and a walk-through bird aviary. Admission to both the gardens and zoo is completely free, with parking also at no charge. The zoo opens at 9am and closes in the afternoon, while the broader gardens can be enjoyed from early morning until evening.