Tropical Display Dome

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha is home to the Tropical Display Dome that’s a must-visit attraction when you’re exploring the 52 hectares of diverse horticultural displays available within the garden precinct.

Designed by Brisbane City Council architect Jacob de Vries, the 9-metre-high, geodesic (lattice) dome was officially opened back in 1977 by the then Lord Mayor Frank Sleeman as part of Stage One of the gardens’ construction, and has been visited and appreciated by millions of people since. 

As you’d expect, the climate-controlled environment inside the dome is humid and moist, and it’s been likened to stepping into a tropical jungle as you make your way up the circular path to the left, passing a couple of small viewing portholes.

What these windows give away – other than a view into the underwater world – are a hint into what you will find at the top of the path… a massive, man-made pond that is home to a multitude of sub-tropical water plants, lilies and native fish.

Offering the perfect atmosphere for the varied tropical plant species from around the world to thrive, the dome is also home to a number of land creatures, so keep your eye out for the occasional gorgeous angle headed dragons and water dragons warming up in a sunny spot.

As you continue around the path under the canopy of lush foliage of palms, caladiums, heliconias and epiphytes, you will come to a set of stairs that return you down to the entry/exit doors. At this point if you have a pram or a wheelchair, you will need to return down the way you came to exit the exhibit.

Need to know – As per the Brisbane City Council website, the following personal mobility devices are not permitted within the gardens: skateboards, scooters, rideables, etc. Bicycles are only allowed on the internal Ring Road and on Botanic Way, not on any of the other paths. Dogs and pets are not allowed.

Nice to know – There’s plenty of free parking available at Mt Cooth-tha Botanic Gardens, with overflow parking available across the road from the car park entrance. Brisbane City Council runs public bus services to the site, with the closest stop directly in front of the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Opening hours of the gardens in general:

8am-6pm Sept-Mar
8am-5pm Apr-Aug

Opening hours of the Tropical Display Dome:

9am-4pm

By Danella Perrins

Looking for more things to check out in Brisbane Botanic Gardens, why not explore the zen Bonsai House, the peaceful Japanese Gardens, the fun Hide n Seek Children’s Trail, the educational Kitchen in the Garden, the interesting Cacti & Bromeliad House, the Arid Region Plants section, and more.

The gardens are the perfect place for a picnic, so pack your basket of gourmet goodies, or grab a drink and a bite to eat from the onsite cafe.