BOTANIC GARDENS ACTIVITIES Vera Scarth-Johnson and Banks Florilegium Exhibition Open Daily 8:30am - 4pm The Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery at Nature’s Powerhouse features the botanic works of artist Vera ScarthJohnson (1912-1999). A well-known artist, collector and avid conservationist, Vera was concerned that some of the plants of her beloved Endeavour River were becoming harder to find. In 1986, Vera donated her collection of completed works to the people of Cooktown, with her keenest wish being that the collection would encourage people to appreciate and protect our natural environment. The Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery also houses a collection of Banks Florilegium botanical copper engravings showing plants collected here at the Endeavour River by Joseph Banks during Captain James Cook’s first Pacific Voyage. These engravings are based on original sketches produced on board the Endeavour, by Botanical artist Sydney Parkinson.
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First Peoples Grove Open Daily Learn about the different plant species and how they are used in traditional methods including bush tucker, weapon making and everyday use.
Poet’s Breakfast 13 June 8am Bookings essential. Enjoy breakfast on the verandah of Nature’s Powerhouse, overlooking the gardens, while being entertained by local poets. In the Footsteps of Banks and Solander (SOLD OUT) Join a guided scenic bush walk from Grassy Hill to the Cooktown Botanic Gardens via Cherry Tree Bay and learn about the botanical species that captured the imagination of Banks and Solander back in 1770. Hosted by Professor Darryn Crayn.
