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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 Scarth- Johnson (1912-1999).
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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.
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.
Plant Collection Lecture 18 June 10:30am
Hosted by Professor Darryn Crayn from the Australian Tropical Herbarium. Registrations essential.
Why Australian Orchids are Special 19 June 10am
Join Australian Tropical Herbarium research scientist and botanist, Katharina Nargar, to learn why Australian Orchids are special and the origins of the Australian orchid flora
Banks & Solander Lecture (SOLD OUT)
Hosted by Professor Darryn Crayn from the Australian Tropical Herbarium.
Botanic Gardens Guided Tour 17 June 2:30pm & 18 June 9am
Join Professor Darren Crayn for a guided walk through the heritage listed Botanic Gardens featuring the Banks and Solander plant collection. Registrations essential.
Milbi
Guugu Yimithirr Elder and artist Tulo Gordon wrote and illustrated a book called Milbi which tells cultural stories including the Endeavour River creation story. The stories can be found in the cave paintings near his community of Hope Vale and were passed down by his ancestors.
The book was written with the assistance of US linguist Professor John Haviland, the only white person to speak Guugu Yimithirr fluently.
The book is used in the local school and will be reprinted and launched on 18 June as part of the Cooktown Cantata performance. Copies will be available for purchase from Nature’s Powerhouse, with thanks to AIATSIS.
