The Palmetum, Townsville

The Palmetum is an arboretum near Ross River containing a large collection of palm species from around the world. The grounds spread across wide green areas with marked paths and distinct garden sections for different plant groups.

The garden was created in 1988 on land previously used for farming, with mango orchards and dairy operations. This transformation was part of Australia's Bicentennial celebration and converted agricultural ground into public space.

A dedicated garden section reflects the connection to Tokuyama, Townsville's Japanese sister city, bringing another culture directly into the visitor's experience. This relationship shapes how parts of the grounds are designed and used by people who come to walk through them.

The site is located in the Douglas suburb with access from University Road and Marabou Drive. It is open from sunrise to sunset, allowing time to walk through different sections at a comfortable pace.

The collection represents all palm subfamily groups, with many of the displayed specimens naturally found in Australia. A significant portion of these holdings consists of species facing threats in the wild, making the garden valuable for their preservation.