Thurston Gardens, Botanical garden in central Suva, Fiji
Thurston Gardens is a botanical garden in central Suva that spreads beside Albert Park and showcases a diverse collection of tropical plants. The grounds feature palms, gingers, water lilies, and other plantings connected by wide pathways and divided into multiple planted sections, including a Clock Tower and bandstand.
The site was home to the original town of Suva until 1843, when tribal conflicts led to its destruction. The grounds were converted into a botanical garden in 1913, reflecting Suva's transformation from an older settlement into a modern city center.
The Fiji Museum within the gardens displays traditional objects and artwork representing the cultural heritage of Fijians. Visitors can spend time exploring the exhibited pieces and their significance to local history.
The grounds are free to enter year-round and feature wide, level pathways that are easy to walk. Visitors should prepare for the humid tropical climate and explore the garden best during the cooler morning hours.
The grounds hold a remarkable collection of more than 100 royal palms and several dozen tree ferns arranged in geometric patterns. An underground drainage system from 1913 continues to support these plants thriving in the humid climate.
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