Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Victoria Butterfly Gardens is 2 km (1.2 mi.) s. at jct. Benvenuto Ave. and Keating Cross Rd. at 1461 Benvenuto Ave. This 1,110-square-metre (12,000-sq.-ft.) indoor tropical garden was designed specifically for the housing and breeding of more than 75 exotic butterfly and moth species. Guided tours and a video presentation explain the transformations the butterflies undergo during their life cycle. Between 600 and 1,200 pupae are imported each week and displayed in the Emerging Room. Up to 6,000 butterflies—from the 2.5-centimetre-long (1-in.) helicon to the 30.5-centimetre-long (1-ft.) atlas moth—fly free among tropical plants and flowers, including an orchid exhibit and a carnivorous bog. Water falls into a stream that is home to koi fish and tropical ducks. Parrots, flamingos, songbirds and rare species such as the South African turacos also call the gardens home. Other garden residents include poison dart frogs, geckos, chameleons and sulcata tortoises. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.