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Attractions

Botanic gardens are multi-faceted, showcasing both the beauty and usefulness of plants. Botanic gardens are havens where our botanical heritage can be grown, nurtured, researched, propagated and protected. As well as places of science and conservation, botanic gardens are also places for walking, playing, dreaming and discovering alone or with family and friends.

Special features

The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens are no exception and include a variety of attractions that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, time and time again.

Fern Glade

Fern glade

The fern glade is a natural sunken garden where the fern collection thrives in the moist shade. Look out for the dragon fly and kingfisher mosaics, the giant king ferns and the staghorns in the trees above.

  
Mossy Log

Mossy Log

Located close to the car park, it's just a gentle stroll down to the mossy log or “fallen giant” that now serves as a home for a variety of ferns, orchids and ephyphites.

  

Friendship Colonnade

Friendship colonnade

This 50 metre long structure is planted with the beautiful Tecomanthe hillii (Fraser Island Creeper) which is one of the endangered plants of the Maroochy area. The colonnade was built to acknowledge the contribution of the Sunshine Coast community to the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens. Stroll down the colonnade and take time to read the inspirational quotes on each of the pillars.

  
Rock Pool

Rock pool

The rock pool was constructed in a naturally low, wet area as a habitat for frogs and water birds. The reeds, water plants and the gentle sound of running water give it a special feeling of serenity.

  
Contemplation Garden

Contemplation garden

Close by the rock pool, the contemplation garden continues the theme of tranquillity, and is the ideal place for a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty and uniqueness of our native flora.

  
Rock sculpture

Sculpture

The monumental granite spiral sculpture created by sculptor Hew Chee Fong was a gift to the gardens from Ingrid and Gerhart Schnorbus of Switzerland. The sculpture symbolises the influence of the botanic gardens spiralling into the community, and the harmony between man and the living earth.

  
Ephemeral wetlandsEphemeral wetland and palm grove

This is a new area where planting and establishment will continue for some time. This is where you will see the beautiful Phaius tancavillea orchids that flower in September. Walk along the creek through the Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Picabeen Plams) and see the range of sedges planted in the wetland.

  
Open lawnsOpen lawns

The lawns are the “social” areas of the gardens — places to gather for family functions, picnics and celebrations. The lawns are also ideal for hosting small concerts and weddings. It is always possible to find a shady spot in summer and sunshine in winter.

  
Melaleuca Gardens

Melaleuca garden

Take a stroll through the melaleuca collection which varies from the tall melaleuca quinquinerva trees to the small Melaleuca thymifolia.

  

 Whipbird Gully

Whipbird Walk

Designed to entertain both the young and the young at heart, Whipbird Walk is a safe-haven where children can discover a wealth of hidden secrets. From giant spiders hiding in their webs in the trees, to exotic butterflies, Whipbird Walk is home to many fantasy creatures that will delight you as you uncover their hiding places.

  

Sculpture Garden

It took 20 tonnes of Queensland stone, 800 metres of wood edging, 2200 metres of turf, countless volunteer hours and several months of hard work, to create the Sculpture Garden, which was created to house the incredible pieces of art crafted by the eight sculptors who took part in the International Sculpture Symposium held at the gardens in 2005.

  
Rain Garden

Rain Garden

Rain gardens are specially constructed gardens that have two purposes:

  • to help keep water on site so that it is absorbed into the sub soil
  • to help slow down water flow and cleanse water before it reaches waterways.

Rain Garden

Rain gardens are specially constructed gardens. 

Free guided tours

Free guided tours are provided by the "Friends" volunteer guides.
The tours run every Friday at 10.00am, except for public holidays and they do not run in December and January.
These walks are an interesting way to learn about the plants and their stories, and the history of the gardens. Trained guides will conduct the walks, which are taken at a gentle pace for approximately one hour. Bookings are not required. Just meet the guides at the entrance to the gardens near the car park.
Group bookings can be arranged by phoning Margaret on 5445 3375.

Mossy log walk

Located close to the car park, it's just a gentle stroll down to the mossy log or "fallen giant" that now serves as a home for a variety of ferns, orchids and ephyphites. [Refer map]

Lagoon walk

A one-kilometre, natural terrain bush walk around the lagoon which meanders through palm groves, over rocky gullies and through tall forests. [Refer map]

Mountain Creek bush walk

This 1.6 kilometre bush walk is still under construction and will be open to the public in the near future. [Refer map]

Palm grove walk

Follow the path down to the ephemeral wetlands and stroll through the palm groves. [Refer map]


 




Last Updated 21-Aug-09