Image credit Greg Miller
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City Botanic Gardens Brisbane
Image credit Stefan Jürgensen, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, https://www.flickr.com/photos/94039982@N00/
Visit https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/parks-and-recreation/botanic-gardens/city-botanic-gardens
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Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, located on the southern edge of Rockhampton City, spans approximately 51 hectares and is bordered by the Murray and Yeppen-Yeppen Lagoons. Gazetted in 1869 and officially established between 1869 and 1872, the gardens hold significant heritage, scientific, and cultural value. Managed by the Rockhampton Regional Council, they were entered into the Queensland Heritage Register in 1999 as one of only five heritage-listed botanic gardens in the state.
The gardens feature a diverse collection of plant species, reflecting the vision and contributions of nine curators over its rich 156-year history.
Beyond its role as a public green space, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens is committed to conservation, research and education. Efforts include seed collection and propagation programs conducted through the Rockhampton Regional Council nursery, which functions as the primary support hub for the botanic gardens. The gardens play an active role in supporting local researchers and educational institutions with plant biodiversity studies while also facilitating outreach programs such as guided tours and volunteer opportunities to engage the public in botanical education and sustainability initiatives.
Key highlights include the Bunya Pine and Indian Mahogany Avenue along the main entrance, the Japanese Garden, Rainforest displays and Tamarind Tree line. The Banyan Fig collection creates a striking network of interwoven natural structures around the Garden Tearooms, making it a popular setting for events and high teas. The site also features the Cenotaph, a distinguished memorial marked by its obelisk and surrounding plantings, honouring those who served their country.
Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, an expansive playground and shaded picnic areas while enjoying a variety of recreational activities, including the popular zoo. The gardens also play host to a range of community events, making them one of Rockhampton’s most popular destinations.
For further information, please visit https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/FacilitiesRecreation/Parks-Open-Spaces/Parks-Playground-Finder/Botanic-Gardens.
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Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens – welcoming visitors since May 2003!
Discover themed collections, wildlife-filled lagoons and links to Mackay’s past across the 51-hectare site. With over 6 km of formal pathways, everyone can explore and enjoy!
Showcasing the diverse plant life of the Central Queensland Coast bioregion, the Botanic Gardens also feature a selection of stunning Australian natives and exotic species from comparable climates worldwide. Our Living Collection is made up of 88% native plants, including many locally occurring species.
Among the collections are a number of plants at risk in the wild, including some plants people may never have the opportunity to see in their natural habitats.
The botanic gardens also recognise and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage and history of the Mackay region, with several themed gardens creating connections with different sectors of the community. Explore the collections and see what you might discover.
Visitor Experiences
Visitor Centre – Head to the Visitor Centre where you will find our Visitor Experience Team to help you plan your visit, access information, self-guided trail brochures, buy native plants, or browse unique gifts and souvenirs.
Café and Gallery – relax and enjoy the tropical surrounds and local wildlife from the shady alfresco deck. Monthly exhibitions are displayed in the Lagoons Gallery.
Native plant sales, community events and workshops, school holiday programs, regular free community exercise activities, self-guided trails and guided walks are offered throughout the year. Visitors to the Botanic Gardens are also welcome to bring their own picnic lunches and snacks and enjoy a picnic out in the Botanic Gardens anytime.
Botanic Gardens: daily 6:30 am – 7:30 pm Visitor Centre: weekdays 9 am – 4:30 pm. Sundays 9 am – 12 pm (closed public holidays).
Café + Gallery: Wednesday to Friday, 9 am – 2 pm and weekends, 8 am – 3 pm (closed public holidays).
For more information:
W: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
P: (07) 4952 7300 or E: botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au
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Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens
The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens was established in 1974. These beautiful gardens are situated on 6,000-year-old foreshore dunes spanning 26 hectares.
The gardens boast established plants of the Wide Bay and Great Sandy regions in a mixture of natural bushland, formal gardens, rain forest and wetlands.
Walking tracks meander through the gardens, which is an attractive and educational environment – one in which the science of botany can be interpreted for the benefit and enjoyment of the community.Visitors can enjoy the rich, natural ecology of the Botanic Gardens, which reflects our close proximity to World Heritage listed K’gari.
Enjoy The Valley with its expansive lush lawns and large shady trees, a lagoon including fountain in the background, viewing platforms and the overwater bridge, allowing visitors a close-up look at the vast lagoon wildlife.
The Bush Chapel is a rustic rainforest site with an adjoining arbour walk that connects to the ceremony set-down area for ease of access.The Orchid House is a stunning federation-style atrium filled with beautiful flowering orchids and foliage plants all year round – relax on the deck overlooking the lagoon.
A Chinese inspired formal garden with its tranquil reflective water features and moon gate leading to the secret Zen Garden is a must-see, and kids can explore the nature play garden.Visit https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/botanic-gardens-orchid-house for more details.
