Discover stunning national parks and reserves, botanic gardens featuring exquisite exotic and native flora, and enjoy gardening festivals held across the Sunshine Coast each year. Let's have a 'stroll' through our guide!
Events
Queensland Garden Expo
The Sunshine Coast is abuzz with gardening events throughout the year. Not to be missed is the Queensland Garden Show held annually in July at the Nambour Showgrounds. The Expo is a multi-day celebration of gardening with a program including presentations, exhibitors, lectures, demonstrations, a cooking stage, and more.
The Ginger Flower Weekend is held at the Ginger Factory in Yandina each January. For three days, the park bursts alive with colour, showcasing the largest and most exquisite range of ornamental gingers and heliconias that thrive in the Sunshine Coast's sub-tropical climate.
National Parks, Forests and Reserves
Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains
The Sunshine Coast is a mecca for natural wonders, and the stunning national parks, forests and reserves across the coast are no exception.
The iconic Glass House Mountains are picturesque from every angle, and are home to more than 150 species of native plants: including scribbly gums, bottle brush, and stringybark. Appreciate the charms of this heritage-listed National Park on a gentle forest stroll, or on a more strenuous day hike... and be sure to keep an eye out for native wildlife including echidnas, kangaroos and wallabies.
There are several picnic areas and facilities throughout the park, so pack some sandwiches, find a scenic outlook, and be serenaded by the local birdlife as you relax al fresco. If you're short on time, head straight to the Glass House Mountains lookout on Woodford Road, to enjoy spectacular views of the mountain peaks and forested valley below.
Remember: always check the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing for conditions and alerts before you set off on a hike in the Glass House Mountains National Park.
Buderim Forest Waterfalls (Serenity Falls), Buderim
Buderim Forest Park is tucked away on the north side of Buderim, just 10 minutes from Mooloolaba Beach. This hidden gem is a 45-hectare wonderland of mature trees, an abundance of wildlife, and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy a peaceful bush walk and take in the fresh clean air and natural beauty of this breathtaking nature reserve.
Couple walking at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Maleny's Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a living museum of plant and animal life. This subtropical rainforest reserve also boasts a world-class Discovery Centre, where you'll gain a wealth of knowledge about our local plants and native animals. The walking tracks have also been upgraded, providing a choice of accessible trails through the majestic rainforest. Take in the view of the Glass House Mountains from the café, or enjoy a BBQ or picnic at the park grounds.
Botanical Gardens
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, located at Tanawah, showcases plants native to the Sunshine Coast. The 82 hectare garden includes forested areas featuring eucalypt and riparian open forests, and creek-side rainforest featuring lagoons, palm-filled gullies, and walking tracks. Home to many birds and animals, the garden has a wonderful range of plants in bushland and landscaped areas that play an important role in the conservation of native endangered species.
The Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is situated on 44 hectares, with the magnificent gardens covering an expansive 16 hectares! The gardens are surrounded by a pristine rainforest with spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. Here, you'll find over 6km of walking paths which will take you on an enchanting journey to discover stunning lookouts and lush subtropical rainforests.
The paths meander around thousands of different plants ranging from roses, azaleas, and annuals... to some of the rarest cycads in the world. The gardens are also complemented by numerous lakes and waterfalls, which provide fabulous photo opportunities for budding photographers. The bird aviary is a haven of colourful birds from around the world, with walk-through guided tours offered daily.
The picturesque Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Attractions
You may be surprised to discover many of our attractions also boast some fantastic gardens! Alongside the animals, Australia Zoo is home to a stunning array of native and exotic flora and landscaped gardens. Be sure to wander around the various animal exhibits and enclosures to see a range of Australian natives (as well as discover exquisite African, American and Asian plant species).
Amaze World, Tanawha
The Ginger Factory also has beautiful tropical gardens set over several acres. The gardens have a range of exotic plants, including numerous species of ginger, beautiful water features and tranquil places to sit and relax.
Alternatively, drop in for a coffee and wander through the living hedge maze at Amaze World, Tanawah. The maze hedge now has a 80 x 80m star-shaped lilly pilly hedge that took 20 months to grow, replacing the original cypress hedge maze.
Working farm gardens
Strawberry Picking at McMartin’s Farm
Perhaps you are more of a produce gardener and would like to try a local paddock to plate experience, or see a working farm and pick your own produce. Be sure to pay a visit to McMartin's Farm in Bli Bli during the strawberry season for a scoop of their award-winning ice-cream! Or, try Flame Hill Vineyard to enjoy a lovely stroll in the vineyard and taste delicious paddock-to-plate fare.
