The Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens are on Kabi Kabi Country. I acknowledge the Kabi Kabi as the Traditional Custodians of this area and their connection to land, sea and community. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are quite magnificent so my expectations of the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens were fairly low when we visited them. I was quite happy to check them out but just wasn’t expecting a lot.
I’m not sure how many Sunshine Coast residents have actually ever been to the Maroochy Botanic Gardens given how tucked away they are. In fact, you feel like you’re going in circles as you drive there but I was pleasantly surprised when we eventually got there.
They’re located in the tiny suburb of Tanawha on Palm Creek Road and are best reached by car (scroll to the bottom of this post for directions).
STROLLING THE MAROOCHY BUSHLAND BOTANIC GARDENS
What’s nice about these botanic gardens is that they feel much more like a park or bushland than a manicured garden. It’s not that it’s all wild and overgrown, it’s just that it spacious, full of trees and bushes, with plenty of bird life and other creatures.
There’s a pond, some wide open grassy spaces, a ‘fern walk’ and lots of Australian “bush”. It’s just not your typical botanical garden but nicely landscaped full of Australian and New Zealand flora.
The best part is really the kids’ walk, which has lots of metal animal sculptures to be spotted. It’s really quite fun, especially for the big kids. 🙂
Here are some photos from our meander around the Maroochy botanic gardens…
And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a goanna!
Since they’re Sunshine Coast council gardens, these botanic gardens are free, making them a great spot for spending some time away from the crowds on the beach. The kids will love the kids’ walk and spotting all the artsy creatures!
So, have a barbeque, kick the footy, and just enjoy some time away from the busy beaches!
MORE INFORMATION
The Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens are in Tanawha at the end of Palm Creek Road, and getting there by car will be your best option.
Take the Tanawha Tourist Drive (#25), turn off onto Main Creek Road, and then onto Palm Creek Road (basically follow the signs). Or simply ask Mr. Google how to get there.
The gardens are open all year round but check out the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden website for opening hours, a map and ideas for self-guided walks.
MORE POSTS ON THINGS TO DO ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Unfortunately, Tourist Drive #25 (Tanawah Tourist Drive) is nothing to shout about, I’m not even sure why it is a thing so don’t bother driving it unless you’re going that way anyway.
But… If you’re keen to go on a scenic drive, explore the Glass House Mountains along Tourist Drive #24. Another drive I really enjoy the Blackall Ranges Tourist Drive (#23) where you cruise into the hinterland and stop in some cute towns or do some bush walks. The Maleny Botanic Gardens are also along this route.
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