Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World Review

Three macaws on a branch at Maleny Bird World.

On the outskirts of Maleny, a lush hinterland town known for its quaint cafes and scenic views, lies the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World. Surrounded by rainforest and views over the Glasshouse Mountains, the 18 acres of sculpted, layered gardens are full of treasures for families to explore.

Maleny Botanic Gardens Entry and Cafe

Before you’ve even paid the entry fee at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, you’ll probably have a bird land on your shoulder and whistle a tune in your ear. Seemingly eager to greet their guests, the birds – everything from cockatoos to cockatiels – jostle up and down on their perches, call out and sing to attract the attention of passersby.

After saying “hello” to the resident cockatoo and listening to the operatic strains of a colourful parrot at the Feathered Friends section, the next stop is the cafe, which serves devonshire teas daily under a shady gazebo overlooking the rolling hills and Glasshouse Mountains (you can even see Brisbane City).

The cafe is also where you can purchase tickets to enter the wider gardens, Farm Friends and the other main attraction: Bird World.

Bird World – Welcome to Parrot-dise

It is worth paying extra to visit the four large, interactive aviaries you can walk through. With more than 700 birds in four sections, the aviaries showcase a range of bird life including Australian parrots like king parrots, corellas, lorikeets and black cockatoos as well as more exotic varieties.

Entry is with a tour guide only, who explains in detail the diet, behaviour and antics of the vast variety of birds housed there. Most of the birds are rescue birds and birds from deceased estates.

Because many were hand raised, the birds willingly interact with humans, will land unexpectedly on your head or shoulder, and may even steal your hat or sunglasses! The large South American Macaws are particularly cheeky (one even stole the hair tie out of my hair!!)

Exploring the Maleny Botanic Gardens

The gardens can be explored by walking the six kilometres of paths which meander around beds of roses, azaleas, annuals and rare cycads. There’s also numerous lakes and waterfalls which make a pretty spot for a picnic or photos. There’s plenty of picnic tables spread throughout the gardens, but no BBQs.

The landscape of the garden includes a range of surfaces including grass, pebbles, crushed firm gravel and timber. Most of it can be navigated with a pram, and they also have a wheelchair which can be hired at no cost and a disabled toilet.

To walk around the gardens in their entirety can take up to three hours, but to see it a little faster, hire a buggy (they seat up to six people).

Some treasures to look out for in the garden include:

an impressive tree-house – parents will need to supervise their children carefully because the tree-house is very high!
a fairy garden – a whimsical little area that children will love.
a giant chair – this chair has great views and makes a fun photo prop.
secret gardens – follow the map and see if you can discover all of the themed gardens.

Dogs are permitted, but must be on leash at all times. Owners must pick up after them too. For the safety of the birds (and the dogs) visiting dogs are not permitted in the aviary or near the other birds and animals.

Farm Friends at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World

While no doubt you’ll be visiting for the magnificent floral displays, curious birds and breathtaking views, you’ll also get your cuteness quota met with the Maleny Botanic Gardens’ latest Farm Friends addition.

Located in the lower section of the gardens is the recently opened petting zoo which is home to an adorable variety of farm animals ranging from the sweet to the super naughty (we’re looking at you goats!).

The first animals you’ll encounter when entering the fully fenced enclosure are the rescue guinea pigs and rabbits which you can interact with during unscheduled times throughout the day.

Moving through the gates, you’ll be met by an eclectic group of miniature breeds including donkeys, pigs, goats, cows and the totally photogenic Babydoll sheep.

Most of these animals boast quite the appetite and will eagerly munch down on their specially made food which can be purchased at the gift shop upon entry to the gardens (remember to do this before trekking all the way down to the farm!).

Some of the less patient farm friends will jump up on you in the search for food so do prepare your littles for this.

Overall, it’s a great extension to what is already a must-see attraction while in Maleny and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It’s also a suitable activity for toddlers and young children who might find the noisiness and unpredictably of the birds in the aviary tour to be a bit overstimulating or scary.

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World Details

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is open seven days a week, 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day). Opening hours are 9am – 4.30pm.

Tickets are required to access all parts of the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World . There are a variety of options including family tickets, annual passes and concession tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online.

Children under the age of 3 are free of charge and do not require a ticket to enter.

For tickets and more information visit the Maleny Botanic Gardens website.