Sculpture at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden.

Step into a tranquil environment on the Sunshine Coast, where you are surrounded by trees, gardens and opportunities for engagement and enjoyment. Wander through the bushland, browse the sculpture garden or enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site cafe.

Nature awaits at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens.

History of the Gardens

In 1997 the Sunshine Coast Council had some great forethought, they purchased 112 hectares of rainforest in the Sunshine Coast hinterland to become an oasis and an escape in the form of a botanic garden for the public.

After a masterplan was drawn up, several years of construction and careful planning; the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens are now a haven for native flora, fauna, kids and adults.

Set on the side of a hill, the gardens comprise of a few separate gardens, connected by paths and separated by thick, lush rainforest. Enjoy the gardens, spot the wildlife, listen to the native birdsong, have a picnic or go for a walk. It is very easy to spend a few hours here.

The Sculpture Garden

“Can I touch it?” my youngest asks. “Absolutely!” I reply. That is one of the best things about the Sculpture Garden. Your children can wander freely to explore, touch, gaze, wonder, interpret and contemplate.

Each of the sculptures is at ground level so makes for a great tactile experience and each piece is unique with varying compositions. Feel the different materials; timber and metal, rough sandstone, smooth marble.

It’s a great opportunity to ask them about what they think each may be, it’s meaning, or simply whether they like it or not. Their responses may surprise you. While they run free, the garden gives a sense of peace, it’s a great place to unwind.

Whip Bird Walk

This is a great display of nature play at it’s finest.

Recently redeveloped as a children’s interactive play area, the aim is to encourage children to explore, discover and engage with nature. It’s an aim that is definitely achieved.

Although simple, children seem drawn to the different areas, it appeals to their intrinsic playful and exploratory nature. There are logs to climb on, a maze of tree stumps to jump between, a naughts and crosses table and large marble eggs to rest on. Probably the stand out is the cubby made from sticks and bark.

Bushwalking Opportunities

If you’re feeling active the gardens are also home to a few different walks, some of which are a great place to take smaller children for their first bushwalk. Most are fairly short, and not too challenging, although they can be slippery when wet.

Ephemeral Wetlands Walk: 400m

Whipbird Walk: 700m

Mossy Log Walk: 110m

Fern Glade Walk: 900m

Lagoon Walk: 900m

Creek Walk: 1300m

Upland Bushwalk: 2km (this track does have creek crossings and steep inclines)

There are guided walks run by volunteers from February to November at 9am on Tuesdays that run for approximately an hour.

Arts and Ecology Centre and Cafe

At the top of the hill sits the purpose-built centre. During school holidays they host a variety of children’s workshops and activities with either no or minimal cost.

Inside is a café and a wall of ecological treasures. You’ll find snake skins, birds nests, feathers and examples of artwork made by the children during the workshops.

The Garden Cafe is open from 9am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday and is run by the Compass Institute. Selling toasted sandwiches, coffee, tea, cake, milkshakes and ice-cream, it is the perfect place to rest, relax and grab a bite to eat or drink.

Accessibility at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens

It’s clear the differing levels of accessibility were considered when landscaping the site.

Concrete paths connect the bottom carpark to the top, with wheelchair parking at both sites, and some halfway up the hill. Keeping in mind the gardens are set on a rather steep hill, although not impossible it may be a bit of an effort to push a wheelchair or stroller from bottom to top. Once at each garden the terrain is flat.

The paths running through the Sculpture Garden are concrete, however, there are a few very small sections of compacted crusher dust which is fine on a sunny day. I suspect those patches might become a hazard for prams and wheelchairs in wet weather. Footwear could be very casual as the entire loop is roughly 900m and only a few very small inclines.

Whipbird Walk is not concreted, it is compacted crusher dust and gravel. A sturdy pram will be able to negotiate it in fine weather without a problem. In wet weather it may not be so easy. Proper footwear would be recommended as there is a considerable amount of leaf litter in the play spaces; and being the Australian bush there could be some creatures about. This is where making lots of noise would be encouraged and recommended!

There are numerous bathroom facilities dotted throughout the site, not just in the carpark! Each has a disability stall with baby change facilities. There is also an abundance of sheltered tables and chairs throughout the gardens.

To assist your visit, a ‘visual story’ is available to those who require it and can be accessed via the Sunshine Coast Council website.

NO domestic animals are permitted in the garden.

Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens features

Bushwalks
Sculpture garden
Arts and Ecology Centre
Accessible toilets
On-site cafe
Multiple picnic shelters and picnic tables
NO BBQ’s, rubbish bins or water taps
Off-street parking

While You Are In the Area

If you want to continue the bush theme, nearby are the Buderim Falls (also known as Serenity Falls) in Buderim Forest which is another beautiful piece of green space saved by the council. The entrances to the falls are located at Lindsay Road or Quorn Close in Buderim.

The truly amazing Amaze World is located a few minutes away back on Tanawha Tourist Drive (you may have even passed it on the way to the gardens). If you haven’t visited already, we encourage you to do so – mazes, puzzles, mini golf, playground and and cafe make for a wonderful family outing.