Maroochy Botanic Garden

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You've probably seen the sign as you head north on the Bruce Highway – a sign to a Botanical Gardens at Tanawah. Perhaps you've passed it many times and thought "We must go there one day." Eventually, I did.



It is well signposted from the highway, but a little adventure through wonderful bushland and rainforest to the Gardens but well worth a visit. It is a good spot for a picnic lunch, but there are no BBQ's, not rubbish bins. You need to take your rubbish home with you!

The 86 hectares of eucalyptus and riparian forest (According to Wikipedia "A riparian forest or riparian woodland is a forested or wooded area of land adjacent to a body of water such as a river, stream, pond, lake, etc.") Check it out here .) with creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, as well as native plants.

The Botanic Garden, which is a Sunshine Coast Council project, is open all year from 7 am, and from April to October closes at 5 pm, but from November to March closes at 6 pm, and is FREE to visit, however, they welcome donations and have a quirky donation "tin" at the entrance of the park.



There are plenty of facilities, including the Arts and Ecology Centre which is a venue for a range of activities including workshops, exhibitions, talks and research programs. There's also a multi-function room. Interestingly the Centre "is an example of sustainable design with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation."

There is so much to see – with some of the walking tracks suitable for disabled access.



It is also a great function venue – and weddings are held there frequently. If you wish to hold a private function you will need to make arrangements with the Sunshine Coast Council (07) 5475 7272.

There is a fascinating Sculpture Garden with 13 works which resulted from a Stone International Symposium in 2005, and plenty of opportunities for photographers.

Please don't take your furry friends, as domestic animals are not permitted in the Gardens.

For more information go to www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

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