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Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens

Home > Brisbane > Escape the City | Free | Gardens | Picnic Spots | Wedding Venues
by Elaine (subscribe)
Impromptu adventuring, exploring our backyard and then putting pen to paper, hoping to entice you to try one, if not all, of our escapades, is my true reward!
Published January 9th 2018
Contemplate The Mysteries Of Creation
Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
'Gardens offer us something beyond the material world'


...gardens offer us
something beyond the
material world…they provide
a spiritual component
allowing us to
participate
in the wonder and
mystery of creation


Gordon Ford, landscape architect 1918 -1999


Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Reconnect with nature in the spectacular Sculpture Gardens


This is definitely one of my 'happy' places - the eighty-two hectare gardens of the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens have a magic and spirituality that seem to touch all who visit, a place where one can feel connected to nature and to one another.

Having lived on the Sunshine Coast for close on three years now, every visit to the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, leaves me in total awe of the vastness of these gardens, showcasing a diversity of natural and creative wonders, encouraging visitors to explore and become as one with nature.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Reflections


The stunning Maroochy Botanic Gardens is set amongst eucalypt and riparian forests with creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables and a myriad of native plants.

With eight different exciting and innovative walks available at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, visitors can either opt for a walk on the wild side or perhaps sit back and contemplate the mysteries of creation.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Self-guided walks map - Image: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au


Lagoon Walk
Distance 900 metres, approximately 25 - 35 minutes
Natural rough track; slippery when wet; some steps


This is a popular natural terrain bush track that follows around the banks of the lagoon. The open forest ecosystem on this walk has remnant Bloodwood, Blue Gum and Tallowwood in the canopy while Piccabeen Palms and Tree Ferns fringe the rocky gullies and bridges along the track.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
A friendship arbour celebrating the spirit of generosity and dedication of all those who have contributed to creating the beautiful gardens at the Maroochy Regional Botanic Gardens


Fern Glade Walk
Distance 900 metres, approximately 25 - 35 minutes
Concrete track subject to flash flooding; slippery when wet; some steep inclines


With the heat of summer upon us, the Fern Glade Walk is perfect, providing a cool, shaded walk through a palm and fern gully. A serene spot to sit and enjoy the waterfall and creek cascades in the wet season.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Mossy Log Garden


Mossy Log Walk
Distance 110 metres, approximately ten minutes
Soft-fall surface track; flat easy walk

The Mossy Log Walk is accessible from the Fern Glade walk and the pathway guides visitors past a mossy fallen forest giant. This very big tree is slowly decomposing and provides essential nutrients and shelter for ferns, fungi and epiphytes.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Entrance to the Whipbird Walk, a safe haven where children can discover a wealth of hidden secrets


Whipbird Walk
Distance 700 metres, approximately 25 - 35 minutes
Natural rough track; flat to moderate incline walk

The Whipbird Walk is a relatively new addition to the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens and takes families on a journey of discovery.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Whipbird metal artwork


Explore nature and look for the hidden wildlife - or let them scare you half to death when they jump out of the bushes in front of you - and artworks in the Whipbird Village located across from the Lagoon Walk.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Watch your feet!


A safe haven where children can discover a wealth of hidden secrets - from giant spiders to exotic butterflies - this childrens' adventure walk is home to many fantasy creatures.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Test your balancing skills at Whipbird Village


The children will love testing their balancing skills on the carved tree trunks while you can sit back on the timber platforms to enjoy a peaceful morning tea or lunch in the forest.

Sculpture Garden Walk
Distance 900 metres, approximately 35 - 50 minutes
Concrete track in parts; gentle almost flat walk; wheelchair accessible in parts


Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Enjoying the sculptures at one of my all-time favourite walks


The Sculpture Garden Walk is one of my all-time favourite walks. In 2005 eight artists utilised twenty tonnes of stone to produce stunning sculptures, which were then placed throughout the Sculpture Garden Walk's landscaped gardens. Visitors will find plenty of lawned areas for picnicking; undercover picnic tables and seating strategically placed in secluded locations to enjoy quiet contemplation of the natural beauty of these gardens.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Sit and 'Listen' to the land


Ephemeral Wetland Walk
Return loop distance 400 metres, approximately 10 - 20 minutes
Natural or formed track; subject to flash flooding; slippery when wet
No bushwalking experience required


If you're looking for a short, tranquil walk then the Ephemeral Wetland Walk is the walk to do. This walk goes along the creek bank and provides an opportunity to see some of the remnant riparian (creek) rainforest vegetation in the reserve. A canopy of Piccabeen Palms and Flooded Gums provide the shade required for the endangered Swamp Orchid (Phaius tancarvilleae).

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Creek Walk or Upland Bushwalk? Excellent signage so you don't get lost!


Creek Walk
Distance 1.4km via Ephemeral Wetlands
Distance 1.3km to main car park - approximately 30 - 40 minutes
Natural rough track and creek crossings subject to flash flooding; slippery when wet; some steps and short steep sections.
Some bushwalking experience recommended


Visitors looking for a more energetic bushwalk can do the creek walk, which continues along the creek-line through groves of palms, remnant rainforest trees, vines and shrubs. A word of warning here, if you're walking early morning or early evening, please remember to slip, slap, slop with insect repellant as we discovered we had quite a 'following'.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Don't forget to look up...there may be a koala or two!


Once walkers leave the creek area, the ridge track continues through eucalypt open forest. Don't forget to look up as koalas may be seen resting or feeding in the tall eucalypt trees along this section of track.
An important note here - it is probably a good idea to ensure you have two walkers, so whilst one is looking up into the trees the co-walker can keep checking the ground... for any other unexpected visitors.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Keep checking the ground for unexpected visitors!


Upland Bushwalk
Distance to main car park 2km via Lagoon Walk; 2.1km via Creek Walk - approximately 45 - 60 minutes
Natural rough track and creek crossings; subject to flash flooding; slippery when wet; some very steep sections.
Some bushwalking experience recommended


If you're looking for a dinkum bushwalking experience, then the Upland Bushwalk is the way to go. This walk starts from the Creek Walk and takes walkers through a variety of ecosystems, which include open forest and riparian rainforest.

Ferns, bracken and cycads fringe the three creek crossings of the Upland Bushwalking. Take a rest at the rock pool creek crossing, which after some rain has a small waterfall.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Cycle of Life


A few housekeeping rules to adhere to when out and about enjoying the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens

Please ensure you stay on the tracks in order to minimise the disturbance to plants and animals;
Some of the tracks/trails have overhanging branches and vines, so covered footwear (and I would suggest hats too) is recommended for visitors - we want to avoid doing our 'ninja dance impersonation' every time a web is encountered;
A hat and water should be carried for the longer bush walks

Free guided walks are available between February to November on Tuesday mornings at 9.00am (excluding Public Holidays), commencing at the Arts and Ecology Centre.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Meet at the Arts and Ecology Centre for free guided walks


In addition to the spectacular gardens, which are open every day throughout the year, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens also have their very own Arts and Ecology Centre, a specialised arts and ecology interpretative centre. A variety of programmes, which include a diverse array of activities to keep adults and children entertained and informed, are held over holiday periods. These activities include art exhibitions, educational workshops and events which are held throughout the year.

The Arts and Ecology Centre is available for hire and is suitable for all types of events, conferences and workshops of a community and commercial nature. Individuals and groups can also hire the venue. Please click here for rooms available; fees, charges and enquiry forms.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
Magical locations just waiting to be discovered!


Are you getting married? The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens have so many magical locations for you to celebrate your very special day. The Bushland Sculpture Gardens; the Contemplation Gardens; the Friendship Colonnade and the open lawns are all very popular for weddings and events. To hold a wedding, ceremony or any other event at any of these locations, an application form has to be lodged to the Sunshine Coast Council. Please click here for an on-line enquiry form.

Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha, Sunshine Coast, eucalypt and riparian forests, creeks, lagoons, walking tracks, glades, artworks, picnic tables, native plants, eight walks, Lagoon Walk, Fern Glade Walk, Mossy Log Walk, Whipbird Walk, Sculpture Garden Walk, Ephemeral Wetland Walk, Creek Walk, Upland Bushwalk, free guided walks, Arts and Ecology Centre, activities for adults and children, educational workshops, Contemplation Gardens, Friendship Colonnade, open lawns, weddings, events, Sunshine Coast Council, reconnect with nature, a little magic, a little spirituality, natural and created wonders
A little magic...a little spirituality


As mentioned before, the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens definitely qualify as being one of my 'happy' places, a spectacular green space where one can re-connect with nature. Allow yourself to be touched with a little magic….a little spirituality….and enjoy the contentment derived from a showcase of natural and created wonders.

The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden is one of the Sunshine Coast Council's ongoing community projects. Council staff work closely with Friends of the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens to achieve the many objectives outlined in the gardens master plan.

All photos courtesy of the author, unless otherwise indicated
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