Every year the
Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival is held on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate the onset of spring and the spectacular display of wildflowers in the region.
Started in 1967 by
Kathleen McArthur, an artist, author and environmentalist, the yearly Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival has been growing in blossoms and blooms. The Wildflower Festival is a huge hit with walkers and nature lovers, and it's all thanks to the support and dedication of local community groups, who host the outdoor guided walks and activities, that this splendiferous Wildflower Festival has continued to grow.
From Noosa National Park to Bribie Island, keen nature lovers can marvel in Mother Nature's showy display of wildflowers on the FREE guided walks and activities, endorsed by the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival. Over the years these walks and activities have become extremely popular, which means that pre-booking is essential. Please see each individual listing for booking details, as these will also vary.
The Arts & Ecology Centre at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens is the venue for xpollinate - Image: Elaine de Wet, author
Throughout August
Meet at Arts & Ecology Centre, Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, 33 Palm Creek Road, Tanawha
Contemporary Brisbane-based photo media artists Mah&Wah will be in residence at the Arts & Ecology Centre, working in partnership with Sunshine Coast artists/facilitators, Dr Sue Davis and Chony Bowden as well as other artists and people with disabilities. The work will have a particular focus on native wildflowers, coinciding with the best flowering times for many of the Sunshine Coast's local species.
Beautiful banksias at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens - Image: Elaine de Wet, author
Saturday 20 August, 9am to 11am
Meet at: Ben Bennett Bushland Park, Queen Street, Caloundra (UBD Map 100/E12)
Bookings: sunshine@wildlife.org.au
Maximum 30 participants
An ideal short walk to introduce nature lovers to wildflowers. Come along to discover a diverse patch of bushland in the heart of Caloundra, with the Friends of
Ben Bennett Bushland Park and the Wildlife Preservation Society. Please BYO water, insect repellent and binoculars for the birds. There are picnic tables and toilets onsite.
🌻 BUSHWALK WITH GLENN LEIPER AND MOOLOOLAH RIVER LANDCARE
Saturday 20 August, 10am
(SOLD OUT)
🌼 WILDFLOWER DRAWING
Saturday 20 August, 10am to 12pm
Meet at: Kawana Library, 30 Nanyima Street, Buddina
Bookings: https://sunshinecoast.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=5328106
Maximum 15 participants
🌸 WILDFLOWER DRAWING
Tuesday 23 August, 2pm to 4pm
Meet at: Beerwah Library, 25 Peachester Road, Beerwah
Bookings: https://sunshinecoast.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=5328111
Maximum 15 participants
🌺 WILDFLOWER DRAWING
Friday 26 August, 10am to 12pm
Meet at: Maroochydore Library, 44 Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore
Bookings: https://sunshinecoast.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=5328117
Maximum 15 participants
🌻 WILDFLOWER DRAWING
Saturday 27 August, 10am to 12pm
Meet at: Coolum Library, 6 Park Street, Coolum Beach
Bookings: https://sunshinecoast.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=5328127
Maximum 15 participants
Join artist Petra Meer for an immersive experience, discovering the captivating practice of nature journaling in celebration of the stunning display of wildflowers on the Sunshine Coast. Create a fold book and start your nature journal journey by drawing local wildflowers and plants. No experience in drawing is necessary, all materials will be provided. Please note that there are different locations for each workshop.
Meet at Monash Park in Golden Beach for the Mangrove ID Walk - Image: Elaine de Wet, author
Tuesday 23 August, 9am to 11am
Meet at: Monash Park, The Esplanade, opposite Monash Street, Golden Beach
Bookings: sunshine@wildlife.org.au
Maximum 20 participants
Learn to identify the different species in the mangrove community that protects this strip of foreshore along the Pumicestone Passage, with guides from the Wildlife Preservation Society. Please BYO water, hats, sunscreen and insect repellant.
Take a journey through the wildflowers of the Mooloolah River National Park - Image: www.eventbrite.com.au
Tuesday 23 August, 9am to 11am
Meet at: Mooloolah River National Park, Claymore Road carpark, Sippy Downs (UBD Map 89/G4)
Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wildflower-festival-2022-mooloolah-river-national-park-tickets-360263787687
Maximum 15 participants
Take a journey through the wildflowers of the
Mooloolah River National Park, with Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service & Partnerships Rangers and learn more about this hidden wonderland and all it has to offer. The colour, the close-ups - walkers will be amazed at the stunning explosion of nature at its best. Bring your own camera and take some great images or just enjoy the scenic walk. Bookings absolutely essential. Please BYO hat, drinking water, enclosed shoes and your camera.
🌺 MANGROVE BOARDWALK AT WEYBA CREEK
Tuesday 23 August, 2pm to 4pm
Meet at: Weyba Creek Conservation Park; carpark east of the Noosa AFL Club grounds on Weyba Rd, Noosaville
Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mangrove-boardwalk-at-weyba-creek-2022-tickets-349248701267
Maximum 25 participants
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association guides will take you on a short 1.5km return journey to discover the mysteries of mangroves. Please BYO hat, water, sunscreen, insect repellant and comfy walking shoes. A species list will be provided.
Image: B.I.E.P.A. - Bribie Island Environmental Protection Assoc Inc FB
Wednesday 24 August, Walk 1 at 8.30am or Walk 2 at 9.30am
Meet at: The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach
Bookings: biepa.mail@gmail.com or 0447 350 702
Maximum 20 participants
Image: Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival FB
Saturday 27 August, Walk 1 at 8.30am or Walk 2 at 9.30am
Meet at: The Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach
Bookings: biepa.mail@gmail.com or 0447 350 702
Maximum 20 participants
The Bribie Island Environmental Association welcomes visitors to join in on their annual self-guided "Wonders of the Wallum" spring wildflower walk. The two walks through the wallum heathland of Bribie Island National Park have plaques identifying wildflowers along the route.
Please ensure attire is appropriate i.e. BYO hat, sunscreen, long sleeves, walking shoes, refreshments, cameras and binoculars for birding.
🌸 GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (BEERBURRUM SECTION) GUIDED WALK
Thursday 25 August, 9am to 11am
Meet at: Beerburrum trailhead, Beerburrum Road, Beerburrum
Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wildflower-festival-2022-glass-house-mountains-np-beerburrum-section-tickets-361533194517
Maximum 15 participants
Take an exciting walk through the wildflowers with QPWS Rangers to learn more about this hidden wonderland and all it has to offer. Be enthralled by the colours, the close-ups and the spectacular explosion of nature at its best. Don't forget your camera for some great photo opportunities or just delight in a wondrously scenic walk.
Meet up at Keith Royal Park carpark in Marcoola - Image: Elaine de Wet, author
Friday 26 August, 10am to 11am
Meet at: Keith Royal Park carpark, Marcoola (UBD Map 59/K9)
Bookings: rosamund401@gmail.com
Maximum 20 participants
Learn to appreciate and enjoy our local wallum in a small patch at the southern end of Keith Royal Park, with
Keith Royal Park volunteers. An easy short flat walk from the carpark.
🌼 GIRRAWEEN NATURE REFUGE GUIDED WALK
Saturday 27 August, 2pm to 4pm
Meet at: Girraween Nature Refuge at the end of Dame Patti Drive, near the corner of Columbia Drive, Sunrise Beach
Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/girraween-nature-refuge-guided-walk-tickets-374091205867
Maximum 25 participants
Discover and explore a diverse variety of vegetation in dry and wet heathland with Noosa Integrated Catchment Association guides on this short 1.5km return walk. Please BYO hat, water, sunscreen, insect repellant and comfy walking shoes. A species list will be provided.
Hidden Wallum gems at Keith Royal Park - Image: Elaine de Wet, author
Explore the rich biodiversity of Sunshine Coast native wildflowers with guides, during the month of August on these
FREE 'must-register' walks. Alternatively, venture out on your own to enjoy any of these
ten self-guided Sunshine Coast Wildlflower Walks with maps included.
Whatever your choice, be prepared to have a blooming good time.
Images as indicated
