Visitor Information
The Noosa Botanic Gardens are located on Lake Macdonald Drive, Lake Macdonald.
Opening hours
The Noosa Botanic Gardens are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and entry is free of charge.
Take a walk in the gardens
Noosa Botanic Gardens layout map shows the following sections:
- Section A: Walk Area. This has open lawns and a floral arbour. There is no seating in this section.
- Section B: Large Lawn Area. This has the largest lawn area, 2 picnic shelters with tables, plus 1 other table, 1 seat and drinking water.Used mainly for school activities and birthday parties. This is adjacent to the coposting and permaculture area.
- Section C: Lawn area enclosed with subtropical planting, 4 picnic tables and 2 seats.
- Section D: Bush chapel, surrounded by cottage flowers with 3 bench seats with a bridal photo area to the north. Red hippeastrum flowers bloom late September to October.
- Section E: Easter Lawn Area on water's edge, 1 picnic shelter and table.
- Section F: Souther Lawn Area on water's edge. This has white marble sculptures, 2 picnic tables, 1 shelter and 1 seat. Leads down paved steps to an area enclosed with lawns and gardens.
Events
The gardens are available for events, wedding or ceremonies. Any events should consider the amenity of nearby residents and other users. Read the following information for further details:
- apply to hold an event at one of the above garden areas
- apply to hold a wedding or ceremony at one of the above garden areas.
Facilities
With beautiful water views over Lake Macdonald, the gardens are a great location for a leisurely stroll or family picnic. There is a spectacular amphitheatre overlooking lake that is perfect for music and theatre. Drinking water, toilets, tables and shelters are available in the gardens and bench seats scattered throughout offer a place to enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Graded pathways make access a breeze and a disabled access toilet is available within the gardens.
There are no barbecue facilities in the gardens, however, there are two electric barbecues located in the adjoining foreshore park next to the boat ramp.
Children
Children are welcome at the gardens to explore natural play. There are natural elements throughout the garden that encourage children to touch and smell plants and flowers. Parents and guardians note however that children must be supervised and not damage any plants or facilities. There is a playground in the adjacent Lake McDonald Park as well as a dinosaur dig and permaculture area to learn and explore.
The fern house is currently closed for renovation.
Dogs
Dogs are most welcome as long as they are on a leash and do not disturb the enjoyment of others visiting the gardens. Dog litter bags are available so everyone can enjoy their visit.
Parking
Bus and car parks are available at the entry and exist of the gardens off Lake Macdonald Drive.
Vehicles are not permitted to drive into the gardens, however, you can make special arrangements for tour groups to set-down and pick-up disabled or elderly patrons during staff hours on Monday to Friday with 24 hours notice. Please give reasonable notice for these arrangements.
Tour groups, wedding parties and event personnel should make prior arrangements before visiting and should note that a 22 seater bus is the largest vehicle able to drive into the gardens.
Volunteering
The gardens are actively supported by a number of groups within the community, including council staff, volunteers, trainees, garden clubs, community organisations, community service workers, local businesses and residents. Donations of funding and time are key to the success of the Noosa Botanic Gardens. There is a range of volunteering opportunities at the gardens. Please see the volunteering page on Council's website to find out how you can volunteer. There is also an active Friends of the Noosa Botanic Gardens who support education, fundraising, tour guiding and garden maintenance activities.