Escape the city and immerse yourself in tranquil rainforests, vibrant flower beds and peaceful ponds.
Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or seeking a moment of tranquility, these Botanic Gardens will reconnect you with the natural world.
In this blog post, South East Discovery Tours lists 10 Botanic Gardens near Brisbane that will leave you feeling relaxed and inspired.
This article is not sponsored.
Jump to Botanic Gardens near Brisbane
#1 Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
One of South East Discovery Tours' favourites, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha showcases every kind of plant you can imagine for a subtropical garden.
Attractions include: a Bonsai House, Fern House, Japanese Garden, Lagoon, Bamboo Grove, Rainforests, Tropical Display Dome, Sculpture Trail and Planetarium.
The Gardens also have plenty to offer for the family such as workshops on how to grow your own veggie patch at home, a sensory garden, guided tours, a hide and seek trail and a great cafe to enjoy some lunch.
If you fancy yourself a novice botanist be sure to visit the Queensland Herbarium. The centre for science, research and information on Queensland's ecosystem, expert staff can identify your plant specimens and advise on weed management.
Where
Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane
More things to do
Just a short drive further up the road from the Botanic Gardens is Mount Coot-tha Lookout. The highest point in Brisbane, you are always guarantee a spectacular panoramic view of Brisbane... with clear skies you can even see Moreton Bay!
#2 Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
With one of the best vantage points to see the Sunshine Coast's famous Glass House Mountains, Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is well worth the admission.
A unique feature to Maleny Botanic Gardens is its formal terraced design situated high on an escarpment, offering a spectacular backdrop of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. With 8km of walking tracks, and waterfalls and lakes throughout, there are plenty of opportunities to take Instagram-worthy photos. You can even hire a golf buggy to make your day a little easier on your legs!
An optional extra to admission is Bird World - an interactive guided tour of five walk-through aviaries with over 600 native and exotic birds to discover.
For more animal encounters, check out the farm shed where you can feed rescue guinea pigs and rabbits; and groom miniature goats, donkeys and sheep.
Where
Maleny, Sunshine Coast
More things to do
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is renowned for its paddock-to-plate produce. For a premium dining experience book a table at Spicers Tamarind Retreat's award-winning restaurant, The Tamarind, for delicious, modern Asian cuisine. Additionally, you may wish to opt for a cooking class for take home recipes!
#3 Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Centrally located, the City Botanic Gardens is Brisbane's original botanic gardens. The serene pathways boast ornamental ponds, a weeping fig avenue (illuminated with fairy lights at night), bamboo groves, fountains and sculptures.
In May each year, the Botanic Gardens host 'Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside' - a free botanic-themed art festival with unexpected installations and interactive artworks.
Where
Brisbane CBD
More things to do
To take in more of the city views, hire a bike or scooter and take a leisurely cruise on Brisbane's Riverwalk down to New Farm Park - the perfect spot to stop and have a picnic or grab a coffee by the river.
#4 Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden
Located in Kabi Kabi Country (Tanawha, Sunshine Coast), Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden is an 82 hectare home to local fauna and flora.
There are a variety of walks and circuits to suit every ability: Whipbird walk, Lagoon walk, Creek walk, Western Tall Gums bushwalk, Upland bushwalk and Ephemeral Wetland walk - with plenty of public sculptures along the way.
During your visit, don't forget to stop by the Arts and Ecology Centre to enjoy an exhibition, creative or environmental workshop, or a satisfying rest at the Compass Cafe.
Where
Tanawha, Sunshine Coast
More things to do
Looking for some family-friendly fun? Amaze World is the place to visit. Voted #1 best things to do in the Sunshine Coast, Amaze World's attractions include: hedge mazes, augmented reality trails, mini golf, a nature playground and giant floor puzzles.
#5 Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Close to Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is a local favourite amongst Goldie residents.
Features include: a butterfly garden, dry rainforest, endangered plant trail, freshwater wetlands, sensory garden, kids playground and even a huge off-leash area for your pooch pals.
The Friends of the Gardens host regular events that include guided walks and a monthly nursery sale.
Where
Benowa, Gold Coast
More things to do
In close proximity to the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is HOTA, Home of the Arts. The Gold Coast's entertainment hub, the venue comprises of art exhibitions, cinema, theatre, dance, comedy, music gigs and much more.
#6 Roma Street Parkland
Another great addition to Brisbane is Roma Street Parkland. Grab a map from The Hub and take a self-guided walk to discover Weeping Fig Avenue, Fern Gully Bridge, The Lookout and Celebration Lawn.
A showstopper of the Roma Street Parkland is the Spectacle Garden with blankets of specially planted flowers that can be enjoyed year-round.
If you are keen to learn more, book a free 1-hour guided tour with themes including Bush Tucker and the Rainforest, Bush Tucker Experience, 20 Years of Roma Street Parkland, Spectacle Garden and Art in the Park.
Children of all ages can be entertained in the Parkland's two nature-themed playgrounds - which even includes a vegetable garden and worm farm! And if you are visiting on a weekend, hop on the Xpress Fun Train. The miniature, trackless train travels around the parklands and is a great way to cruise the gardens.
Where
Brisbane CBD
More things to do
Just a short walk down the hill is Roma Street Train Station. Here, you can hop on a train and ride a few minutes to South Bank. A popular tourist destination, there are countless restaurants, scenic walks by the river and a Cultural Precinct.
#7 Tamborine Mountain Regional Botanic Gardens
Set in the beautiful warm temperate climate of Tamborine Mountain is Tamborine Mountain Regional Botanic Gardens. With a mixture of tropical and temperate plants, the gardens offer easy walking tracks in an intimate setting.
Highlights of the gardens include: a white flower walk, rainforest walk, Japanese garden, maple garden, orchid house, rose garden and camellia garden. A must-do during your visit is to stop and take in the picturesque lake view of tree ferns and Japanese windflowers when you cross the old stone bridge.
If you don't want to leave empty handed, volunteers of the gardens hold plant sales every Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Where
Tamborine Mountain, Scenic Rim
More things to do
Tamborine Mountain is celebrated for its boutique wineries and artisanal produce. Book a Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour and sample exceptional wines from 3 wineries, a gourmet 2-course lunch and a visit to a gin distillery!
#8 Queens Park Botanic Gardens
Set in the heart of Toowoomba is Queens Park Botanic Gardens - a heritage-listed park, planted with attractive seasonal flowers in a formal setting.
If you visit Queens Park in September, don't miss one of Queensland's major events, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - a must see for flower enthusiasts. Taking over the city of Toowoomba, the festival includes beautiful floral displays, a food and wine festival, a floral parade, twilight tours, music concerts and competitions.
Where
Toowoomba
More things to do
Ever treated yourself to a high tea? Conveniently located opposite Queens Park is Cafe Valetta - a local favourite for its delicate and delicious lunches.
A trip to Toowoomba isn't complete without soaking in the grand views of the Great Dividing Range. Before your descent, take a 10-minute cruise to Picnic Point Lookout and see panoramic views of Main Range and the Lockyer Valley.
#9 Noosa Botanic Gardens
Quaintly set next to Lake MacDonald, Noosa Botanic Gardens has over 8 hectares of native and exotic plant species that supports an abundance of local fauna.
The gardens include an open-air bush chapel, fern house, lily pond, zen garden, picnic areas and walking trails with glimpses of local wildlife throughout. The stand-out to the gardens is a Greek-style amphitheatre that overlooks the serene Lake MacDonald.
Where
Noosa, Sunshine Coast
More things to do
If visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, head 15-minutes South to the town of Eumundi and explore Australia's largest artisan market, Eumundi Markets.
#10 Redlands IndigiScapes Centre
Redlands IndigiScapes' Centre is dedicated to celebrating everything native. The cafe even specialises in local cuisine with a bush tucker twist!
Be inspired to plant local flora in your own garden by visiting the botanic gardens with themes such as: coastal, wildlife, rainforest, wetland, wildflower, bush tucker and formal.
For information on the native environment, visit the Discovery Centre with interactive displays, microscopes and education areas. The Centre hosts regular events such as animal encounters, an Eco Market, outdoor children's activities and tree planting days.
Where
Capalaba, Redland
More things to do
Being in close proximity to Moreton Bay, why not experience the pristine waters aboard a luxury yacht? Departing from Cleveland, Brisbane Yacht Charters gives you the opportunity to explore the best of Moreton Bay, experiencing sandy beaches, national parks and marine life.
Want to discover more?
Check out South East Discovery Tours' private group day trips. Our thoughtfully designed tours take you to the best places in South East Queensland including the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane - giving you unique experiences at unforgettable destinations.
About the Author
South East Discovery Tours is a family-run tour company, based in Brisbane, Australia, specialising in private group day trips to destinations in South East Queensland.
Our blog, The Scoop, is your go-to guide to exploring the best of South East Queensland. We post articles, lists, insider travel tips and suggestions on great things to do.