
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
A serene, free-to-enter green oasis on the Gold Coast, perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, and spotting local wildlife.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, abundant wildlife

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, abundant wildlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, free-to-enter green oasis on the Gold Coast, perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, and spotting local wildlife.
"It's a really lovely place for a walk, with birds, ducks, lizards, and turtles to see and hear."

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Bring your leashed dogs along for a walk! It's a great spot for them to explore too.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a lunch and make a day of it! Plenty of space for picnics and enjoying nature.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lakeside Boardwalk
Around the central lake
Stroll along the boardwalk, spotting turtles, eels, and beautiful reflections. A truly serene experience.

Sensory Garden
Designated area
Engage your senses with a unique garden designed to stimulate sight, smell, touch, and sound.

Children's Playground
Near the entrance
A fun and safe space for kids to play and burn energy while parents relax.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Free Fun for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Bring your leashed dogs along for a walk! It's a great spot for them to explore too.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a lunch and make a day of it! Plenty of space for picnics and enjoying nature.
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Paths
Stick to the lake path and boardwalk for a beautiful, accessible stroll.
☕ Coffee Break Nearby
A small cafe next door offers coffee and cake for a pre or post-walk treat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Bring your leashed dogs along for a walk! It's a great spot for them to explore too.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a lunch and make a day of it! Plenty of space for picnics and enjoying nature.
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Paths
Stick to the lake path and boardwalk for a beautiful, accessible stroll.
☕ Coffee Break Nearby
A small cafe next door offers coffee and cake for a pre or post-walk treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens as a tranquil, free escape offering a peaceful natural environment with abundant wildlife. It's praised as a perfect spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and family outings, though some note its distance from the main tourist hubs.
"It’s quite far from the main town, so you can really feel surrounded by nature. This botanical garden is a bit different from others - it’s more open land rather than being filled with dense trees and flowers. But it’s very peaceful, with birds, ducks, lizards, and turtles to see and hear along the way. A really lovely place for a walk."
Kira
"It’s wonderful. From place for your dogs to kids and nice walk around. Can be a full day experience if you do a picnic. And all for free! Public toilets are around. Plenty of free parking."
Bisham Lama
"It's a great place for walking, running, meeting friends and enjoying the beautiful nature just in the middle of the city. Lakes and trees are amazing in all seasons. It's one of my favourite places on the Gold Coast"
Anna Fleisher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are located on Ashmore Road in Benowa. There is plenty of free parking available on-site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Public transport options may also be available; check local Gold Coast transit schedules for routes and times.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, which is a significant plus for visitors.
The gardens feature easy walking paths, including a lake path and boardwalk, making them generally accessible for most visitors.
Many visitors enjoy a leisurely walk, sticking to the lake path and boardwalk. You can also explore the various themed gardens and enjoy the open spaces.
It's noted as being a bit far from the main town, which contributes to its tranquil, nature-surrounded feel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are completely free to enter, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity.
While specific hours can vary, botanical gardens are typically open during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to check the official website or local listings for the most current opening times.
Information on guided tours may be available through the 'Friends of the Gardens' group, who often have a shop with information.
Keep an eye on local event listings or the gardens' official channels for any upcoming events, workshops, or seasonal displays.
No, the playground is part of the free public access to the gardens, so no tickets are required.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakeside boardwalk offers beautiful reflections and opportunities to photograph birds and turtles. The diverse gardens themselves provide a variety of scenic backdrops.
Yes, the gardens are a popular spot for photoshoots, offering a lovely garden vibe. Early September is mentioned as a good time for potential blooms.
Visitors often spot birds, ducks, lizards, turtles, and eels, providing great subjects for nature photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with the garden management for any specific guidelines or permits.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for photography, and also coincide with lower crowd numbers.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, explore diverse gardens, spot wildlife like turtles and birds, have a picnic, and visit the children's playground.
Yes, dogs are welcome in the gardens as long as they are kept on a leash.
The gardens feature diverse sections, including a sensory garden, and offer open land rather than just dense trees.
With various bird species, ducks, and other wildlife, it's a pleasant spot for casual birdwatching.
Public toilets are available, and there's plenty of free parking. A small cafe and a shop run by 'Friends of the Gardens' are also on-site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe located next to the gardens where you can grab a coffee and cake.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for a picnic, with plenty of open space and a relaxed atmosphere.
While there's a cafe, dedicated restaurants are not typically found within the gardens themselves. However, the cafe offers refreshments.
Besides the on-site cafe, you'll find various dining options in the surrounding Benowa area and nearby suburbs of the Gold Coast.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially if you plan on having a picnic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is highly recommended, turning a visit into a full-day adventure. The easy walking paths, including the boardwalk, are manageable for little legs, and the overall peaceful environment allows parents to relax while the children explore. It’s a great alternative to the beach for a nature-focused family day out.
🐶 Pet Parents
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Gardens
Beyond the specialized gardens, the grounds feature beautiful lakes, home to a variety of aquatic life. The lakeside paths and boardwalks provide stunning views and opportunities to observe turtles, eels, and numerous bird species. This blend of cultivated garden spaces and natural water features creates a dynamic and engaging environment for all visitors. The 'Friends of the Gardens' also contribute significantly, often providing information and maintaining specific areas, adding a community-driven aspect to the experience.
For those interested in photography, the interplay of light on the water, the textures of the plants, and the wildlife offer endless possibilities. The open spaces also make it an ideal location for a relaxed picnic, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings.
A Haven for Wildlife and Relaxation
The gardens are a sanctuary for local fauna. Keep an eye out for ducks, lizards, turtles, and even eels in the waterways. This makes it not only a beautiful place to walk but also an engaging spot for nature observation. The presence of this wildlife adds a dynamic element to the visit, making each stroll potentially unique.
This tranquil setting is perfect for a variety of activities, from a simple walk to a full day of relaxation. Many visitors recommend it as a place to meet friends, enjoy a picnic, or simply unwind amidst natural beauty. The accessibility of the paths ensures that most people can enjoy the serenity the gardens offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit