The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens surround lagoons that have been an important part of the landscape throughout white settlement, and were the site of feasting grounds for Indigenous peoples before that.

The garden is divided into zones and small gardens including plants indigenous to central Queensland, a Japanese garden celebrating Mackay’s sister city Matsuura, the Gymnosperm garden features kauri, bunya, hoop and Wollemi pines, and the Malta Garden commemorates Mediterranean migrants who settled in the district from early in the 20th century.

The garden host free guided walks in the cooler months, and there are monthly birdlife surveys throughout the year. Other special activities include photography workshops and relaxation sessions.

The gardens are open everyday and admission is free. There are toilet facilities, picnic areas, as well as a café that is open on selected days.

Photo: Tatters (CC-BY-SA-2.0)