Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
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Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

4.6
·2k reviews·Benowa, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning walks

Cooler temperatures, abundant wildlife

CrowdLow
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Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

Best Time

Morning walks

Cooler temperatures, abundant wildlife

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"It's a really lovely place for a walk, with birds, ducks, lizards, and turtles to see and hear."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lakeside Boardwalk

Lakeside Boardwalk

Around the central lake

Stroll along the boardwalk, spotting turtles, eels, and beautiful reflections. A truly serene experience.

Sensory Garden

Sensory Garden

Designated area

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

Children's Playground

Children's Playground

Near the entrance

A fun and safe space for kids to play and burn energy while parents relax.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Discover a peaceful escape from the bustling Gold Coast. This expansive green space offers a serene environment perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. Remember to bring your furry friends, as dogs are welcome!

Free Fun for All

Enjoy a full day of exploration without spending a dime! The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are completely free to enter, with ample parking and public facilities available. It's a fantastic spot for families and budget-conscious travelers.

Best Times

When
Morning walks
Why
Cooler temperatures, abundant wildlife
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Picnic time, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens in Benowa really does have something for everyone. The park is open 5 am - 7pm every day and is free for all. There are plenty of walks and heaps to see and do including: - A playground - Cafe - Huge off leash dog park - Plenty of picnic spots - Butterfly garden And much more! The park is perfect for a day with the family, a date or for alone time. It’s...
whatsongoldy
0 likes • 5.2K views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Bring your leashed dogs along for a walk! It's a great spot for them to explore too. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a lunch and make a day of it! Plenty of space for picnics and enjoying nature. Reddit

Birdlife at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens… . . . #magpiegeese #birdwatching #waterbirds
goldcoastbotanicgardens
4 likes • 1.4K views
Jade McCombe, an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Science, has produced a series of videos working with the Friends of the Regional Botanic Gardens on the Gold Coast as part of her student project. This video reveals some of the hidden treasures of the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens, including the critically endangered Ormeau bottle tree and stunning butterfly gardens. 🎉👏 Well done Jade.
griffith_scienv
43 likes • 925 views

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walking Paths

Stick to the lake path and boardwalk for a beautiful, accessible stroll. Reddit

☕ Coffee Break Nearby

A small cafe next door offers coffee and cake for a pre or post-walk treat. Reddit

Hard work this morning at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens including by volunteers in the Friends group removing weeds before planting more natives. We are excited to collaborate with this and other community groups where @griffithuniversity students get to use their skills including producing reports and videos about why urban parks and people matter. @goldcoastbotanicgardens @cityofgoldco...
professor.pickering
36 likes • 538 views

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. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a lunch and make a day of it! Plenty of space for picnics and enjoying nature. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walking Paths

Stick to the lake path and boardwalk for a beautiful, accessible stroll. Reddit

☕ Coffee Break Nearby

A small cafe next door offers coffee and cake for a pre or post-walk treat. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Peaceful and tranquil atmosphere
Free entry and ample parking
Abundant wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

A bit far from main town

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. Reddit

The gardens feature easy walking paths, including a lake path and boardwalk, making them generally accessible for most visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

It's noted as being a bit far from the main town, which contributes to its tranquil, nature-surrounded feel. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are completely free to enter, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Visitors often spot birds, ducks, lizards, turtles, and eels, providing great subjects for nature photography. Reddit+1

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. Reddit+1

Yes, dogs are welcome in the gardens as long as they are kept on a leash. Reddit

The gardens feature diverse sections, including a sensory garden, and offer open land rather than just dense trees. Reddit+1

With various bird species, ducks, and other wildlife, it's a pleasant spot for casual birdwatching. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small cafe located next to the gardens where you can grab a coffee and cake. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for a picnic, with plenty of open space and a relaxed atmosphere. Reddit

While there's a cafe, dedicated restaurants are not typically found within the gardens themselves. However, the cafe offers refreshments. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are a fantastic, free outing for families. The children's playground provides a dedicated space for kids to have fun and expend energy. The open spaces are perfect for running around, and the chance to spot wildlife like ducks and turtles adds an element of excitement and learning. Reddit

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. Reddit

🐶 Pet Parents

Good news for dog lovers: the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are dog-friendly! As long as your canine companions are on a leash, they are welcome to join you for a stroll through the beautiful grounds. Reddit This makes it a perfect spot for a shared outdoor experience, allowing your pets to enjoy the fresh air and explore new sights and smells alongside you. Remember to bring water for your pets, especially on warmer days.

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Fitness Enthusiasts

For those who enjoy an active outing, the gardens offer well-maintained paths ideal for walking and jogging. The loop around the lake provides a pleasant route with scenic views. Reddit You can easily incorporate a visit into your fitness routine, enjoying the natural surroundings while getting your steps in. The open spaces also lend themselves to light exercises or yoga sessions if you find a quiet spot.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Gardens

The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are more than just a patch of green; they are a curated collection of diverse horticultural experiences. While some botanical gardens focus on dense, themed collections, these gardens offer a more open, naturalistic feel, interspersed with distinct garden areas. Visitors can wander through a Sensory Garden, designed to engage all five senses, offering a unique tactile and olfactory experience. The layout encourages exploration, with pathways leading to different sections, each with its own character and charm. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

A Haven for Wildlife and Relaxation

One of the most frequently praised aspects of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is its peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of wildlife. Unlike busier attractions, the gardens' location offers a sense of being surrounded by nature, providing a genuine escape. Visitors often remark on the calming effect of the environment, enhanced by the sounds of birds and the sight of various creatures. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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