Family fun day to celebrate Botanic Gardens 50th birthday

Fraser Coast residents are invited to join a family fun day on Sunday 20 October to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens.

Mayor George Seymour said Council was partnering with the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) to host the event, which will include entertainment, activities for kids, workshops, and food and drink stalls.

“The Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, established in 1974, is one of our region’s most stunning outdoor spaces,” he said.

“Situated on 6,000-year-old foreshore dunes and spanning 26 hectares, the gardens feature a wide variety of established plants, walking tracks, an Australian bush tucker garden, a Chinese garden, a labyrinth, the Orchid House and a natural playground.

“The 50th birthday celebration is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, connect with nature, and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities for all ages.”

The celebrations are free to attend and will run from 10am to 3pm at the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, Elizabeth Street, Urangan.

A variety of community groups will be attending, including the Orchid Society, the Bromeliad Society, microbat expert John Parsons and the Fraser Coast Beekeepers.

Activities will include photography, rock painting and bee motel workshops, along with family favourites like a petting zoo, and face painting.  

Food and drink stalls will be available, but attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy in the park.

Cr Seymour also encouraged attendees to download the Agents of Discovery app on their mobile phone and join Agent Kangaroo on an interactive mission around the Botanic Gardens.

“It’s like Pokemon Go for parks and gardens - a fun and active way to explore the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens and connect with the natural world,” he said.

More information about the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/botanic-gardens-orchid-house