BOTANIC BLISS
Discover the serenity of the Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens, a sprawling 42-hectare oasis nestled along the banks of the Nogoa River.
Established in 1988 as part of Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations, the gardens began on the west bank, featuring subtropical plants. In 1995, they were expanded to the east bank to showcase species native to the Central Queensland Highlands. Thanks to the dedication of curators Lawrie and Myra Stanton, the gardens have flourished into a living museum of beauty and biodiversity.
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● Wander along more than six kilometres of scenic walking tracks, from riverside paths to themed gardens.
● Enjoy family fun with playgrounds, a monorail, and hedge mazes to explore.
● Discover artwork, sculptures, and memorials that tell the region’s story.
● Share a relaxing picnic or fire up the barbecue with friends.
● Take your pooch for an on-leash walk, with water fountains and doggy bags available.
● Join the parkrun every Saturday at 7.00am, whether you want to run, jog, walk, or volunteer.
● Photograph the vibrant birdlife - mornings around the watercourses are best.
● Join a bootcamp, unwind with yoga, or try out the fitness equipment.
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emerald regional botanic gardens
1 recreation area
Families can enjoy the adventure playground featuring a 25-metre flying fox, climbing net, giant mouse wheel, and monorail. Free barbecue and picnic facilities are also available.
2 Fitness hub
The outdoor fitness hub offers a range of functional training equipment. Users can scan QR codes for tips and guidance.
3 bandstand
Opened in 2000, the bandstand was built to celebrate 100 years of the town band.
4 flood totems
Wooden totems commemorate the floods of 1950, 2008, and 2010. See the water levels at three locations across the gardens.
5 zonta pagoda
The pagoda was donated by the local Zonta Club in 1998.
6 we can't fly! but...
Inspired by John Williamson’s song Old Man Emu and crafted from ‘junk’ materials, this sculpture embodies goodhumoured, stoic optimism.
7 federation pillars and yarn pit
The 10 pillars, marking each decade from 1901 to 2001, commemorate 100 years of Federation. The Yarn Pit at the center offers a space for sharing and listening.
8 Sandstone plateau and waterfall
Inspired by Gudda Gumoo Rainbow Falls at Blackdown
Tableland National Park, this man-made waterfall is a popular photo spot.
legend Toilet
9 celestial garden maze
Built in 2000, the Celestial Garden Maze has a unique spiral shape inspired by a space vortex. It is created from Callistemon trees, native to Springsure and the Peak Ranges.
Picnic tables and shelter
BBQ
Playground
Carpark
10 marathon mill and benny cominos water garden
Entry Point
Picnic tables (uncovered)
Standing 20 meters high and 100 years old, the Southern Cross windmill pumps water into a water garden created in memory of the Cominos family, honoring their long association with the windmill.
Information kiosk
Exercise station
Bench
11 bush chapel
Bench + shelter
walking tracks
The open-air chapel is built from locally quarried basalt columns, placed to give the effect of ancient ruins. It is used for special ceremonies such as weddings and church services.
walking tracks
Over six kilometres of walking tracks wind throughout the gardens. Explore the bushland, grassland, and wetland areas on a mixture of concrete paths and gravel trails. Bicycles are permitted in marked areas.
Primary track (concrete, paved, or asphalt)
Informal track (stone or crushed rock)
Primary track (concrete, paved, or asphalt)
12 jack paris amphitheatre and memorial stone
The area honors Jack Paris for his role in the development and settlement of Emerald.
Informal track (stone or crushed rock)
13 recreation area
Nestled amongst the bushland are shaded picnic tables, barbecues and playground.
14 carlisle marbles
This sculpture pays tribute to the childhood game of marbles.
15 australia remembers garden
The gazebo was built in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of World War II.
16 melaleuca maze
More than 400 native Melaleuca bracteata were planted to create the traditional format maze.
plant communities
There are more than a dozen unique plant communities, showcasing vegetation native to the Central Queensland Highlands bioregion. Plants are grouped based on where they are grown or species.
Entry point
Carpark
Toilet
Playground legend
Information kiosk
BBQ
Sheltered picnic tables