DescriptionThe Noosa Botanic Gardens are located on Lake Macdonald Drive, Lake Macdonald.
The gardens comprise eight hectares of native and exotic plant species. The gardens are home to an abundance of wildlife. Many other features can be found within the gardens ground including -
an open-air bush chapel - fern house - lily pond - large lawn areas with winding paths - leading to picnic areas - a Greek-style amphitheatre (a circular structure with rows of seats) - children’s play facilities - permaculture and composting area - toilets
- drinking water
The site was originally farmland. Council resumed the site in the late 1950s. Part of the site was used to create the Lake Macdonald water supply.
The site was used to dump rubbish until local resident Ida Duncan approached council for permission to clear the site. With the help of other locals, Ida Duncan cleared the area of weeds and car bodies.
Funding from a government community employment program was used to start construction of the botanic gardens in 1987.
When the program ended, council appointed two full-time staff to continue construction and maintenance of the gardens. Former Noosa Shire Parks Curator, Bob Bickley designed the layout of the gardens. Council has funded the gardens since 1988.
The Noosa Botanic Gardens officially opened to the public in August 1990.
See Council minutes:
https://heritage.noosa.qld.gov.au/nodes/view/17118?keywords=botanical&type=all&highlights=WyJib3RhbmljYWwiXQ%3D%3D&lsk=b36662d9003fca38156c52ab182f929e#idx55694
