Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Explore the vast range of flora from Mackay and the Whitsundays as well as other native and exotic plants which feature in five 'culturally-themed' gardens
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07/09/2026

Story time in the Gardens is on tomorrow, 9.30-10am on the Tropical Sun Lawn. To book your spot - https://mackay.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=225785

07/09/2026

Today is National Threatened Species Day. It is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on our native flora, fauna and ecosystems under threat.

Let’s take a closer look at another plant under pressure that is being conserved in our Botanic Gardens - Cycas terryana, St Lawrence Zamia Palm.

Only described as a new species in 2011, this locally occurring cycad was once thought to be a hybrid. It grows with a tree-like trunk that can reach around three metres high and is naturally found on rocky hillsides in sparse eucalypt woodlands of the Broadsound and Connors Ranges.

With only five known populations across a very small area, and none known to occur in conservation reserves, Cycas terryana is listed as Vulnerable in the wild.

This impressive specimen on display at the Botanic Gardens was rescued from cattle grazing property that was being cleared near St Lawrence. It is thought to be more than 250 years old — a living reminder of why plant conservation matters.

Next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate this remarkable survivor. 🌱

05/09/2026

Just over two weeks to go until the Orchid Extravaganza.

This wonderful community event is held within Queens Park at the Ken Burgess Orchid House, with carparking available off Shakespeare Street, East Gordon Street or Goldsmith Streets, East Mackay. For more information, please contact the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300.

04/09/2026

This morning's weaving workshop with PJ was very productive and enjoyed by all. Thanks to all who attended and to PJ for sharing her craft with us!

02/09/2026

Ken Burgess Orchid House closure 10-11am today.

The Ken Burgess Orchid House will be closed this morning, 10-11am and will reopen as normal this afternoon 2-3pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to visitors.

02/09/2026

⚠🍃Tuesday, September 7 is National Threatened Species Day. This week we will take a look at some of the plants under pressure that are on display, being conserved in the Botanic Gardens.

We're taking a closer look at Graptophyllum ilicifolium, Mount Blackwood Holly. Mount Blackwood Holly is a large understory shrub with dark shiny green, holly-like leaves. Clusters of deep pink tubular flowers are borne in the leaf axils from late winter into spring. Seeds are explosively ‘fired’ from the club-shaped capsules as they open.

Mount Blackwood Holly is only known from isolated populations in rainforests just north of Mackay and a recently discovered population near Miriam Vale. It is listed as 'Vulnerable' in the wild.

Did you know? The Mount Blackwood Holly was adopted as the floral emblem of Native Plant Queensland - the Society for Growing Australian Plants (Mackay Branch) in 1992 and is also the logo for Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

01/09/2026

With the Orchid Extravaganza just around the corner (Saturday, September 19 8am to 2pm), let’s take a closer look at some of the native orchids growing in our collection at the Botanic Gardens.

Dendrobium discolor, commonly known as Golden Orchid or Antler Orchid is a large epiphytic orchid native to northern Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia, known for its long canes and twisted brown‑to‑yellow flowers.

📍Find the Golden or Antler Orchid on display in the Tropical Shade Garden.

31/08/2026

Happy National Wattle Day!

September 1 marks the beginning of Spring — and it’s also National Wattle Day!
It’s a time to celebrate the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha), Australia’s national floral emblem since 1988. When in bloom, its vibrant yellow flowers and lush green foliage proudly display our national colours: green and gold.

Locally, we have several wattles to admire on this special day, like the Acacia decora, Pretty Wattle featured below.

🍃📸Head to the Meadowlands section of the Botanic Gardens where you will find the Pretty Wattle flowering just off the pathway near the Amphitheatre.
Got some wattles growing at home? Share a photo of them with us in the comments below.

31/08/2026

What's Flowering in the Gardens?

Pararchidendron pruinosum, commonly known as Snow Wood can be seen flowering near our Sister City Logo Garden off the pathway.

Looking for a stunning feature tree for your garden? 🌳

This beautiful rainforest tree grows 8-10 metres high and showcases clusters of fragrant creamy-white flowers that turn to orange as it ages. Its dense glossy foliage and ornate twisted orange seed pods make it standout in any landscape.

✅ Great for screening and windbreaks
✅ Excellent shade tree
✅ Butterfly and bird attractant 🦋🐦
✅ Thrives in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil

A perfect choice for adding beauty, fragrance, and wildlife to your outdoor space.

This tree is sometimes available for sale through NPQ-SGAP Mackay Branch.

Address

9 Lagoon Street
Mackay, QLD
4740

Telephone

07 4952 7300

Website

http://www.mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au/

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