Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden: Fern Glade walk
The garden, including the Arts and Ecology Centre, is set amongst 82 hectares of eucalypt and riparian forest, with creeks, lagoons and walking tracks.
Suitability
Suitable for walkers out to see a range of native bush in a small area with great supporting facilities and information. Great place to take young kids for an exploration of the natural world.
Highlights
The Fern Glade is always a rewarding short stroll not too far from the carpark, during summer this walk provides a cool, shaded walk through a palm and fern gully. It is the perfect spot to sit and contemplate the waterfall and creek cascades in the wet season.
Afterwards
Grab a coffee and a bite to eat at Compass Café, or BYO picnic and enjoy one of the many spots to have lunch. Once done here it’s a short hop up the hill to Buderim and all the views and activities that town offers. Spend time enjoying the beauty and botanical heritage of the gardens. The gardens include a variety of attractions along the walks, that can be enjoyed by visitors of all agers. Art exhibitions, educational workshops and events are held in the garden and purpose-built Arts and Ecology Centre throughout the year. Grab a coffee or bite to eat at the café, or BYO picnic and enjoy one of the many spots to have lunch!
How to get there
To the starting point: Traveling on the Bruce Highway (M1) take the exit onto the Sunshine Motorway. Take the Tanawha Tourist exit off the Sunshine Motorway. You then turn onto Main Creek Road and take the turn onto Radbourne then Palm Creek Roads. The gardens are a left turn off Palm Creek Rd on the same turn as the golf club.
Just follow the signs and you will get there!
To the end point: The end point is the same as your starting point.
Accessibility guide
The report records a firm and stable walking surface through the fern gully, with a bridge over the creek, further creek crossings, and a side track down to a rock pool. No separate suitability assessment was recorded for this walk.
The Fern Glade Walk offers a delightful experience in a serene atmosphere with a firm and stable walking surface. Take a moment to appreciate the natural wonders around you. Sit on the bridge and observe the gentle flow of water beneath, catching glimpses of small fish swimming by. Look up and admire the majestic forest trees that have withstood the test of time.
As you descend from the carpark, you'll find a side track that leads to a captivating rock pool. Take a seat and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings, listening to the harmonious sounds of wildlife. Observe the graceful movement of fish and turtles in the rock pool, and marvel at the variety of ferns growing in the area. Continue your journey through the towering trees, and you'll come across a few more creek crossings, providing further opportunities to explore and observe aquatic life.
- Accessible parking is available nearby.
- Accessible toilet facilities are provided.
The Gardens are located at 51 Palm Creek Road, Tanawha QLD. Take the Sippy Downs, Buderim exit off the Bruce Highway, then take the Tanawha Tourist Drive turnoff (25) and follow the signs for Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanical Gardens.
After your walk, find a peaceful spot on the open lawn area or utilise one of the picnic tables to enjoy a picnic. You can also explore another trail in the gardens or head up to the Ecology Centre to grab a coffee and something to eat.
Highlights
The Fern Glade Walk offers a delightful experience in a serene atmosphere with a firm and stable walking surface. Take a moment to appreciate the natural wonders around you. Sit on the bridge and observe the gentle flow of water beneath, catching glimpses of small fish swimming by. Look up and admire the majestic forest trees that have withstood the test of time.
As you descend from the carpark, you'll find a side track that leads to a captivating rock pool. Take a seat and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings, listening to the harmonious sounds of wildlife. Observe the graceful movement of fish and turtles in the rock pool, and marvel at the variety of ferns growing in the area. Continue your journey through the towering trees, and you'll come across a few more creek crossings, providing further opportunities to explore and observe aquatic life.
Facilities and activities
- Accessible parking is available nearby.
- Accessible toilet facilities are provided.
Getting there
The Gardens are located at 51 Palm Creek Road, Tanawha QLD. Take the Sippy Downs, Buderim exit off the Bruce Highway, then take the Tanawha Tourist Drive turnoff (25) and follow the signs for Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanical Gardens.
Afterwards
After your walk, find a peaceful spot on the open lawn area or utilise one of the picnic tables to enjoy a picnic. You can also explore another trail in the gardens or head up to the Ecology Centre to grab a coffee and something to eat.
Disclaimer:
This trail accessibility review has been undertaken by Spinal Life Australia. Please note that the trails reviewed are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Instead, these reviews are intended to provide additional information to assist trail users and carers in assessing the usability of each trail, including details about accessible parking, trail surfaces, and amenity facilities.
About this place
- Suitable for walking
- Dogs prohibited
- Drinking water available
- Picnic table on site
- Toilets on site
- Walking track grade
- Grade 2
- A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.
Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)
- Managed by
- Sunshine Coast Council
To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:
Safety
In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!
- Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
- Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
- Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
- Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.
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Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/56127/maroochy-regional-bushland-botanic-garden-fern-glade-walk
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.

