The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, also known as Rosser Park or the Benowa botanic gardens, is a treasure trove of experiences for kids. Just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise and spread out over 31 hectares, this beautiful destination is a piece of paradise nestled within some busy suburbs. A great place for parents to recharge their batteries and kids to let off some steam. Let’s dive into the things to see and do for kids at the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens.
Nature Trails
The botanic gardens have a lovely network of walking trails, perfect for little explorers. Walk, scoot or ride along the boardwalk circuit and concrete paths and spot lizards, turtles, frogs, and birds. Look out for the rose garden, Kaialgumm games trail (you’ll need a phone with a QR code reader to learn about the games) For little wanderers be aware there are water features including a small lake and a waterfall area which are not fenced off. There’s also an enormous off leash area for dogs if you want to bring your pup as well, although dogs are not allowed in the playground or central lake area.
Sensory Garden
The Sensory Garden, supported by Gold Coast Rotary, is an area with 5 raised garden beds the idea being for the garden to stimulate all five senses. Raised gardens allow disabled visitors to interact with nature.
The Mangroves to Mountains Walk
This interpretive trail introduces kids to environmental conservation and the diverse ecosystems found within the Gold Coast region. Through signage and interactive displays, they can learn about the importance of wetlands, rainforests, and the balance of nature.
The Butterfly Garden
This garden has been specifically designed as a dedicated area to attract butterflies and provides a habitat to feed and home them for their life cycle.
Educational Programs
The Gold Coast Botanic Gardens offer a range of educational programs and workshops tailored to children. Workshops teach kids about gardening, plant life, and sustainability in a fun and engaging way. Whether it’s a workshop on planting their own herbs or discovering the secrets of pollination, these programs ignite a love for nature and promote environmental stewardship.
Picnics and Playgrounds
There’s some beautiful picnic areas with tables and BBQs where families can relax and enjoy time together. The playgrounds offer a variety of equipment, catering to all ages from toddlers to tweens and including slides, swings, and climbing frames. The bamboo forest is a favourite area and a great place to play some hide and seek. There’s a massive grassed area near the playground for ball games and toilets nearby.
Coffee and Icecream
You won’t miss the cafe sign on your way in, but it’s easy to miss the cafe! Located in the Friends Centre, if you follow the ring road most of the way around you’ll see parking up near the playground area. Get a carpark and then keep walking further along from the playground area and take the slip road up to the left to the cafe. Selling coffee, snacks and ice cream, 7 days a week.
Events
Throughout the year, the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens host a range of events tailored to families. From art exhibitions and plant markets to outdoor movie nights and music concerts, there’s often something exciting happening.
The Gold Coast Botanic Gardens, or Rosser Park, is a relaxing place to visit combining education, adventure, and natural beauty. So, pack a picnic, grab the scooters, and enjoy this serene part of the GC.