Noosa Botanical Gardens

 

When you drive into the botanical gardens, there is an immediate sense of peace and serenity. It doesn’t matter how many cars you see parked in the car park, that serenity continues. This is Noosa Botanical Gardens.

Located approximately 50km from home in Buderim, it is an easy drive up the Bruce Highway or Sunshine Motorway, dependent on which way you choose to go. The gardens are nestled in the hinterland of Cooroy, which lies on the shores of Lake Macdonald.

Officially opened in 1990, the gardens were the inspiration and brainchild of Ida Duncan OAM. The gardens are extensive and boast eight hectares. They are home to an open-air chapel, a fern house, its own lily pond, picnic areas and extensive lawns. Add into that, its own amphitheatre with traditional seating, toilets, a children’s play area and more. Hang on there readers, I haven’t finished yet! There is an absolute abundance of native and exotic plant species, that’s not forgetting the friendly wildlife that may cross your path too!

I have been to Noosa Botanical Gardens on many occasions and the one thing that strikes me, is that every time I go, I`m still discovering things. I find myself wandering the paths and realizing that it is a path I`ve never walked before. I have been to the gardens with a week’s gap between visits, and I have been with a month’s gap between visits and each time, there is a massive difference! The seasons dictate changes to what is in flower. It also dictates the colours that you see and the smells that you are exposed to. For example, Spring gifts you the jacaranda trees gifts you the beautiful lilac colour.

I`m not a photographer by any stretch of the imagination, but I do like snapping a few images on my iPhone. I have never been a massive flower lover, unless someone is sending them to me! But that’s changed. Noosa has allowed me to get up close and personal with the flora. It puts a new slant on things for me. I get back to nature.

No matter how many cars are in the carparks when I visit, I find I rarely bump into anyone! There is enough space for everyone to be safe and secure in the grounds without stepping on other`s toes. That is a gift to visitors. Botanical gardens are made to be serene and calm, and Noosa certainly ticks all those boxes.

 

Thank you Noosa! 

I`ll be back!