Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Benowa

A beautiful spot to visit with your toddler for a walk, picnic, play in the garden’s playground or take advantage of one of the free guided walks on offer.

Key Details

Address: 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217

Google Map Directions

Time from Ormeau HQ: 35 minutes (31.9km)

Contacts: Website

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 5am to 7pm

The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens off Ashmore Road in Benowa is a must see for locals. It is a wonderful way to spend a bright sunny morning with your toddlers on the Gold Coast and entry is free.

The Gardens are open all year round. They are set on 31 hectares and include:

Sensory Garden
Rose Garden
Butterfly Garden
Onsite Cafe
Kids Playground
Off-leash dog area (See Map)
Large Lake with boardwalk
Mangroves to Mountains Walk
Montane Rockery
Many spots for a picnic
Plenty of free onsite parking
A range of events and activities for the whole family

You can find out about upcoming events and activities at the gardens on the City of Gold Coast Events Calendar. Garden events and activities include guided walks, NaturallyGC Little Nature Lovers sessions for children 3-5 years, fitness activities and much more.

You can also make bookings for a birthday party or social gathering. For more information visit the Park Booking Page.

For more information on the gardens various attractions see the online map to better plan your visit.

Toddler Review

This was our first visit to the Botanic Gardens at Benowa. I booked us in for a guided butterfly walk which set the date for our visit. I would highly recommend booking a guided walk as it is a good way to discover all that the gardens has to offer. If you sign up for one with your toddler I would recommend taking a stroller or pram with you. The guided walks are free but a gold coin donation is appreciated. Visit the online events calendar for more information.

Aside from the guided walks there is so much to do at the gardens. You could take your toddler for a walk or ride through the park. I was surprised to see many dogs in the park so you could also take your fur baby along for the visit. Be sure to investigate which areas you are allowed to take your dog, on this Online Map.

There is a kid’s playground within the gardens and many idyllic spots for a picnic. Or if you prefer there is an onsite cafe with a lovely view of the gardens. There is not much seating in the Cafe so I would bringing a picnic blanket or finding a shaded picnic table in the gardens.

A trip to the gardens can be free or relatively low cost and is a really great outing for you and your toddler. I particularly liked it as both my toddlers could roam around and explore as I wandered behind. I think it is becoming harder to find places with wide open spaces were kids can just wander and play, and be kids. The Botanic Gardens at Benowa is one of these few places.