TONDOON BOTANIC GARDENS

Welcome to Tondoon Botanic Gardens

Pack a picnic and prepare to soak in the sunshine and serenity at Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

Voted as one of Australia’s best botanic gardens by Australian Geographic, this peaceful parkland offers visitors the opportunity to explore, relax and play in a tranquil oasis nestled at the foot of Mount Biondello. The park features 83 hectares of natural gardens, showcasing over 3000 species of predominantly native plants, surrounding the still waters of Lake Tondoon. Opened in 1988, the gardens feature tropical, sub-tropical and dry rainforest flora from the Port Curtis, South East Queensland and Far North Queensland regions, including some endangered species.

Stretch your legs and immerse your senses in the park’s varied environments with a wander along one of the walking paths which weave through the expansive grounds. Visit the orchid house, enjoy quiet reflection at the Japanese gardens and tea house, and wander between towering blue gums at the arboretum. Explore the sculpture and art displays, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic with friends and family while the kids play in the great outdoors.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens is open daily for your enjoyment, except Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Keep listening for a brief audio tour of the Garden’s many features.

Orientation To The Gardens

The main entrance to the park (off Glenlyon Road) leads to a central car park located in fairly close proximity to the park’s key attractions and facilities. Directly ahead, or to the west of the car park, you’ll find a Visitor Centre, perched on the banks of Lake Tondoon. This placid body of water once formed part of the Tondoon Dam, which supplied Gladstone’s water until 1945. Continue west along the path near the Visitor Centre to find an observation tower, which overlooks the sprawling silhouette of the lake and the surrounding gardens which are clustered along its northern shores. The extensive gardens within the park are arranged according to plant genera, geographic or ecological groupings. On the eastern side of the shores of Lake Tondoon, discover fringing forest, granite creek and composite rainforest vegetation, and wander amidst the lush green fronds of North Queensland palms and other tropical species.

Cross the bridge near the observation tower to visit the orientation shelter and the many highlights of the western shore, including stands of native eucalyptus and melaleuca, Australian conifers, cycads and banksias, to name a few. Towards the northern end of the western shore, you’ll have a rare opportunity to visit some of the threatened plant species of Central Queensland. Continuing further west along a marked path you’ll come to the start of the Mount Biondello Trail, which snakes its way up 145 metres to Gladstone’s highest peak, via a couple of lookouts overlooking the gardens, lake and surrounds.

Japanese Tea Gardens and Arboretum

While you’re here, be sure to pay a visit to the tranquil Japanese tea gardens, located to the east of the main car park. Also referred to as ‘The Garden of Stillness and Movement’, this traditional ornamental landscaped garden and tea house reflect the importance of nature in Japanese culture, and are a peaceful haven for quiet contemplation. There is a small car park close by.

Take time to touch the towering trunks of blue gums at the arboretum near the park’s entrance. While appearing to have been planted by hand, these magnificent trees actually came to be here thanks to a dam wall breach in 1968, which caused their seeds to flow down from the lake to their current location.

A couple of nice picnic areas, a children’s playground and public toilets make this area a popular place for relaxed gatherings with family and friends.

Accessibility

Tondoon Botanic Gardens is located approximately 7km (or 11 minutes’ drive) from Gladstone’s thriving CBD. To get to the Gardens via public transport, catch CDC Gladstone’s 500 bus service from central Gladstone locations such as Stockland, the Hospital or TAFE to Dixon Drive (at Covill Court) and then walk for just under 1 kilometre to the park’s entrance. However, please note that there is a steep hill between the bus stop and Gardens. Alternatively, taxis and other ride share services are available.

Once at the Botanic Gardens, there are two parking areas – a small one near the Japanese Tea Gardens close to the park entrance, and a much larger one centrally located near the Visitor Centre. Both car parks feature accessible parking bays. Toilets are located throughout the park, including an accessible toilet located at the Visitor Centre.

Domestic dogs are prohibited, but certified dog guides are of course permitted.

The Tondoon Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre can assist with park information and enquiries. It provides ramp access suitable for wheelchair users. However, please note that some buildings and platforms throughout the park do have stairs and may not be accessible for visitors with limited mobility.