Explore Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanical Gardens
It’s no secret that the Sunshine Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. Our stunning beaches are back-dropped by rolling mountains, and every town is sprinkled with incredible cafes and bars where you can enjoy delicious local produce and live emerging talent.
To help you enjoy the best of what both Horizon Festival and the Sunshine Coast has to offer, we’ve put together a curated itinerary for one of our Festival hubs, the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens. Grab your friends or family and set off for the day to explore your own backyard!
A Day at the Gardens
10am: Start your day with coffee and cakes at Tanawha House’s tea room. If you’d prefer to start your day active, Healthy Sunshine Coast lead a blissful hour yoga class in the Maroochy Regional Bushland Gardens from 8:30-9:30am.
11am: If you’re not already there and in a blissful post-yoga state, make your way to Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, the home of Elements. Elements is an ephemeral sculpture exhibition set amongst the stunning backdrop of the Gardens, taking you on a tour of five contemporary artists’ interpretations of nature and place. Running across the ten days of the festival, the magnificent Gardens will be transformed from an 82 hectare natural paradise to a contemporary outdoor gallery, exhibiting works from leading local and national artists who have drawn inspiration from the elements; fire, earth, air, and water.
There are a number of exciting artist-lead workshops and artist’s talks being held at the Gardens too; from mass life drawing to kite making and much more! Be sure to check out the full program here.
1pm: After exploring the beautiful Gardens and Elements sculptures, you’ll be more than ready for a bite, so head to MINT. Buderim for a delicious and fresh lunch. The Shak Organic Café is another favourite of ours. You could also pack a delicious lunch and enjoy a picnic with your family in the Gardens.
2pm: If you’ve got little ones in tow, head to the Bellingham Maze for a fun family afternoon. If you’re looking for more of a nature fix, make your way to Buderim Falls. This 45 hectare secluded oasis is the perfect way to wind down for your afternoon, with a rainforest walk and maybe even if a swim if you’re brave.
