Botanic Endeavour 250 Trail has arrived at the Botanic Gardens
Last month, we mentioned the Botanic Endeavour 250 self-guided walk and signage was to be released, well now it is here! You are invited to come and discover some of the plants that were collected by botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander during their voyage aboard the HMB Endeavour.
For more information about the voyage, come down to the gardens and pick-up your copy of the Botanic Endeavour 250 Trail. |
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Term 2 school holiday activity program
Kids craft and self-guided activities are back at the gardens! Come along to the gardens and enjoy the cooler weather in our green open spaces.
Self-guided trails and activity sheets are available throughout the school holidays.
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Gardens highlighted - Australian South Sea Islander precinct
The Australian South Sea Islander precinct recognises the contributions of the Australian South Sea Islanders to the sugar production industry in Mackay.
Wander around the Garden of Memories where you will find plantings of community trees for families within the island community. Plantings of a variety of species including Coconut Palms and a range of fruit trees that are used in the Pacific Islands can be seen around the precinct. To find out more, we invite you to visit this precinct. |
One of the plants on display is Artocarpus heterophyllus, commonly known as the Jackfruit. It is a large tropical tree that thrives in warm humid climates. The tree itself is quite striking with its evergreen glossy leaves and bears some of the world’s largest fruit weighing up to 35kg! Jackfruit is thought to be one of the world’s most versatile fruits that can be used in many ways including eaten raw, dried, preserved, cooked in curries or as a meat substitute. The taste is said to be similar to that of banana bubble-gum. Have you ever tried this fruit?
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Volunteer programs resume at the gardens
We are able to welcome our volunteers back!
If you are interested in volunteering with Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, we have a few opportunities available.
For more information, please contact Kim Blythe on 4952 7300 or email kimberley.blythe@mackay.qld.gov.au |
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Lagoons Gallery - Untamed Landscape by
Lesley Kane
The unique rock and land formations of the Kimberley’s ignited Lesley Kane’s passion for geology. That passion was the inspiration for this exhibition which was both challenging and rewarding.
These works were painted in and around Wyndham in 2019 and they express the enthusiasm, excitement and humility - felt when Lesley was surrounded by the power of these timeless, unique land forms.
This exhibition will be on display in the Lagoons Gallery in the Botanic Gardens Café from Wednesday, July 1 to Tuesday, July 28. The café is open seven days a week. |
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Guided walks set to resume
With COVID-19 restrictions easing in Queensland, we are looking forward to the return of our free Friday guided walks in the near future!
We are yet to confirm a date, however please keep an eye on our Facebook page and website
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Who has been spotted in the gardens?
Podargus strigoides - Tawny Frogmouth
It’s not too often you will spot one of these during daylight hours! Podargus strigoides, commonly known as the Tawny Frogmouth are masters of disguise as they blend almost perfectly with their surroundings.
They perch very still and stiff, adopting a cryptic posture to resemble a broken branch in daylight hours. This guy was spotted by our gardeners near the Malta Garden lawn. What will you find on your next visit to the gardens?
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Growing a veggie garden at home
Now is the perfect time to be setting up a fruit or vegetable garden at home!
If you are looking for some tips on how to set yours up, make sure you head to our Facebook page or click here.
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