INSIDE: Sneak peek at the fun playground at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Benowa.
Visit the beautifully revamped nature playground at the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens in Benowa – it’s now one of the prettiest playgrounds on the Gold Coast.
Beloved by nature-loving locals, this playground and park is one of the best nature play areas for bush school style adventures but it’s one that most visitors, and plenty of Gold Coasters have NEVER HEARD OF.
Take a picnic of healthy snacks and food, and stop by for the whole afternoon.
The kids will adore it.
Read all the details, including how to get there, opening hours etc, in the guide below.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.
Gold Coast Botanic Gardens Playground
This awesome nature playground in Benowa features:
- Timber log climbing frame
- Toddler fort with slide and climbing net
- Swing set with baby swing
- Giant fort for older kids with climbing poles, slide and scramble nets.
The whole playground is shaded from the hot sun at the Botanic Gardens Gold Coast.
If you are looking for free things to do on the Gold Coast with kids, put it on your itinerary.
Nature Play at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Benowa QLD
Kids can also play in among the tree forest to the right of the playground (facing away from the carpark).
There’s ducks to feed, and green space galore for a game of soccer or “duck, duck, goose”.
Stroll the wooden boardwalks around the lake to see the fish and explore plant life, and smell the roses in the Rose Garden.
There’s a sensory garden where kids can smell and touch the flowers, and a native Butterfly Garden.
RELATED: Ultimate List of the BEST Things to Do on the Gold Coast with Kids
Image credit: QORF
Kaialgumm Games Trail at Gold Coast Botanic Garden
If your kids love technology, try this.
The Kaialgumm Games Trail takes you to six sites where you can use the QR reader on your smart phone or tablet to find out more about Aboriginal culture and traditional indigenous games and how to play them.
Kaialgumm means “chief in hunting”.
Find out who is that leader in your team.
Image credit: Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
School Holidays at Gold Coast Botanical Gardens Benowa
Every school holidays, the Friends of Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens and the Gold Coast City council run children’s workshops to introduce them to nature and conservation.
Kids can join in activities such as:
- “Botanica Christmas Arts and Crafts” using things found in nature
- “What Bird is That?” and
- “Grow that plant”.
There’s a take home element to the workshops too.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Events Booking
Bookings are essential. Call 0449 651 674.
Cost is $5 per child.
Wear covered shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle for outdoor activities.
Meet at the Friends Centre.
You can also check the Gold Coast Active and Healthy Program for more school holiday workshops here.
Visit the website below to find out about upcoming events throughout the year.
Image credit: Friends of the GCRBG
Friends of the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens Shop
Check out the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens shop before you leave.
Their collection of gorgeous merchandise available for sale at the Friends Centre includes:
- Local wildlife and Australian native landscape books
- giftware including pottery (check out the gum leaf plates!)
- Wood turned gifts
- stationery
- handmade craft items
- mugs and cups embellished with Australian native flowers
- cards
- local honey
- honeycomb candles
- bush food flavours
Coffee at the Gardens – Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Cafe
Wondering where to eat at the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens?
The cafe at the Friends Centre offers guests a menu featuring:
- freshly ground organic coffee
- loose leaf teas
- hand blended cacao hot chocolate
- Chai lattes
- Real Fruit Smoothies
- Organic milk shakes
- A selection of gluten free cookies and cakes
Snacks and light meals are available every day.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: Botanical Gardens Gold Coast
Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in AUD dollars, unless otherwise stated
Address: 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa. Opposite Benowa State High School.
Visitor Centre (Friends Centre): The Centre is a hub for visitors, community groups and botanical workshops. Open daily between 10am and 2pm.
Website: Click here
Gold Coast Botanical Gardens Opening Hours
- Open year round
- From 5am to 7pm each day.
Entry Fees: Free
How to get to the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Garden
By bus:
- From Broadbeach, take the 741 route to Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre, or from Southport, take the 737 route.
- From Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre it is just a 450 metre walk west to the Botanic Gardens entrance.
By car/taxi:
- Direct access to the gardens is available from 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa.
- The Gardens are just a 10 minute taxi ride from Surfers Paradise.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Parking
There’s plenty of free parking in the Botanical Gardens Gold Coast car park near the playground.
Drive around the loop about 3/4 of the way, and turn left when you see the playground ahead.
If this area is full, find further parking on the loop road.
Gold Coast Botanical Gardens Map
Facilities at Benowa Botanic Gardens
Public Toilets: Yes, including baby change table. Toilet block is to the left of the playground.
Disability access: Limited
Closest ATM: Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre
Shade: Yes
Enclosed: No. Keep a close eye on toddlers as there is open water nearby.
Ground cover: Bark mulch. Grass.
Picnic tables: Yes
Electric BBQs: Yes
Water Bubblers/fountains: Yes
Scooters and Bikes: Yes
Dogs: No
Toadstool Rating:
We love Benowa Botanical Gardens and definitely recommend a visit. This park and playground one of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets.
Looking for more things to do on the Gold Coast with kids?
Click the blue links below for more Gold Coast ideas