Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Maleny, are beautifully laid out gardens and lawns that perfectly incorporate the picturesque backdrop of the nearby Glasshouse Mountains. Being a Sunshine Coast local, I’d heard many times of how amazing the Botanic Gardens were. I was even more intrigued by the amount of people from all over Southeast Queensland that raved to me about the Maleny Bird World as well. So, I decided that I’d check what all the fuss was about and provide a comprehensive and honest assessment of my visit in this Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World Review.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on those links and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you I will get a small commission. This will go a long way toward keeping this website running. As always, thank you for your support! Click HERE for more information.
About Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World are privately owned, set high on the escarpment in Maleny overlooking the stunning views of the Glasshouse Mountains. The property was first obtained by Frank Shipp in late 2005. He spent years transforming it, before opening to the public in 2012. The following year, in February 2013, Maleny Bird World was also opened.
In all, Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World consist of nearly 23 acres of gardens set on a property of 110 acres. Almost 8 kilometers of walking paths allow guests to explore the many layered terraces of manicured gardens, lush green lawns, waterfalls and ancient forests. With Stunning views of the nearby Glasshouse Mountains from almost everywhere on the property, it’s no wonder that Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World are so highly rated.
What to Expect
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from my visit to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. I’m no stranger to Botanic Gardens and grew up visiting the Brisbane Botanic Gardens on a regular basis. I’ve also visited many overseas Botanic Gardens, particularly in South East Asia, with Bali’s Kebun Raya Gardens and Jakarta’s Kebun Raya Bogor both examples of stunning tropical gardens. A garden set in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Maleny didn’t seem all that exciting to me at first, even though the town itself has always been one of my favorite places to visit in the region.
Rave reviews about Maleny Bird World ended up getting the better of me, and I decided that a visit to the Gardens and Bird World was something that I simply had to check out for myself.
Driving up to Maleny has always been a wonderful part of any trip. Being only 30 minutes from my home in nearby Caloundra, it’s a drive that we must do at least once a month. Turning off the Steve Irwin Way at Landsborough, it’s only a short drive before the road begins to ramp up steeply toward the top of the escarpment. As you ascend, the views open up all around, with incredible panoramic glimpses of the coastline behind from Caloundra to Coolum, and the Glasshouse Mountains off to the left. These views only become more extraordinary once you make the turn onto the aptly named Mountainview Drive and make your way past some of Maleny’s iconic lookouts and panoramic photo spots as you follow the signs to your destination.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World Entrance
Driving into the Botanic Gardens involves a very steep driveway that switches back on itself as it approaches the entrance. You have the choice of three carparks, and well placed signs will point you in the right direction.
If you arrive early, make sure to park in carpark #1. This is right next to the entrance and involves little to no walk from the car to the ticket office. Parking in either carpark #2 or #3 will see you traipsing back up the hill to the ticket office. The other great thing about carpark #1 is that it is nicely shaded by large trees and at the end of a hot day in the gardens, hopping into a cool car is amazing!
Right at the head of the carpark, you’ll find the entrance, which also doubles as the gift shop and cafe. This is helpful as you can order a coffee at the same time as you purchase tickets. On the other side it can be annoying if you’ve purchased tickets online and simply want to check in while others ahead of you are ordering six coffees and breakfast.
Pre purchasing tickets online is recommended! There are only so many aviary tours at Maleny Bird World, and they fill up fast in busy periods. We went outside of school holidays, and it was still busy on the earlier tours.
At the counter, staff will give you directions for where you need to go and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also provide a map of the gardens and facilities that you can take with you. (see photo later in this article).
Maleny Botanic Gardens
I’ll start this review off by talking about Maleny Botanic Gardens themselves.
These gardens are incredible, and as a “non-garden/green thumb” type of person, if I find them impressive then they must be. When it came to the Maleny Botanic Gardens, I was certainly impressed.
This came mostly from the layout. I do love a good manicured and aesthetically arranged garden and have always enjoyed looking at photos of those English Gardens that pop up on Instagram. (Give me a nice hedge maze any day!) So, the fact that Maleny Botanic Gardens is so beautifully laid out was an instant hit for me.
Gardens and Photo Spots
From the entrance and gift shop, the gardens spread out below you, tumbling down the slope steeply with the incredible Glasshouse Mountain backdrop the perfect compliment. Large green manicured lawns are separated by hedgerows, rose beds and flowering agapanthus. Winding through them all are walking tracks and buggy paths for ease of access, and here and there a bridge dissecting ponds resplendent with lily pads, water features and waterfalls.
The other thing that is instantly noticeable is the amount of strategically placed gazebos that are scattered around the gardens. While it seems as though they are everywhere, it never seems like they are in the way or take away from the beauty of the gardens. In fact, they fit in so nicely that one feels that if they weren’t there then the gardens would certainly be the poorer for it. These provide wonderful places to stop and rest on a hot day, providing shade along with table and chair if you had the foresight to bring a drink and snack with you.
On the upper levels of the gardens, directly below the entrance can be found a large pink chair. This oversized novelty provides the perfect spot for a photo opportunity with the Glasshouse mountains in the background.
On the same level is an old kid’s train, no longer in use but set up perfectly for photos that the kids will love. And some adults of course. The train features photos of the gardens and birds on the doors so there is no mistaking where the photo was taken.
As the path winds down the hill, you’ll find a large red and white Fairy Mushroom house like something that came straight out of The Smurfs or Alice in Wonderland. While it’s a great place for photos on the outside, inside is a world of fairy dolls set up behind glass partitions that young girls in particular will love.
Ponds, Waterfalls and Ancient Rock Formations
Further down the slope can be found ponds, a waterfall that splashes down into a large goldfish pond, and an oriental garden. Traversing through the oriental garden sees the manicured perfection of the rest of the garden fall away as groves of bamboo take over, interspersed by reclining buddha statues and the Balinese Hindu Goddess Dewi Sri – the Goddess of Rice and Fertility.
On the lower side of the Oriental Garden, a photogenic red bridge leads back out into the real world once again. From here, the path winds down to a perfectly placed seat surrounded by large orchids where you can take a break and enjoy the views with a sign explaining the important panoramic points laid out in front of you.
At the very bottom of the Maleny Botanic Gardens are Ancient Rock Formations and a waterfall. This isn’t easy to reach if you’re on foot, but if you have a buggy, it’s certainly worth visiting. We were on foot and not wanting to miss out we made the effort to get there and were glad that we did.
The Ancient Rock Formations, although not that impressive in sight, are so for the fact that they actually are that old! There are three in total, and each has its own characteristics.
- The first is a towering cleft in the cliff that is cool and damp to enter, with a trickly waterfall tumbling down the cliff face on the right-hand side. Signs to the right as you enter warn you of stinging nettles in the area, so beware.
- The second Ancient Rock Formation is only a short walk down a side trail off the main track and consists of large boulders that seem to have been placed by a long extinct giant who was building a wall or something similar!
- The third, although not very impressive, is a slightly longer walk that is worth checking out for the large, ancient trees resplendent with staghorn ferns growing all over them.
Farm Friends
Farm Friends is a miniature animal zoo for the kids, although adults will enjoy it as well.
The entrance can be found about halway down the slope on the left hand side below the aviary and is marked easily on the map that is provided when you buy your ticket. Being just below the aviary area, it’s the perfect combination to enjoy right after you leave Maleny Bird World.
At the entrance to Farm Friends are four little pens that house fluffy rabbits and guinea pigs. Off to the left is a pen for alpacas, however upon entry you’ll continue straight past the rabbits and guinea pigs into a small yard with facitilies to wash your hands before entry.
Making sure to lock the gate behind you, slip into the farmyard without letting out any goats or donkeys who seem very keen to attempt escape at any opportunity!
Inside, you’ll find a lot of goats, one of which immediately began trying to eat my pants. A small train being used as a prop on the right-hand side will likely have a couple of goats lounging on it, as will the table directly in front. The yard itself will be full of goats, donkeys and turkeys, while pens at the far side of the yard house chickens and more donkeys.
Farm Friends is a great place to wander around amongst the miniature animals and for kids to get up close and personal. Just don’t forget to wash your hands upon exit if you pat any of them.
Maleny Bird World
Maleny Bird World, in my opinion, is the highlight of a visit to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Which is ironic as it isn’t actually supposed to be the main attraction.
When purchasing tickets online, make sure that you actually purchase the right ones. Some ticket options (see below) only provide access to the gardens and Farm Friends. When you do select your tickets, you’ll then be prompted to pick a time slot that suits you for the aviary tour.
You can’t access the aviary area on your own and MUST be part of a tour with guide.
The aviary, which they like to call “Parrot-dise” can be found directly down the hill from the main office on the right hand side of the gardens. If you reach the duck pond you’ve gone too far.
Head to the aviary and be there 5 minutes before your allocated tour time so that you can be briefed on requirements for the tour and watch a short safety video as there are several rules to follow before you can access the aviaries. These include taking off earrings, hats, glasses and pretty much anything that a bird might find attractive or interesting and try to steal or eat!
Four Aviaries
The tour will take you through four aviaries.
The first aviary is basically smaller birds that you will likely recognize such as pigeons, however there are also a good number of exotic birds on offer as well. In this review I won’t go into detail about the different breeds beyond generalizations as I’m concentrating more on the actual experience.
You’ll be advised before you enter to watch where you step as a lot of the birds will walk around on the floor. In one of the aviaries, I had two beautiful parrots (I think) nibbling at my shoes, so the advice is worth listening to.
In the second aviary you’ll be warned that some of the birds will likely land on your head or shoulders. If you don’t want this to happen, they provide feather dusters before you enter to hold above your head to ward the birds off. Otherwise, everyone is a fair target!
I had a large black cockatoo roost on my shoulder for a good portion of my time in this aviary. He kept giving me kisses and just sat there happy as Larry. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
Other than cockatoos, you’ll also find galahs, rosellas, parrots and peacocks amongst other breeds in this aviary.
Through the next door you’ll enter another aviary where you’ll be advised that even though it’s not exactly an interactive aviary, some of the birds may still land on you. None did on this occasion, but that didn’t matter to much as we were still able to get very close for photos.
This aviary had the most colorful parrots and macaws in it. They were very inquisitive and spent the entire time watching us with just as much curiosity as we had whilst watching them. This is also where the parrots tried to eat my shoes!
The next aviary was for all the smaller birds such as cockatiels, small parrots etc. Whilst they mostly kept to themselves and spent the time flying around us or feeding in the feeders, the guide was able to take several of them and place them on our shoulders or arms for photos which was a nice touch.
Last but certainly not least we entered the final aviary area with had large macaws again. This was basically for a photo opportunity, and everyone had the chance to have a colorful macaw placed on their head so that friends could take a photo of them. Having this opportunity was the perfect way to top off what was an hour full of wow moments that I know I’ll never forget.
Tips and Hints
When you visit Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, there are several things you can do to make the most out of your visit. Here are my top tips and hints:
- Book for an early slot to do your aviary tour. This will avoid the heat but also see the birds active and keen.
- If you book and arrive early, make sure to park in Carpark #1 which is close to the entrance and shaded.
- Pre purchase your tickets online to avoid missing out on a slot in one of the aviary tours.
- When you arrive ask about bird photo times. They are located outside the shop but only happen at certain times of the day. Early in the morning on arrival is best so allow time before your aviary tour.
- If you are in a group, split the costs to hire a buggy if you want to see the entire gardens.
- If you don’t want to be undressing and dressing, don’t wear earrings or necklaces etc to Maleny Bird World and choose what hat you wear carefully. (no caps with a button on the top)
- The tour of the bird aviary takes about 50 minutes, while the gardens will take at least 2 to 3 hours depending on whether you hire a buggy.
- At the bottom of the carpark and right opposite the aviary is an EV Charging Station for your convenience.
- If you are in a wheelchair, access still seems to be good. The aviary tour can be challenging as the ground is made up of loose stones, but if you have a friend to assist then you can still enjoy the tour.
How to get there
Getting to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is easy.
Head from the M5 motorway toward Landsborough by taking the Caloundra/Landsborough Turnoff. Then, follow the signs toward Maleny.
Before you reach the township of Maleny, turn left onto Mountain View Drive and follow it until you reach a T Intersection with Maleny Stanley River Rd. Turn left and the entrance to the gardens will be immediately on your left.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World Tickets
There are several ticket options depending on whether you want to just visit the gardens, Farm Friends or the Aviary. Here are the current prices:
Garden and Farm Friends only
- AUD17 (Child aged 3 to 14)
- AUD22 (Senior/Concession/Student)
- AUD27 (Adult)
Garden, Farm Friends and Aviary
- AUD32 (Child aged 3 to 14)
- AUD42 (Senior/Concession/Student)
- AUD47 (Adult)
Family Pass Garden and Farm Friends Only
- AUD71 (2xAdults and 2xChildren)
Family Pass Garden, Farm Friends and Bird World
- AUD126 (2xAdults and 2xChildren)
There are also annual pass options available. For up-to-date prices check THIS link.
Opening Hours
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is open from 9am to 4:40pm, all year. They are closed on Christmas Day.
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World Map
A map will be provided at the ticket counter. This is a large paper map that can easily be folded and placed in your pocket or bag. I like this option better than some other places such as Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary that offer an online version. My phone was nearly flat from taking photos and videos at the end of the day, so a paper map was very handy.
I’ve provided a photo of the map below for you.
Maleny Bird World Photos
Just to the left of the entrance is a designated spot for getting your photo taken with some of the birds. This is only open at certain times though, so check with staff when you buy your tickets if you don’t want to miss out.
The best time is first thing in the morning when the ticket office is busiest.
In my opinion though, if you’re on a budget then just skip the photo opportunity and head to the aviary tour. You’ll have a chance to take your own photo at the end of the tour, and during the tour if you’re lucky, you’ll have a bird land on you, and you can take even more photos!
Maleny Botanic Gardens Cafe
The Maleny Botanic Gardens Cafe is located right at the front entrance. Although it’s only a single cafe, I found the food delicious. In particular the Devonshire tea! The scones are big, and the cream is beautiful.
Here is a photo of the latest menu items. Prices can change but the menu pretty much stays the same.
Maleny Botanic Gardens Buggy Hire
Buggy’s are for hire at Maleny Botanic Gardens and are recommended if you have mobility issues. The site is on a very steep slope, and would be challenging for the elderly or impaired.
To this end the facilities for buggy hire are incredible. These large golf buggy’s sit four to six people and perfect if you can split the cost in a group. See the current prices below.
- 4 seater AUD47
- 4 seater with wheelchair AUD65
- 6 seater AUD65
NOTE – Buggy hire is by the hour and cannot be prebooked. If there are none available, then wait time is usually around 15 minutes.
Maleny Botanic Gardens Weddings
Weddings are very popular at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World. Being the best lawns, gardens and views in the town, and possibly the entire region it isn’t hard to see why.
Prices start at AUD1500 which gives you seating for your guests, bride and groom seating and a registrars table. This obviously includes your own exclusive area of the gardens for the ceremony.
All other arrangements such as registrar, catering etc. need to be done for yourself. Maleny Botanic Gardens has a list of preferred partners that they use regularly that you can find HERE.
Things to do Nearby
Maleny has plenty of things to do so if you’re in the area and want to fill in your day, try checking out some of these amazing things to do:
- Take a stroll along Obi Obi Boardwalk. This beautiful walk in Maleny township even has its own platypus that makes appearances on occasion. This is mostly in the early mornings or late afternoons, however we were lucky last August in the middle of the day to see him playing on the surface!
- Take a dip at Gardner’s Falls – Only 10 minutes drive from Maleny Township and only a 5 minute walk to the falls and swimming hole from the carpark.
- Check out Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, featuring a wonderful walk through the rainforest where you are very likely to see the resident Pademelons (small kangaroos). The reserve can be found along the road back from the Botanic Gardens to Landsborough.
- Australia Zoo – The incredible zoo at nearby Beerwah made famous by its founder Steve Irwin is world renowned for its Crocodile shows and resident wildlife.
- Do some shopping, browse the bookshops or check out the quaint cafes in Maleny township.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of places to stay in and around Maleny. If you’re looking to make your stay memorable, here are a couple of places to choose from.
Maleny Tropical Retreat
Luxury accommodation located between Maleny and Montville featuring its own private waterhole to take a dip after a long day at the Botanic Gardens.
The Old Church Maleny
Beautiful and quaint 3 star apartment in the very heart of the town. Features shops, cafes and restaurants right on your doorstep, and an apartment equipped with ac, fully equipped kitchen and amenities.
Summary
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World is definitely worth the visit. The Bird World in particular is an incredible experience and having the chance to have a macaw land on you and pose for a photo is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The entire day out is sure to please just about anyone and is great value for money.
