Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens

Nestled in Gladstone, the Tondoon Botanic Gardens span 83 hectares, showcasing Queensland's native flora and fauna. Established in 1988, the gardens feature three main collections: the Port Curtis Plant Region, South East Queensland Rainforest, and North Queensland Rainforest. Visitors can explore walking trails through diverse rainforest types, an arboretum of blue gums, and the Japanese Tea Gardens. Lake Tondoon, once the city's water source until 1945, now provides a habitat for freshwater birds. The gardens host over 3,000 plant varieties, with 90% native to the region, and offer free guided tours, picnic areas, and playgrounds.