The Hervey Bay Botanical Gardens are a unique and beautiful regional icon. Developed upon 6000 year old foreshore sand dunes, the Botanic Gardens span an impressive 26 hectares of beautiful tropical rainforest and garden displays.

The Botanic Gardens are a magnet for a wide variety of local bird life. As you wander around you will come close to amazing birds such as the Ibis, Black Swans and colourful Lorikeets - to name a few. Get even closer to these beauties by participating in the daily bird feeding which takes place at 9.30am and 3.00pm.

Take a walk through the rainforest nestled Orchid Conservatory to view the beauty of many seasonal native and exotic orchids that are representative of the local region.

There are many beautiful pathways that take you through the gardens and that offer seating along the way. Walk the cultural trail and experience the Aboriginal Bush Tucker Garden. Visit the Bush Chapel - an open air cathedral surrounded by rainforest trees that is also available for weddings (small weddings are also available inside the Orchid Conservatory).

Enjoy a barbeque lunch on one of the many barbeques, fold out your picnic rug next to the lagoon, register in advance for a guided tour (fees apply), or simply relax in the tranquil rainforest setting and enjoy the native atmosphere and wildlife.

Find the Botanic Gardens at Elizabeth Street, Urangan (07 4125 9700).

Opening hours: 6.30am-8.30pm.

Entry to Orchid Conservatory: $2.

General Admission is free.