Globetrotting travellers have voted a lush Sunshine Coast public garden and bird encounter experience as Queensland’s top attraction.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World was voted as the top attraction in Queensland and in the top 20 in the South Pacific, rating it alongside some of the world’s most recognised sites including the Sydney Opera House, Milford Sound, the Australian War Memorial and Uluru.
The accolade was announced in Tripadvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2025.
Maleny Botanic Gardens was ranked 13th in the South Pacific in the Best Attractions category, making it the best-performing site in Queensland.
The gardens are positioned high on the escarpment in the hinterland with the seven hectares of gardens featuring waterfalls, lakes, ponds and colourful plantings.
The Glass House Mountains create a spectacular backdrop to the gardens, which recently added an informative bush tucker trail recognising the original Jinibara inhabitants of the land.
Queensland Tourism Minister and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell congratulated the business for its success.
“Tripadvisor has just released its 2025 Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best Awards and Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World has been ranked number 13 in the top attractions across the entire South Pacific,” he said.
“Even more exciting? It’s the only Queensland attraction to make the top 15, earning its place alongside iconic destinations like Uluru and the Sydney Opera House.
“Congratulations to the entire team – this recognition is testament to the unforgettable experiences, breathtaking beauty and fantastic feathered friends that make this place truly spectacular.”
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World has expanded from one aviary in 2013 to five aviaries today with educational, interactive bird encounter sessions allowing visitors to get up close and personal with colourful birds of the world, from finches to macaws.
The farm friends enclosure hosts a collection of miniature animals including donkeys, goats and sheep, as well as rabbits and guinea pigs. Guests can enjoy Devonshire teas any time during the day in one of the gazebos overlooking the gardens and mountains.
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General manager Verena Olesch said the recognition “means a huge moment to us”.
“It reflects not only the unforgettable experiences we offer but also the heart, soul and passion that every team member – whether they have feet, feathers or fur – brings to our garden paradise every single day,” she said.
“Over the past few years we’ve reinvested every dollar from our profits into making our experience more inclusive, more immersive and more magical.
“This honour shows that the hard work is resonating with visitors from South-East Queensland and around the world.
“And we’re just getting started. With big plans on the horizon, we’re aligning closely with Queensland’s Destination 2045 vision, expanding our team and proudly celebrating our newly earned eco-tourism certification through Eco Tourism Australia.
“As this is voted by actual travellers, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us.
“We also want to thank the Queensland Government for supporting us through strategic guidance and funding opportunities, particularly in the areas of accessible and sustainable tourism.”
