100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Crowds, chefs and rare plants return as Queensland Garden Show blooms

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Retirement village set to triple in size

The only retirement village in a hinterland tourism town has officially announced its plans for a major expansion. Maleny Grove, which was acquired by a More

Photo of the day: ibis reflections

“Catching the last warm rays of the sun at Sippy Downs,” writes Gretta Turnley. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au More.

Watchdog ‘cuts down’ non-compliant horticulture businesses

Sunshine Coast horticulture employers have been targeted as part of a three-year campaign by the Fair Work Ombudsman focusing on non-compliance with workplace laws. Employers More

Charges laid after man allegedly stabbed in CBD

A man has been charged after allegedly stabbing another man following a physical altercation. Emergency services were called to a location near Cooma Terrace and More

Mother of a whale tale: calf protected in wild encounter

Whale watchers have witnessed a dramatic chase off a Sunshine Coast beach as a mother humpback and her calf used a tour boat for More

Coast jumpers join record attempt amid Olympic push

Sunshine Coast skydivers will help launch a global world record attempt this weekend amid a push for their sport to take off at the More

One of Australia’s most iconic horticultural events is expected to deliver an $11 million boost to the Sunshine Coast economy.

The 41st annual Queensland Garden Show, running from Friday, July 11, to Sunday, July 13, is expected to draw more than 40,000 visitors to Nambour and surrounds.

Held across seven hectares, the event showcases tens of thousands of plants, more than 100 live talks and demos, a major speaker lineup and new collaborations with top chefs and tourism events.

During its four-decade history, the show has pumped an estimated $200 million into the local economy, with 65 per cent of attendees travelling from outside the Sunshine Coast.

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the event included the best in horticulture and garden design and it was a significant tourism drawcard.

“That means millions of dollars being invested into local businesses – whether that’s cafes, restaurants or accommodation,” he said.

Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.

Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast.
The Queensland Garden Show attracts huge crowds each year. Picture: Visit Sunshine Coast.

The show has also linked with The Curated Plate food festival, featuring chef demonstrations on the Cook’s Garden Stage.

MP for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the festival offered a variety of attractions.

“Whether you’re interested in gardens, the great outdoors, or cooking – we have something for everyone,” he said.

“These events are so important for attracting new visitors to our area and we know they’ll be back for more.”

Thousands of plants are on display at the garden show.

More than 60,000 plants were expected to be sold each day, with gardeners lining up early to snap up rare and limited edition varieties from more than 50 nurseries.

The event boasts more than 360 exhibitors and themed zones including the Giant Kitchen Garden, the Living Backyard wildlife space and the Poultry Spectacular.

Organiser Marion Beazley lauded the speaker line-up.

“There really is no better place to get advice from the greatest experts in the Australian gardening industry. We even have a plant clinic where those in the know answer all the curly questions gardeners bring to the show each year,” she said.

Gardening Australia presenter Millie Ross. Picture: Liz Francis.
Gardening Australia presenter Millie Ross is among the many speakers at the Queensland Garden Show. Picture: Liz Francis.

Fan favourite garden personalities from ABC’s Gardening Australia including Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Millie Ross were set to return to the stage, joined by Charlie Albone of Better Homes & Gardens and Selling Homes Australia fame.

Sunshine Coast foodie Martin Duncan was expected to host the Cook’s Garden Stage, featuring live demos by some of the region’s best chefs as part of a cross-promotion with the Curated Plate festival.

Also returning is the daily 1pm human crowing competition, where participants strut their stuff in a battle of beaks.

Gates open at 8am and close 4pm daily. Tickets can be purchased at qldgardenshow.com.au.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share