Explore Gladstone's acclaimed Tondoon Botanic Gardens with a private horticultural guide — 60 hectares of Queensland native rainforest, a serene Japanese Tea Garden, and rare endemic species in a tranquil, crowd-free setting.
What to expect
Wander beneath the canopy of Queensland's endemic hoop pines and bottle trees as your guide reveals the medicinal and cultural significance of native plants to the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda peoples. The Japanese Tea Garden's ornamental bridges and koi ponds offer a moment of meditative calm, while the rainforest gully walk delivers the cooling shade of ancient Moreton Bay figs. Birdlife is exceptional — rainbow lorikeets, azure kingfishers and buff-banded rails are regularly spotted.
Good to know
Located approximately 5 km from the cruise terminal — a short taxi or rideshare ride. Pre-arrange your private guide through the Gardens' administration office before arrival. A morning visit is ideal; bird activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Gladstone — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.