The Friends of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens are a vital part of Redcliffe’s community, helping maintain and enhance one of the region’s treasured green spaces. They run the native plants nursery inside the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens and tend several garden beds around it, including the George Street entrance at the main gates. Their work ensures that locals and visitors alike can enjoy the beauty of native plants and learn about the benefits of switching to natives to restore the balance attracting birds and beneficial insects to the area and your garden.
The nursery is one of only a handful of nurseries where ratepayers and community groups can redeem their MBCC free native plant voucher.
Established alongside the growth of the Redcliffe Education Centre, the Gardens have evolved over decades into a place where nature, learning, and community come together. The Friends group plays an active role in preserving this legacy, offering hands-on involvement and fostering appreciation for native plant species.
A Rich Local History
The story of the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens begins in 1975, when a portion of the State Government’s School Reserve in Henzell Street was used to construct the Redcliffe Education Centre. This centre housed equipment and resources not commonly found in schools, such as a professional library and specialised meeting spaces.
As the surrounding land remained largely undeveloped, the Society for Growing Australian Plants (Redcliffe Branch) worked alongside the Education Centre to manage the remaining bushland. By 1977, the Redcliffe Herb Group had established a dedicated herb garden. In the early 1980s, management of the area was handed from the Federal to the State Government, allowing the development of plant communities based on South-East Queensland’s native flora.
Eventually, the State Government passed control to the Redcliffe City Council. Today, the group supports and maintains native plant collections, started around seven years ago.
What the Friends Group Does
The Friends of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens run the native plants nursery inside the Gardens which is at the heart of the Gardens’ ongoing care and development. Volunteers are involved in many areas, including:
- Gardening and Maintenance: Weeding, raking paths, propagating plants, and seed collection
- Community Education: : educating visitors about native plants, and providing advice on plants suitable for local gardens
- Supporting the Gardens: working alongside MBCC to ensure the gardens remain a showpiece for native plants of South East Queensland.
Getting Involved
Volunteering with Friends of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens is a rewarding way to connect with nature, learn about native plants, and meet like-minded community members. Opportunities range from hands-on gardening to participating in the nursery maintaining stock and learning to propagate. garden. Every contribution helps maintain the beauty and ecological health of the Gardens while offering a chance to learn and grow alongside experienced volunteers.
Whether you are interested in practical gardening tasks, supporting educational initiatives, or simply enjoying the Gardens while giving back to the community, there are ways to get involved that suit every skill and interest.
Visit the Gardens
The Redcliffe Botanic Gardens are open to the public, and the Friends group encourages locals and visitors to explore the native plant collections and herb garden. Volunteering or simply spending time in the Gardens supports the ongoing care of this important community asset.
Contact Friends of Redcliffe Botanic Gardens:
- Address: George Street, Redcliffe QLD 4020
- Postal: PO Box 299, Clontarf QLD 4019
- Email: info@friendrbg.org.au or secretary@friendsrbg.org.au
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofrbg/
- Instagram: @friends_of_redcliffe_b_gardens
To learn more, get involved, or volunteer, contact the Friends today and become part of a group dedicated to celebrating and preserving Redcliffe’s unique natural heritage.
