The Queensland Garden Show — formerly the Queensland Garden Expo — returns to the Nambour Showgrounds from 11 to 13 July for its 41st year, with a fresh new name that organisers say better reflects the event’s evolution over the past four decades.
The family friendly, grassroots event remains a must-visit for everyone, from passionate home gardeners and industry professionals to absolute beginners starting their gardening journey, bringing together more than 360 exhibitors, including 55 nurseries selling 50,000 plants per day.
Spanning seven hectares, the Show attracts over 40,000 visitors each year, eager to explore the latest in gardening, sustainability and landscaping trends, while gaining expert insights from some of Australia’s most respected gardening personalities, including Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Phil Dudman.
Event manager Marion Beazley explained that the slight name change from ‘Expo’ to ‘Show’ better reflects the entertainment and experiential aspects of the event, appealing to families, casual visitors and those looking for a fun, engaging day out, rather than just hardened green thumbs and industry professionals.
“Over the years, the event has transformed from a more traditional expo into a far more comprehensive and engaging experience for our visitors who can enjoy expert talks, live demonstrations and entertainment, family activities and interactive workshops. The name “Show” betters reflect this broader, experience-driven event,” Ms Beazley said.
“The Queensland Garden Show is all about access — whether that’s engaging one-on-one with some of Australia’s most respected gardening experts to address challenges in your own garden, discovering new plant varieties (many of which make their debut at the Show), learning innovative gardening techniques or enjoying a culinary experience with a renowned chef like Matt Golinski.”
“Our visitors look forward to spending a wonderful day out with the whole family, and with kids 15 and under entering free, it’s a great way to inspire the next generation of gardeners.
“Last year’s inaugural Rooster Crowing Competition was a huge success, crowning what we believe was Australia’s first-ever rooster crowing champion, which attracted national media attention. This year, we expect the poultry component of the Show to continue its growth, not just with entrants expected from far and wide for the Rooster Crowing Competition but also as backyard poultry continues to grow in popularity.”
Other returning favourites include the Giant Kitchen Garden, where visitors can learn how to create a fully planted sustainable garden at home; the Living Backyard zone offering advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden; and the Cook’s Garden Stage.
“This year we have some exciting announcements to be made in the lead-up to the July event about new chefs joining Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan on stage at the Cook’s Garden Stage, sharing their tips and tricks to transform produce from the garden into culinary masterpieces,” Ms Beazley said.
Since the event started in 1985, the Queensland Garden Show has welcomed nearly 1 million visitors and is estimated to have contributed over $200 million to the Sunshine Coast economy, with more than 65 per cent of attendees travelling from outside the region to attend the event.
The three-day Queensland Garden Expo will be held from Thursday 11 July to Sunday 13 July at the Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour. Entry is free for children aged 15 and under with a giant kids’ playground and free garden activities to keep them entertained.
To find out more and purchase tickets online, please visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au
