The Queensland Garden Show returns to the Sunshine Coast from 11–13 July, with a renewed focus on cultivating the next generation of gardeners through hands-on education, sustainable living and showcasing a return of the Rooster Crowing Competition.
This year’s show aims to helping families reconnect with where food comes from.
Through interactive, family-friendly activities, children will discover the journey from seed to plate, encouraging healthy eating habits and a lifelong appreciation for nature.
One of the many features of Queensland’s largest gardening event is the vibrant ‘Kids Garden Patch’, where children can get their hands dirty with seed planting, garden crafts, and sustainable gardening workshops. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and help grow future gardeners.
Mum of three and show speaker Racheal Pascoe, said it is important to cultivate a sense of seed to plate from a young age.
“In our world of instant gratification, it is nature that teaches us to slow down and appreciate the seasons,” Mrs Pascoe said.
“We must wait for the seed to emerge from the soil, keep it watered and free from pests, this is so imperative for kids to learn.
“When children eat vegetables they’ve grown themselves, they become more invested in gardening. Healthy eating then follows naturally.
“My kids often snacked straight from the garden, and I didn’t mind because at least they were eating something nutritious, like raw snow peas. Supporting healthy habits in kids is so important, and gardening teaches this.”
Event manager Marion Beazley said with over 360 exhibitors and 55 nurseries offering 60,000 plants for sale daily, the Queensland Garden Show is a must for these budding gardeners as well as the absolute plant enthusiasts and everyone in between.
“On the first day, we always see the real green thumbs arriving early to snap up new plant releases and rare finds on offer at the Show,” Ms Beazley said.
“But there’s so much more than just plants – visitors can explore dozens of exhibitors showcasing garden products, large machinery, and even a variety of lifestyle and homewares displays.
“We also have the convenience of the plant cloakroom service, allowing visitors to check in the plants they have bought for a gold coin donation, making plant shopping and browsing the Show easy and enjoyable.”
Ms Beazley said one of the show’s most unique attractions – the Rooster Crowing Competition – also returns this year, continuing its legacy as what is believed to be Australia’s very first contest of its kind.
“Held daily at 1pm on the Banksia Stage, this event invites participants of all ages to channel their inner rooster to win!” Ms Beazley said.
“Each day, four champions will be crowned: an adult grand champion and runner-up, as well as kids grand champion and runner-up, with prizes to be won. This competition was such a success last year and provided great entertainment for our visitors.”
The Rooster Crowing Competition forms part of the Show’s Poultry Spectacular, recently introduced because of the increased popularity of keeping chickens in Australian backyards. It is estimated that 416,000 households in Australia now keep at least one chicken – a figure that significantly grew during and after the COVID‑19 pandemic, as people sought food security, self-sufficiency, and connection to food origins.
Sustainability is further woven throughout the Queensland Garden Show, with zones like the Giant Kitchen Garden and Living Backyard offering expert advice on growing your own, composting, and wildlife-friendly practices.
Another highlight is the Coffee Cup Refill Station: purchase your favourite coffee, and instead of a refill, receive potting mix and a plant to take home – transforming a single-use cup into a living keepsake.
To find out more about the Queensland Garden Show and purchase tickets online, visit qldgardenshow.com.au
