Queensland Garden Show: The Perfect Family Day Out These School Holidays

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Posted 2026-06-23 by Vanessa ⇒ follow

Fri 10 Jul 2026 - Sun 12 Jul 2026

Looking for a colourful, budget-friendly day trip these winter school holidays? The 2026 Queensland Garden Show in Nambour is blooming with ideas, activities and inspiration for the whole family - from tiny tots to seasoned green thumbs.

Running from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 at the Nambour Showgrounds on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, this three-day festival transforms more than seven hectares into a living, breathing garden playground. It's a relaxed, easy weekend escape that mixes fresh air, beautiful plants and hands-on fun for kids and adults alike.

A relaxed school holiday adventure

With free entry for children 15 and under, the Queensland Garden Show is a great value school holiday outing. Families can wander at their own pace, discover new plants, and enjoy a full program of talks and demonstrations without the pressure of rigid schedules.

Gates open from 8am to 4pm daily, making it ideal for:
• A day trip from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast or nearby regions
• A long weekend escape built around the show, with extra time to explore the coast
• A multi-day visit using the affordable two-day and three-day passes

Something for every member of the family

The Queensland Garden Show is designed to be welcoming for all ages and interests.

For kids and teens
• Dedicated children’s activities encourage little ones to dig, plant, create and learn about how things grow.
• A playground on site gives kids space to burn off energy between exploring exhibits.
• The fully planted Giant Kitchen Garden helps young visitors understand where food comes from - from soil to supper.
• Curious kids can bring along mystery plants or problem leaves for the Plant Clinic, where horticultural experts offer free one-on-one advice.

For parents and grandparents
• Stroll through over 360 exhibitors, including 55 major nurseries with an extraordinary 60,000 plants for sale each day.
• Get practical ideas for balconies, courtyards or big backyards with landscape displays and friendly advice from growers.
• Enjoy more than 70 free talks and demonstrations across four live stages, featuring well-known gardening personalities such as Phil Dudman, Better Homes & Gardens' Graham Ross, and ABC Gardening's Sophie Thomson and Jerry Coleby-Williams.
• Learn simple tips for growing herbs, vegies and flowers at home - perfect projects to start with the kids during the school holidays.

Fun touches you won’t see every day
• The Queensland Garden Show is known for its relaxed, community feel and quirky traditions. Popular features like the rooster crowing competition always draw a crowd and give families plenty to smile about and photograph.
• Easy access and family-friendly facilities

The Nambour Showgrounds are set up with families in mind:
• Great accessibility with ground-level exhibits and easy pathways for prams and wheelchairs
• On-site disabled parking and accessible toilet facilities
• Guide dogs welcome
• Parking at just $10 per car

Once inside, you'll find plenty of places to rest, regroup and enjoy snacks or lunch while you plan your next stop on the map.

Make it a weekend escape

Located on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the Queensland Garden Show is the perfect anchor for a short winter getaway:
• Spend a full day at the show, then explore nearby beaches, hinterland walks and local cafes.
• Turn it into a weekend escape with a two-day pass (Saturday and Sunday) or a three-day pass to come and go as you please.
• Combine your visit with other Sunshine Coast attractions for a well-rounded family holiday.

Tickets and pricing
Tickets are available online here or at the gate.

Current ticket prices:
Adult entry - $26.50 online / $29 at the gate
Pensioner concession - $23.50 online / $25 at the gate
Locals entry - $21.20 online / $22.50 at the gate
Children 15 years and under - Free
Groups of 10 or more - $20 each
Two-day weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) - $45
Three-day pass - $65
Parking - $10 per car

Event snapshot
What: Queensland Garden Show - Queensland's biggest gardening event
When: Friday 10 July - Sunday 12 July 2026, 8am–4pm daily
Where: Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour, Sunshine Coast
Who it's for: Families, kids, beginner gardeners, plant lovers and weekend escape-seekers

Whether you're planning a single school holiday day trip or a full weekend away, the 2026 Queensland Garden Show offers a colourful, affordable and inspiring escape for the whole family - and you're guaranteed to come home with fresh ideas, happy memories and maybe a few new plants.

Start planning your visit now, and get ready to grow something new in 2026.
Website: www.qldgardenshow.com.au
Socials: Facebook I Instagram