Celebrate 150 years of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Published on 10 January 2020
Come along to a picnic in the park on Saturday 18 January and celebrate 150 years of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens!
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the day, which kicks off at 3pm, will be filled with music, games, and fun activities.
“We are incredibly lucky to be home to the wonderful heritage-listed Rockhampton Botanic Gardens,” said Mayor Strelow.
“This place has always held a special place in our community.
“The Botanic Gardens today are not just a stunning backdrop for family picnics, walks, and celebrations, they also provide an insight into the history of our Region.
“For example, our stunning Banyan Fig Trees that have long awed visitors were planted by our first curator, James Scott Edgar.
“The impressive Cenotaph, built in November 1924 under our second curator, still stands in memory of those who served during the First World War.
“If you wander along the southern end of Murray Lagoon, it’s hard to imagine the 10 acres that was once allocated to growing food during World War II in order to meet local food shortages.
“And, of course, the Japanese Gardens established in 1982 are a great reminder of the long-standing relationship we have with our Japanese sister-city, Ibusuki.
“Walking around the gardens today, it’s possible to picture the families and friends that would have come here over the years to enjoy the botanical collections, play a game, go for a walk, and enjoy each other’s company - just as we do now.
“The lovely, family-oriented day we have planned for the 18th is set to be the perfect way to celebrate 150 years of our beautiful Gardens.”
The 150th anniversary celebrations officially kick off at 3pm, Saturday 18 January, at the Botanic Gardens. Some of the activities planned include:
- The unveiling of a plaque marking the anniversary at 3.30pm.
- Family friendly games and activities from 4pm, including quoits, hopscotch, hula hoops and even a maypole. There’ll also be some nature craft activities, egg and spoon races, sack races, and 3 legged races.
- Picnic food, such as scones, pikelets, and lamingtons, will be laid out for everyone to enjoy from 4pm. The Tea Rooms will also be open throughout the event for those who would like to pick up something extra.
- A special Chimp Talk at the Rockhampton Zoo will take place at 4pm.
- At 6pm the always popular Maggie Moo will be holding an unmissable Picnic Moosical Adventure.
- At 7.15pm there’ll be a screening of Peter Rabbit.
- At times throughout the event we’ll hear music from CQ Pipes and Drums as well as the Capricornia Silver Band.
- Event goers can also take a carriage ride back in time with Kenny the Clydesdale, and the fantastic volunteers at Friends of the Gardens will be generously sharing their wealth of knowledge about the history of the gardens.
For further event details and to keep up to date head over to the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1190659774437973