The iconic Australian backyard might be shrinking, but a new generation of families is proving you don’t need a quarter-acre block to fall in love with plants. From edible balconies to indoor jungles, modern green spaces are taking over—and this winter, the Queensland Garden Show is back to inspire green thumbs of all ages.
Running from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the Nambour Showgrounds, this expansive three-day event is the perfect addition to your winter calendar, offering a breath of fresh air and plenty of outdoor inspiration for the whole family.
Wholesome things to do with kids this July
If you are hunting for engaging things to do with kids that swap screen time for nature play, the Queensland Garden Show has you covered.
This year’s program focuses on hands-on, nature-based experiences designed to encourage children to connect with plants and the great outdoors. While there won’t be amusement rides this year, a dedicated kids’ area will operate throughout the event, packed with interactive activities to spark a lifelong love for gardening with kids.
Best of all? Entry for children aged 15 and under is completely free, making it an affordable and educational day out for the family.
“Gardening today is as much about wellbeing, creativity and sustainability as it is about plants, and Australians are proving you can create your own green sanctuary almost anywhere.”
– Colin Fruk, CEO of Greenlife Industry QLD.
Children with potted plants at the Queensland Garden Show
Small spaces, big edible ideas
With rising living costs and changing lifestyles, the way families view their outdoor spaces is evolving. Recent data shows average lot sizes are shrinking, but our connection to nature is only growing stronger.
Alexander Marques from the family-owned Rumbalara Nursery in the Glass House Mountains notes that busy young families are opting for smaller, highly productive gardens.
“We’ve seen a noticeable shift towards edible gardening, low-maintenance spaces and ornamental plants that bring colour and personality into smaller homes and apartments,” Mr Marques says. “The biggest demand we see right now is for productive plants – vegetable seedlings, potted fruit and veggies, culinary herbs and edible flowers.”
Introducing gardening with kids via small-space potting or a balcony veggie patch is a fantastic way to teach children about food security, healthy eating, and the joy of harvesting their own snacks.
What to expect at the event
Spanning more than seven hectares, the event is designed to appeal to everyone from first-time plant parents to seasoned green thumbs.
- Massive plant marketplace: Explore over 360 exhibitors, including 55 wholesale and retail nurseries offering access to more than 60,000 plants a day.
- Inspiration visualised: Walk through a fully planted kitchen garden to gather ideas for your own backyard or courtyard.
- Expert tips: Enjoy Australia’s largest gardening speaker program across four live stages, featuring favourites like ABC Gardening Australia’s Sophie Thomson and Jerry Coleby-Williams, alongside acclaimed horticulturist Graham Ross AM.
- Food and workshops: Catch hands-on workshops and live cooking demonstrations by some of the region’s most impressive chefs.
Queensland Garden Show fast facts
To help busy parents plan the day, here is everything you need to know at a glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| When | Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 |
| Where | Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Avenue, Nambour |
| Opening Hours | Gates open 8:00am to 4:00pm daily |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair friendly with accessible parking, ground-level exhibits, and disabled toilets. Guide dogs welcome. |
| Parking | $10 per car |
Ticket prices
Purchasing your tickets online ahead of time allows you to skip the queues and save on gate prices:
- Adult entry: $26.50 online ($29 at the gate)
- Sunshine Coast locals entry: $21.20 online ($22.50 at the gate)
- Children (15 and under): Free
- Two-day weekend pass: $45
- Three-day pass: $65
For more information or to book your family passes, visit www.qldgardenshow.com.au.
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