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Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World Visual Story

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Arrival at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World

Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World on Stanley River Road spans nearly 23 acres of gardens and rainforests. There are three carparks; Parking 1 is recommended for the easiest access. From P1, a concrete and bitumen path leads to the entrance, where outward-opening glass doors are set on a slight incline. Golf buggies are available for rent at the entrance—just inquire at reception.

To the right, a timber ramp with handrails provides access to the amenities: accessible unisex toilets with grab rails, male and female toilets, and a baby-changing facility, caution as the ramp may be slippery. To the right, a path leads to 'Feathered Friends,' where birds on structures sing and mimic sounds.

A timber ramp with handrails leads to a low-set building surrounded by trees and gardens on the left. Two wooden benches sit on the concrete driveway. To the right, a paved driveway extends to a parking area with a few golf buggies and vehicles. The backdrop displays a dense forest of trees, with visible signages.
A spacious concrete driveway and parking area with rows of golf buggies neatly parked. Each parking slot has a signage displaying numbers corresponding to each position in front of the buggies. To the right, trees border the area alongside additional signages. More buggies are parked to the left, with a parking area for vehicles visible behind them. The background features dense trees and greenery.
A concrete driveway splits, with one path leading down a slope and the other going straight to a parking area where several vehicles are parked. Signages are positioned along the road. The rooftop of a building is partially visible. On the left, a section of a building with a green corrugated front can be seen. The area is surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Trees rustling
  2. Birds
  3. Vehicles & buggies sound
  4. Banging & clanging (ramp to buggies)
  5. Footsteps on timber ramp
Smell

Smells

  1. Trees & garden
  2. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  3. Fresh air
  4. External weather conditions
  5. Rainforest
Touch

Feel

  1. Nature
  2. Tranquil
  3. Excitement & anticipation
  4. External weather conditions
  5. Change in floor surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. Trees & gardens
  2. Golf buggies
  3. Vehicles parked
  4. Low set building
  5. Plants

Entrance, Retail & Café

From the car park, follow the concrete and bitumen pathways to the low-set building housing the reception and café, accessed through a manual glass door, left open during operational hours. Directly ahead is the reception desk for ticket purchases and golf buggy bookings.

To the right, fridges stock drinks and ice creams next to a small café serving cakes, sandwiches, coffee, and snacks. On the left, a retail area offers clothing, souvenirs, and local arts, crafts, and gourmet sauces.

Outside, picnic tables are set under shaded structures, reachable by small steps with handrails or a concrete path, providing a relaxing spot for visitors to enjoy snacks amidst lush greenery.

A low-set building with a corrugated front and closed window, its door open to reveal retail products on display. In the middle, a display rack holds plants for sale, accompanied by a sign. To the left, two golf buggies are parked under the shade of trees. The ground is covered with gravel, transitioning to concrete on the right. Signages are visible in the background.
A low-set building with a corrugated front and a closed window. Queue bollards are arranged in front of it. The building's door is open, revealing retail products on display inside. A sign reading "Buggy Hire" is affixed to the wall. A non-slip mat is placed before the doorstep. To the left, there is a display rack holding plants for sale. The ground is covered with gravel, transitioning to concrete on the right.
Retail items including local arts, crafts, and gourmet sauces are arranged on display racks against the walls and in the middle of a room with dark timber flooring and white brick walls. The ceiling is white, featuring a ceiling fan and recessed lighting. To the right, a door opens inward, equipped with a non-slip mat. Outside, golf buggies and dense greenery are visible.
Retail items including local arts, crafts, and gourmet sauces are displayed on racks against the walls and in the centre of a room with dark timber flooring and white brick walls. A reception table is near the entrance, backed by a glass window offering a view outside. A chair sits near the right wall. The white ceiling features a ceiling fan and recessed lighting. To the right, an inward-opening door is equipped with a non-slip mat. Outside, golf buggies and dense greenery are visible.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Café sounds
  2. Vehicle & buggy sounds
  3. Birds chirping
  4. People talking
  5. Beeping & buzzing
Smell

Smells

  1. Trees & garden
  2. Flowers
  3. External weather conditions
  4. Coffee aroma
  5. Retail scent
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. Changing floor surfaces
  3. Change in temperature
  4. Close proximity to others (when busy)
Sight

Sight

  1. Timber floors
  2. Mid level lighting
  3. People queueing
  4. People eating & sitting
  5. Lush trees & garden

Accessible Golf Buggies

Due to steep terrain, it is advisable to use buggies, available on a first-come, first-served basis. The fleet includes 20 buggies, with two accessible options featuring a forward-facing ramp and a maximum weight capacity of 400kg. Visitors should enquire before their visit to confirm the availability of the accessible golf buggies.

Upon arrival, please check in at reception for procedures; a map and additional information will be provided. Visitors must sign a waiver and attend a short demonstration before use.

On the left, there are several golf carts parked under the shade of tall trees. In the middle, there is a concrete pathway leading to a building with a wooden facade. The building has a sign listing reception, tickets, café, and gift shop. On the right, there is a golf cart parked near the entrance of the building. The floor is concrete, and the building has a grey roof with a slight overhang. The background features dense greenery and more trees.
On the left, there are several golf carts parked under a shaded area. In the middle, there is a building with a grey roof featuring solar panels, a wooden facade, and a sign listing reception, tickets, café, and gift shop. A golf cart with a ramp is parked in front of the building. On the right, there is a covered walkway with a wooden post and more greenery. The floor is concrete, the background includes trees and plants.
On the left, there is a sign that reads "Plants for Sale" next to a shaded area with plants. In the middle, there is a building with a grey roof featuring solar panels, a wooden facade, and siganges. A golf cart with a ramp is parked in front of the building. On the right, there is a covered walkway with a wooden post and bollards. The floor is concrete, and the ceiling of the shaded area and walkway is wooden. The background includes trees and plants.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping
  2. Trees rustling
  3. Vehicle & buggy sounds
  4. Clanking, clanging (ramp to buggies)
  5. External weather conditions
Smell

Smells

  1. Trees & garden
  2. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  3. Leather seats (buggies)
  4. External weather conditions
  5. Fresh air
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. Anxiety
  3. Close proximity to others
  4. Bumpy ride
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Golf buggies
  2. Trees & garden
  3. Ramp
  4. Signages
  5. People boarding buggies

Bird World

To explore Bird World, first pick up ticket at reception, then turn right and carefully descend the steep concrete and bitumen path. Complimentary buggy transfers are available to and from Bird World.

Safety briefings are available on TV and seating is provided while waiting. During the briefing, heed important safety reminders such as removing jewellery and caps to avoid birds pinching those. 

Feather dusters are available at Bird World to gently shoo birds if needed. The tour is staff-led, and they manage all door access guiding visitors from one aviary to another. Should you wish to leave the tour early,, please inform the staff and you'll be guided to your exit.

On the left, there is a green door with a sign and a small window. In the middle, there is a green corrugated metal counter with a sign listing prices and information, and a hanging light above. The background features large windows displaying plants and a sign reading "Parrot-dise." On the right, there is a green gate with a sign and a bench with a potted plant beside it.The floor is gravel, and the ceiling is corrugated metal with transparent sections. allowing light through.
On the left, there are several wooden benches placed against a green corrugated metal wall with large mesh windows above, allowing views of plants and a hillside. On the right, more benches are positioned similarly, with potted plants nearby. In the middle, the ground is covered with gravel. The background includes a mesh enclosure with plants and a hillside. The ceiling consists of a corrugated metal roof supported by metal beams.
On the left, there are tall plants and a stone wall with greenery at the base. On the right, there are more tall plants and a gravel area. In the middle, there is a large mesh enclosure with a corrugated metal roof and green metal beams. The background includes the interior of the enclosure with metal walls and a concrete floor. The ceiling is made of corrugated metal supported by metal beams.
On the left, there are tall ferns, a small corrugated metal shelter, and a stone wall with plants at its base. On the right, there are various tall plants and shrubs growing along a metal wall. In the middle, a gravel path leads to a doorway at the far end. The background includes the interior of the enclosure with metal walls and a doorway. The ceiling is made of corrugated metal supported by green metal beams, with mesh panels and the floor is covered with gravel.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Banging & clanging of gates
  2. Birds chirping
  3. Birds squawking
  4. Planes flying overhead (occasional)
  5. Instructions from staff
Smell

Smells

  1. Birds smell
  2. Birds poo (mild)
  3. Fresh air
  4. Urine smell
  5. Dampness
Touch

Feel

  1. Fear of birds
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Nervousness
  4. Anxiety
  5. Enclosure
Sight

Sight

  1. Birds & Parrots
  2. Informative signs
  3. Sheds, structures & gates
  4. Birds landing on visitors
  5. Gravel

Ducks & Friends

At Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, the 'Ducks & Friends' enclosure can be accessed from the gravel roadway. Head towards the large metal fence marked by the 'Ducks & Friends' sign, then push open the gate. Inside, a gravel pathway meanders through lush trees and gardens, providing views of ducks and birds playing and resting on the water.

The path, which has a slight incline, leads to the exit where visitors must push the gate outward to leave. Caution is advised as the ground may become uneven and slippery after rain. Visitors are reminded not to throw stones at the ducks or into the water, and children must be accompanied by an adult to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all.

On the left, there is a chain-link fence with a sign that reads "Ducks & Friends" and features images of ducks. In the middle, there is a gate with a "PUSH" sign and a gravel path leading through it. On the right, there is more chain-link fencing and dense foliage, including tall trees and large leafy plants. The background includes additional trees and greenery. The floor is covered with gravel.
On the left, there are dense trees and bushes with a gravel path curving around them. In the middle, the gravel path splits into two, with one path continuing straight and the other curving to the right. On the right, there are more trees and large leafy plants lining the gravel path. The background includes additional trees and greenery. The floor is covered with gravel.
On the left, there are tall trees with dense foliage and a variety of green plants at the base. In the middle, there is a pond with clear water, surrounded by reeds and grasses. On the right, there are more trees with dense foliage and additional green plants at the base. The background includes more trees and a glimpse of a pathway on the far side of the pond. The floor is covered with green plants and the ceiling is formed by the tree canopy.
On the left, there are tall trees with dense foliage and a gravel path running alongside them. In the middle, there is a large pond surrounded by reeds and grasses, with a few water lilies floating on the surface. On the right, there is a green gazebo with a green corrugated roof, surrounded by bushes and small plants. The background includes more trees and greenery. The floor is covered with gravel and grass
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Ducks quacking
  2. Birds chirping
  3. Water splashing
  4. Gravel crunching underfoot
  5. Banging gates
Smell

Smells

  1. Duck poo
  2. Water
  3. Bird poo
  4. Trees & gardens
  5. Fresh air
Touch

Feel

  1. Elevated heart rate (walking)
  2. Uneven floor surface
  3. Excitement
  4. Playful
  5. In awe of animals
Sight

Sight

  1. Ducks & birds
  2. Ponds & water
  3. Trees & gardens
  4. Children running & playing
  5. Gravel pathways

Farm Friends

From the main gate, proceed down the roadway or by buggy into a shed housing rabbits and guinea pigs. Pass through another gate, sanitize hands, then continue through a further gate into an open area. To the right, tables and chairs are set up where visitors can relax.

Around, chickens, goats, calves, and donkeys can be seen lazing in the sun or resting under trees. Be mindful of the goats, as they may nibble on bags or loose items. Visitors can exit using the same gate they came in, retracing steps back through the gates.

On the left, there is a black chain-link fence with banana trees and a green-roofed structure partially visible behind the fence. In the middle, there is a wide dirt path that extends into the distance, flanked by trees and bushes. On the right, there are tall ferns and a small pond with reflections of the surrounding greenery. The background includes more trees and dense foliage.
On the left, there is a chain-link fence with a gate and a paved path leading to an enclosed area with a red umbrella and a white structure. In the middle, there is a large sign that reads "Farm Friends" with images of various animals, mounted on a building with a corrugated metal exterior. On the right, there are trees and bushes with a small paved area in front.
On the left, there are several horse stalls with white crossbuck doors and a wooden fence in front. In the middle, two small horses stand on a dirt and grass-covered ground, facing each other. On the right, there are more trees with dense foliage and a small structure partially visible behind the trees. The background includes additional trees and greenery. The floor is a mix of dirt and grass, and the ceiling is formed by the tree canopy.
On the left, there is a small shed with a corrugated metal roof and walls, partially shaded by trees. In the middle, there are three horse stalls with white crossbuck doors and a wooden fence in front. On the right, there are tall trees with thick trunks and leafy branches, some of which extend over the stalls. The background includes more trees and greenery.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Animal sounds
  2. Children laughing
  3. Staff explaining about animals
  4. Clanging of gates
  5. Footsteps on gravel
Smell

Smells

  1. Animal food
  2. Animal poo & urine
  3. Fresh air
  4. External weather conditions
  5. Sanitisers
Touch

Feel

  1. Breeze weather
  2. Touching animals
  3. Exhilaration
  4. External weather conditions
  5. Excitement
Sight

Sight

  1. Farm animals
  2. Trees & shade
  3. Animals resting & eating
  4. Tables & chairs
  5. People on tour

Ancient Rock Formations & Gardens

The giant, ancient basalt rock formations and waterfalls can be accessed using golf buggies or by foot. Take the gravel, sloped path to the densely wooded areas with tall trees and thick foliage. Directly ahead is the entrance to the viewing platform for the waterfall and Rock Formation #1. The path continues, accompanied by a metal railing on its edge, navigating through the heavily wooded landscape, which showcases a diverse mix of tree species.

From the gravel pathway, take a left and follow the concrete driveway and directional signs to Rock Formations #2 and #3. There is buggy parking available adjacent to Rock Formation #3. The area may become slippery in the forest after rain - visitors are advised to take caution.

On the left, there is a dirt path leading into a dense forest with various trees and a signboard displaying information. In the middle, there is a concrete path with metal railings on both sides, ascending a hill surrounded by tall trees and greenery. On the right, there is more dense foliage and a large rock near the edge of the path. The floor consists of dirt and concrete, and the ceiling is formed by the canopy of trees overhead.
On the left, there is a metal railing along a gravel path that curves into a wooded area. In the middle, the gravel path continues into a dense forest with various trees and underbrush. On the right, there is another metal railing and a sign with an arrow pointing right, labelled "Rainforest Walk" and "Exit." The floor is covered in gravel, and the background is filled with tall trees and thick foliage.
On the left, there is a gravel path with a metal railing leading into a forested area with tall trees and dense foliage. In the middle, there is a large tree with exposed roots and a signboard in front of it, surrounded by various plants. On the right, there is another gravel path with a signboard and more dense vegetation. The floor is covered in gravel, and the ceiling is formed by the canopy of trees overhead.
On the left, there is a gravel path with a metal railing leading into a forested area with tall trees and dense foliage. In the middle, there is a large tree with exposed roots and ferns growing around its base, surrounded by various plants. On the right, there is another gravel path with a signboard and more dense vegetation. The floor is covered in gravel, and the ceiling is formed by the canopy of trees overhead.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Water running & splashing
  2. Planes passing overhead
  3. Trees rustling
  4. Silence
  5. Birds chirping
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Damp or humidity (seasonal)
  3. Water
  4. Mud (when raining)
  5. Trees
Touch

Feel

  1. Changing floor surfaces
  2. Slippery floor on timber walkways
  3. External weather conditions
  4. Humidity (seasonal)
  5. Excitement
Sight

Sight

  1. Water
  2. Pools & ponds
  3. Steep pathways
  4. Directional signages
  5. Large trees

Amenities

At Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, the amenities are situated in front of the reception building, accessible via a timber ramp with handrails. Take extra care as the ramp may be slippery when wet. Facilities include a unisex bathroom with baby changing provisions, separate male and female bathrooms, and an additional accessible unisex bathroom outfitted with grab rails for ease of use.

On the left, there is a white sink with a soap dispenser and a paper towel dispenser mounted on the wall above it. In the middle, there is a white toilet with a blue seat cover, a grab bar on the wall behind it, and a toilet paper dispenser to the side. On the right, there is a white waste bin and another grab bar on the wall. The floor is covered with grey tiles, and the ceiling is smooth and white with a recessed light.
On the left, there is a baby changing station mounted on the wall and a white waste bin next to it. In the middle, there is a white toilet with a blue seat cover, a grab bar on the wall behind it, and a toilet paper dispenser to the side. On the right, there is a white sink with a soap dispenser and a paper towel dispenser mounted on the wall above it. The floor is covered with brown tiles, and the ceiling is smooth and white with a recessed light. There is a high window on the back wall.
On the left, there is a large plant with broad leaves next to a wooden railing. In the middle, there are two dark grey metal structures with corrugated walls and open doorways, leading to interior spaces with light-coloured walls and tiled floors. On the right, there is another section of the dark grey metal structure with a small window. The floor is made of wooden planks, and the ceiling is a corrugated metal roof supported by wooden beams.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Bathroom sounds
  2. Footsteps on ramp
  3. Water pouring
  4. People talking
  5. Birds chirping
Smell

Smells

  1. Bathroom odours (maybe noticeable)
  2. Plants & garden
  3. Soap & toiletries
  4. Fresh air
  5. Musty smell (ramp)
Touch

Feel

  1. Relief (after using the bathroom)
  2. Anxiety (when the bathroom is busy)
  3. Changing floor surfaces
  4. Slippery floors
  5. Cautious (when using the ramp)
Sight

Sight

  1. Male and female toilets
  2. Timber ramp
  3. Plants & garden
  4. People queueing (when busy)
  5. Non slippery mats
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Thank You

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