Maleny Botanic Gardens: Bird Aviary Entry & Glass House Views

Summary

Meet rare birds up close in Maleny’s gardens with mountain views

You’ll wander Maleny’s lush botanic gardens, meet over 700 friendly birds in walk-through aviaries (yes, they might land on you), picnic with sweeping Glass House Mountain views, and find quirky spots like fairy tale gardens or a giant chair. With entry included plus a local guide leading interactive tours, it’s a day that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Watch your head, they love hats,” our guide grinned as a rainbow lorikeet eyed my cap. I’d barely stepped into the first aviary at Maleny Botanic Gardens when a cockatoo landed on my shoulder—warm claws, surprisingly gentle. The air was thick with bird chatter and eucalyptus, and honestly, I didn’t expect to laugh so much. Kids nearby squealed when a macaw tried to untie someone’s shoelace. Our guide, Sam, knew every bird by name (or at least pretended to), telling us which ones liked sunflower seeds and which ones might try to steal your camera.

The walk through the gardens felt like wandering through someone’s wild dream—paths looping past little waterfalls and lakes, everything green and humming with insects. I kept stopping just to look out at the Glass House Mountains in the distance; the light was soft and kind of golden that day. We found a shady gazebo for lunch (I packed sandwiches but saw others with full-on picnics) and watched dragonflies skimming the water. There were families everywhere but also older couples and even a few solo travelers just sitting quietly under trees.

I wandered off for a bit—there’s this giant chair that makes you feel like you’ve shrunk, and some kids were playing pirates on an old fishing trawler nearby. It started to drizzle lightly, just enough to bring out that earthy smell from the paths. I ducked into one of the fairy tale gardens by accident and ended up following some toddlers pretending to be woodland creatures (they took it very seriously). The whole place is wheelchair friendly too; saw a few folks rolling along the smoother trails.

By the time we left, my phone was full of photos—mostly blurry birds or me grinning like an idiot with parrots on my arms. I still think about that view over the mountains from the treehouse platform. If you’re anywhere near Maleny or planning a day trip from Brisbane, this bird aviary experience is worth it just for how unexpectedly fun—and oddly peaceful—it all feels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Maleny Botanic Gardens and Aviaries

• Meet over 700 native and exotic birds
• Join daily interactive guided bird tours
• Enjoy picnic with Glasshouse Mountains view
• Stroll six kilometres of garden pathways
• Explore fairy tale garden and treehouse

Top questions

How many birds are in the Maleny Botanic Gardens aviaries?

There are over 700 native and exotic birds in four walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens.

Is entry to both the gardens and bird aviary included?

Yes, your ticket includes access to both the botanic gardens and the bird aviary experience.

Are guided tours part of the bird aviary experience?

Yes, daily interactive guided tours are included with your entry ticket.

Is Maleny Botanic Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the gardens are wheelchair accessible throughout most areas.

Can children use strollers or prams inside?

Infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during their visit.

Are there picnic areas available in the gardens?

Yes, there are over 18 gazebos with beautiful views perfect for picnics.

How far is Maleny Botanic Gardens from Brisbane?

The gardens are about an hour’s drive from Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Are service animals allowed at Maleny Botanic Gardens?

Yes, service animals are allowed on site.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes for both the botanic gardens and bird aviary experience, free photo opportunities with birds (they really do pose), complimentary wifi throughout the grounds, plus access to gazebos for picnics—guided tours run daily so you won’t miss any feathered personalities along the way.