Rockhampton's Kershaw Gardens were officially opened in September 1988 as part of a project celebrating the Australian Bicentenary. Initial development of the gardens commenced in 1976, on an old land fill reclamation area. Today, the Gardens represent a natural Australian bush environment, in contrast to the more formal style of traditional Botanic Gardens. These magnificent gardens stretch for 1km along the Bruce Highway and provide an attractive, peaceful setting within the heart of Rockhampton.
The Scented Garden
This garden was built to represent a floral diagram of a Lily flower and harbours the distinctive scents of lavender, culinary herbs, scented geraniums and annuals. The surrounding gardens also encourage you to indulge your senses in the luxurious fragrances of Yesterday Today Tomorrow, Tea Tree oil bush, Lemon Myrtle and Murraya.
Playground and Picnic Facilities
Barbeques are positioned near or adjacent to the Charles and High Street carparks. Additional barbeques are provided near the Dowling St playground area, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds while the kids build up an appetite playing on the swings and taking rides on the monorail.
A new playground has been installed off the carpark at the Bruce Highway / Knight St entrance to the gardens.
The Rainforest
This relaxing walk offers the opportunity for visitors to view some of the region's spectacular flora, in a unique Australian bush setting. The rainforest walk is also home to the Golden Orb Weaver, the largest orb weaving spider in the world. This graceful spider is known for it's ability to spin the most intricate and perfectly symmetrical web.
The Waterfall
The waterfall and rock escarpment dominating the landscape on the highway, were inspired by the unique natural features of Carnarvon Gorge and Blackdown Tablelands located inland from Rockhampton. This area provides the perfect place to sit, relax and soak up the wonderful Central Queensland sun.
Slab Hut
Many pleasures of the Australian bush are on display inside the Slab Hut. Made from local timber, the hut is reflective of early pioneering housing within Rockhampton. A pictorial seasonal calendar of flowers and fruits from within the Gardens is displayed together with native flower arrangements and craft. The Slab Hut is a must see during your visit to Kershaw Gardens.
Colonial Style Architecture
The picnic shelters and amenity blocks within the Gardens have been designed to reflect the pioneering style of 1876, when the region was first settled. These buildings feature Australian timber, sandstone walls and slate floors. The extended verandas reflect Rockhampton architecture in its settlement era.
Photos by Peter Lik and CQPR Media.