The Tondoon Botanic Gardens are home to an impressive species of plants from the Port Curtis Region and Tropical North Queensland. The gardens are set upon an 83 hectare site with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Officially opened in 1988, the gardens provide local residents and visitors with a place of inspiration, recreation and relaxation and is a popular place for picnics, cultural and ceremonial events. Take a stroll around the Japanese Tea Gardens, and the numerous walking tracks throughout the gardens and discover superbly cultivated gardens nestled into Mount Biondello. Lake Tondoon situated in the centre of the gardens once provided the source of Gladstone's water supply until 1945. Today the lake provides a habitat for a variety of freshwater birds. Free guided tours of the gardens are available each week. Picnic areas with electric barbecues, tables and chairs, toilets and kids playground are all available, free of charge. Each year Tondoon Gardens play host to 'Ecofest'. Established in 1998, Ecofest is one of the Nation's biggest environmental awareness events held in June.
