Located on the southern bank of the Burnett River, Queens Park is a heritage-listed reserve cherished for its natural beauty and historical significance.
Spanning 19 hectares, the park features remnant rainforest vegetation, mangroves along O’Connell Creek, and a variety of native flora identified through informative signage.
Bordering the Bundaberg Hospital to the southeast, Garden and Hope Streets to the southwest, and farmland to the west, Queens Park is easily accessible via sealed roads and pathways.
According to Bundaberg Regional Council’s Register of Local Heritage Places, the history of Queens Park dates back to the late 1870s or 1880 when a reserve was established for the creation of botanic gardens.
By 1885, a Botanic Gardens Trust was formed, and the site was fenced and gated.
Efforts to transform the area included the creation of pathways to achieve a “park-like” ambiance.
In the same year, a caretaker was appointed, and by 1887, a head gardener’s lodge and a dam for irrigation were constructed.
The head gardener, Mr. Murchie, was recommended by the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, demonstrating the trustees’ dedication to the project.
Initially supported by a government stipend, the Trust faced challenges when funding was withdrawn in 1894.
The Bundaberg Council took over management, prioritising the restoration of the neglected gardens.
Overgrown paths were cleared, grass was maintained, and garden beds were revitalized.
By 1895, the gardens reopened to public acclaim, with the press describing them as “a glimpse of old times come again.”
Improvements included replacing rudimentary bridges with sturdy hardwood structures, enhancing the park’s appeal.
Today, the park remains a living reminder of Bundaberg’s heritage, offering a tranquil retreat for residents and visitors alike.
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