Nature-based wellbeing · Sunshine Coast
Nature Therapy at Fairhill
Slow down under the trees. Shaded garden paths, rainforest, birdsong and gentle farmyard animals, all at your own pace.
- Open daily 8am-4pm
- Free entry to the Gardens Café, Country Store and Nursery
- Ninderry, 5 minutes from Yandina
Some days call for nothing more than time outside: the sound of birds, the shade of old trees, the smell of the garden after rain, and nowhere in particular to be.
That is what nature therapy means to us. Fairhill is a botanic garden, nursery, farmyard and café in Ninderry, on the slopes of Mount Ninderry, 5 minutes from Yandina. There are shaded paths, rainforest pockets and big lawns to slow down in, and a quiet seat is never far away.
Who comes for a slower day
- Anyone in need of a quieter, slower few hours outdoors
- Carers and the people they care for
- Seniors and retirement village outings
- Workplace and team days out
- Community, social and support groups
- Families who like a gentler pace
Places to slow down
The Botanic Gardens
Gardens growing here since 1975, with natives collected from all over Australia. Shaded paths, big lawns and rest seating along the way.
The Rainforest
A gentle, shaded loop beneath a dense canopy of native trees, past ferns, palms and epiphytes, with a creek running through and birdsong all around.
Turtle Lake
Sit by the water a while. Feed the friendly ducks, and keep an eye out for turtles and water dragons sunbathing on warm stones.
The Forest Fairy Tale Trail
A self-guided walk of fairy legends, Dreamtime little people and stories from around the world, taken at your own pace.
The Nursery
Over 3,000 species of native plants in stock, with people on hand to help you choose. Entry is free.
The Gardens Café
Open from 8am every day, with last orders at 2pm, and entry is free. A good place to sit, sip and watch the garden.
Ideas for a slow visit
- Arrive early, when the rainforest is cool and the birdsong is at its best
- Take a slow walk along the shaded paths and stop wherever the light falls nicely
- Find a seat by Turtle Lake and watch the water for a while
- Bring a journal or sketchbook and settle into a quiet corner
- Walk the grown up mini goats down to Turtle Lake on the 11.30am Promenade
- Order a picnic from the Gardens Café and enjoy it in the picnic areas
- Browse the Nursery and take a little of the garden home with you
We ask that no outside food or drink comes into Fairhill, so picnics come from the Gardens Café.
Time with gentle animals
There is a simple pleasure in brushing a soft little goat. With a Day Pass or Membership, come to Cuddle & Brush with the baby mini goats in the Kids' Barn at 8.30am, 12.30pm and 3pm.
At 11.30am, help walk the grown up mini goats on their daily Promenade down to Turtle Lake, then stay a while by the water.
A note on what we offer
Fairhill is a calm place to spend time in nature, not a health service. We do not provide therapy and we are not a registered NDIS provider. Our goats are friendly farmyard animals, not therapy animals. Assistance animals are welcome throughout the gardens.
Nature therapy questions
Is this a therapy service?
No. Nature therapy at Fairhill means unhurried time in nature: walking the gardens, sitting by Turtle Lake, listening to the birds and spending time with the farmyard animals. Fairhill does not provide therapy, we are not a registered NDIS provider, and our goats are farmyard animals rather than therapy or emotional support animals. Assistance animals are welcome throughout the gardens.
When is the quietest time to visit?
Weekday mornings are usually quieter. Early morning is also the best time for birdsong and cooler temperatures under the rainforest canopy.
Do I need a ticket?
Entry to the Gardens Café, the Country Store and the Nursery is always free. The botanic gardens, Turtle Lake, the Forest Fairy Tale Trail and the farmyard sessions are on a Day Pass or Membership. Adults come in free with a child who has a Day Pass or Membership, otherwise grab an Adult Day Pass. Support Workers and Carers with ID/Companion Card come in free.
Can we come as a group or a workplace?
Yes. Groups of 10 or more can enquire through the form on our Group Bookings page, or call 07 5343 7906. Community and care groups will find more on our Community & Care Groups page.
Come and slow down
Open daily 8am-4pm in Ninderry, 5 minutes from Yandina. Come on your own, with a friend, or bring your group.