Fairhill News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Sunshine Coast, Australia, 13 June 2026

Historic Sunshine Coast festival continues a tradition begun in 1976.

This Winter Solstice Weekend, Fairhill will celebrate a remarkable milestone — 50 years since the first Winter Solstice festivities were held at the Ninderry property in 1976.

The World Environment Winter Solstice Festival returns on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2026, bringing together families, gardeners, nature lovers and community members for two days of nature, animals, food, creativity and seasonal celebration. Fairhill also holds a special place in Sunshine Coast environmental history, having hosted the region's earliest World Environment Day celebrations — establishing a tradition of environmental awareness and community connection that continues today.

Fairhill co-creator Alex Hansa, now aged 94, will share the story of Fairhill and the early days on the Sunshine Coast during a special presentation at 11am each day. A prominent figure in Australian horticulture, Alex established the renowned property in 1975 alongside his late wife, Barbara Hansa, creating one of the Sunshine Coast's premier botanical destinations. The Hansa family's legacy is deeply woven into the environmental and cultural fabric of Queensland, and Alex continues to impart his extensive wisdom on native flora and bush foods. Established in 1975, Fairhill was a pioneering nursery dedicated to Australian native plants, and has since grown into a living collection showcasing sub-tropical, arid and wetland flora.

"For fifty years, local people have gathered to celebrate the winter solstice and reconnect with nature," said Fairhill CEO Angela Wright MBE. "Today those values are even more important. This festival is about community, stewardship, learning, fun and hope for the future."

Under the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Our Future.", this year's festival celebrates both the changing season and the enduring relationship between people and the natural world. Visitors can enjoy guided farm tours, baby chick cuddles, egg collecting expeditions, guinea pig teatime treats, mini goat promenades, treasure quests, fairy trails, artisan makers, plant matchmaking, lantern making workshops and a community lantern parade culminating in a winter bonfire.

Festival highlights include:

• Huge Winter Plant Clearance with nursery bargains and planting inspiration • Meet the Makers featuring local artists and artisans, including Jenny Moodie of Jenny Moodie Design • Fairhill Plant Matchmaking and 'Speed Dating for Shrubs' • Guided Farm Tours with the Fairhill Rangers • Baby Chick Cuddles and Egg Collecting Expeditions • Guinea Pig Teatime Treats • Mini Goat Promenade to Turtle Lake • Fairy Wand and Wizard Staff Craft Sessions • S'mores around the Figtree Firepit • Lantern Making Workshops, Parade and Bonfire • Fairy Tales Under the Tree of Forgetfulness

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy seasonal Sunshine Coast winter menus prepared by Fairhill's chefs, explore Queensland's original native botanic gardens and nursery, and discover practical ideas for regenerative living, gardening and environmental stewardship.

Event Details

World Environment Winter Solstice Festival Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June 2026, 8am–4pm daily Fairhill Native Botanic Gardens, Nursery & Café, Ninderry, Sunshine Coast fairhill.com.au

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For further information, interviews or images: Fairhill Media — Angela Wright MBE, CEO, 0411 827 702, hello@fairhill.com.au, fairhill.com.au

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Sunshine Coast, QLD

By popular demand, Fairhill Adventure Gardens has extended this year's Mother's Day celebrations from a single day to a full long weekend, opening tables from Friday 8 May through to Monday 11 May 2026.

The Gardens Café will serve special breakfast, brunch, lunch and picnic menus across all four days, with the team's chefs, pastry cook and baristas drawing on local, seasonal and bushtucker flavours. As always, no seed oils, no margarine — fresh, natural ingredients prepared in-house.

"Mother's Day at Fairhill has grown every year, and last year we were genuinely full from breakfast through last orders," says Angela Wright MBE, CEO of Fairhill Gardens. "Spreading it across the full weekend gives more families a chance to spoil mum without the squeeze. And honestly — every mum deserves more than a single Sunday."

Bookings include free entry to the gardens — meaning families can wander the rainforest, meet the farmyard family on a daily Ranger-led adventure, browse the Iconic Nursery, and settle in at The Gardens Café for a leisurely lunch.

Reserve a table at fairhill.com.au/bookings or call us on 07 5343 7906.

Mother's Day Weekend at Fairhill Adventure Gardens — Friday 8 to Monday 11 May 2026. The Sunshine Coast's iconic destination for families, foodies and of course gardeners.

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For media enquiries, interviews or images, please contact Angela Wright MBE, CEO Fairhill Gardens — 0411 827 702 / 07 5343 7906 / angela@fairhill.com.au.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Sunshine Coast, QLD

As Christmas approaches, Australians are embracing the joy of giving green with the rise in popularity of Graptophyllum ilicifolium, commonly known as holly fuchsia. This native plant, with its vibrant red blooms and holly-like leaves, has become a symbol of sustainable gifting for the holiday season in 2024.

A perfect festive addition to gardens

The holly fuchsia's appeal lies in its striking appearance and cultural significance. With glossy, spiked leaves reminiscent of traditional Christmas holly and brilliant red tubular flowers that attract pollinators like birds and bees, this plant is a natural choice for those looking to combine festive cheer with eco-conscious living.

"Holly fuchsia is a versatile addition to any garden. Its bright flowers and festive foliage make it a living Christmas decoration, and it's perfectly suited to Australia's climate," says Mel, a senior horticulturist at Fairhill Gardens Nursery. "It's a gift that keeps giving, bringing colour and wildlife to the garden year-round."

Sustainability meets sentimentality

In 2024, sustainability is at the forefront of holiday gifting trends. A recent survey by the Australian Horticultural Association revealed that 62% of Australians prefer giving eco-friendly gifts, with plants topping the list. Graptophyllum ilicifolium aligns with this trend, offering a thoughtful, green alternative to traditional presents.

"At Fairhill Gardens Nursery, we've seen a surge in customers choosing plants like holly fuchsia as gifts," says Vanessa, Fairhill's garden expert. "It's a beautiful, meaningful way to celebrate the season while promoting biodiversity and sustainability. A holly fuchsia is more than just a present — it's an enduring symbol of care and connection."

Care and longevity

One of the reasons for its popularity is its easy care. Holly fuchsia thrives in sunny to part-shaded spots, requires minimal maintenance, and is well-suited to Queensland's subtropical climate. Its ability to grow in pots or as part of a garden bed makes it an adaptable choice for any recipient.

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For media enquiries, interviews or images, please contact Angela Wright MBE, CEO Fairhill Gardens — 0411 827 702 / 07 5343 7906 / angela@fairhill.com.au.