Local economic impact estimated to be more than $10 million
The 40th Queensland Garden Expo took place over the weekend with tens of thousands of visitors passing through the gates of the Nambour Showgrounds, eager to see Australia’s largest gardening speaker program and more than 360 exhibitors, including dozens of growers and nurseries.
This year the Queensland Garden Expo – the Sunshine Coast’s largest annual event – started on a Thursday for the first time, with the program extending from three to four days as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.
Event Manager Marion Beazley said, since its humble beginnings as a car boot sale in 1985, the Expo has thrived and has become one of the most anticipated events in the region.
“We couldn’t be happier with how our 40th anniversary event went – luckily a bit of rain has never stopped a gardener from getting out there, so we still had great attendance numbers,” Ms Beazley said.
“We had people queuing from 6.45am on Thursday morning, which goes to show the dedication of our visitors and the quality of what’s on offer. Every year we have many of our growers and nurseries launching new plant varieties at the event, which has become a highlight on the gardening calendar for our avid gardeners.
“But the Expo has always been more than that. It’s a great day out for the whole family, whether they are green thumbs, just thinking about buying their first plant or coming along to enjoy the activities, 30-plus food outlets or the free kids’ playground.
“With more than 65 per cent of visitors coming from outside the region, the Expo’s economic impact is estimated to be more than $10 million which directly benefits local businesses, not only the nurseries and exhibitors at the Expo but everything from local accommodation and hospitality venues, to retail and tourist attractions in the region.
As part of the birthday revelry, the Expo also launched what is believed to be, Australia’s first rooster crowing competition.
“We weren’t sure how much interest we’d get in this new addition to the program but as it turns out, our visitors were excited to get involved and we had no shortage of crowers entering the daily heats.
“Sunday saw us crown Australia’s first crowing champion, Sunshine Coast local John Corum, and it looks like this might well become an annual event, given the number of entrants who wanted to show off their cockle-doodle-doo!”
Ms Beazley said this year’s Opening Ceremony honoured the Queensland Garden Expo’s long-time exhibitors – some of whom have been selling plants and gardening wares since the Expo began in 1985.
“We recognised recipients of our Lifetime VIP Pass – Peter Young, the Heaton Family and our MC extraordinaire Al Doblo – who have all been part of the Expo since the very beginning in 1985.”
The Expo also saw the return of crowd favourites on the six speaker stages, including ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, Sophie Thomson, Millie Ross and Jerry Coleby-Williams, as well as crowd favourites Phil Dudman, Kate Wall and Claire Bickle, to name a few.
Queensland Garden Expo Chairman and Blue Sky Nursery General Manager Simon Smith said visitors embraced the extended four-day program with the nursery enjoying record sales for the event.
“Despite there being some wet weather across the event, this was our best Expo yet in regards to sales, and that’s great feedback given this is our first ever four-day event,” Mr Smith said.
“The Queensland Garden Expo not only celebrates Australia’s rich horticultural heritage but also promotes the value of sustainable practices and community engagement.
“The Expo’s evolution also reflects broader trends in the nursery industry. We’ve seen a growing emphasis on native plants and sustainable gardening practices, aligning with increased environmental awareness among our visitors.
“Over the past few years, particularly since the pandemic, we have seen a younger demographic keen to grow their own fruit and veg, and now increased cost-of-living pressures has seen the interest in gardening continue to grow.
“With more than 50,000 plants on sale each day, the Expo not only supports local growers and nurseries but also educates the public on the diversity and benefits of Australian flora. It’s a testament to our commitment to fostering a greener, more connected community.”
The Queensland Garden Expo is an annual event held in July. To find out more about this event and to plan for next year, visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.
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FAST FACTS
- Four-day event from 4-7 July
- 40,000-plus attendees
- 65% visitation from outside the Sunshine Coast region
- More than 7 hectares of gardening inspiration
- 360-plus exhibitors and displays, including 55 nurseries
- 150-plus free lectures and demonstrations
- 6 live speaker stages
- 50,000 plants for sale each day
WHAT ELSE HAPPENED IN 1985?
- Bob Hawke is two years into his first term as Prime Minister of Australia
- “Neighbours” premieres on the Seven Network
- Live Aid concerts raise USD127 million for famine relief in Ethiopia
- “Back to the Future” and “The Breakfast Club” premiere in cinemas
- The first version of Microsoft Windows is released
- Boris Becker becomes the youngest winner of the Wimbledon men’s singles at age 17
- “Careless Whisper by Wham and Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” are topping the charts
- Michael Jordan is named the NBA “Rookie of the Year”
- The first mobile phone call is made in the UK by Ernie Wise
- The average median house price in Brisbane was $61,550
