13/06/2026
Gold Coast Native Plant Market is on tomorrow—a rare opportunity for you to source a diverse range of native plants, including palms, trees, hedges, flowers & edibles. Liven up a small balcony space, transform a lawn, encourage wildlife or get some great screening ideas.
Choosing native plants is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support our local environment. By planting natives, we’re not just creating beautiful gardens—we’re helping to protect the unique ecosystems that make the Gold Coast such a special place to live.
Native Plants Queensland growers from SE QLD & Northern NSW will be on hand offering expert advice. Aussie bush tucker, little lovelies for a rockery, and trees for large scale habitat restoration or maybe you’re just curious.
Entry is free and open to all (indoor event so no pets allowed sorry).
Details are as follows:
✅ Low prices direct from growers
✅ Tubestock to larger plants
✅ Fantastic range for all gardens (water-wise plants, bush foods, bird/bee/butterfly-attracting plants, PLUS rare and unusual plants)
✅ Cash and Eftpos available
✅ Mobile café on site available
Location:
Country Paradise Parklands
231 Beaudesert Nerang Rd
Nerang
Parking:
Parking is available on the oval area inside Country Paradise Parklands. Parking volunteers will help direct vehicles.
Date:
Sunday 14th June
9am to 2pm
List of native plants:
https://npq.org.au/plants-markets/
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Why planting natives is so important:
Planting native plants on the Gold Coast has several practical benefits, especially because they’re adapted to the local climate, soils, and wildlife.
1. Support local wildlife
Native plants provide food, shelter, and breeding habitat for local birds, butterflies, bees, and other animals. Species that evolved together often depend on each other. For example, many local nectar-feeding birds are attracted to native flowering plants found in the Gold Coast region.
2. Require less water
Once established, native plants generally need less irrigation because they’re adapted to southeast Queensland’s rainfall patterns and seasonal dry periods.
3. Lower maintenance
Many natives are naturally suited to local soils and conditions, meaning less fertiliser, fewer pest problems, and reduced need for pruning compared with some exotic garden plants.
4. Improve resilience to local conditions
Native species are often better able to cope with:
* Coastal winds and salt spray
* Intense summer heat
* Periodic drought
* Heavy rainfall events
This makes them a good choice for Gold Coast gardens, particularly near the coast.
5. Help protect biodiversity
Using local native species helps maintain ecological connections between gardens, parks, and bushland. Even a small backyard can contribute to habitat corridors for wildlife.
6. Reduce environmental impacts
Native gardens typically require fewer chemical inputs and less water, which can reduce runoff into local waterways and sensitive ecosystems such as those around Currumbin Creek, Coomera River and the Broadwater where we often get poor water quality ratings (testing and visibility of these ratings is with thanks to Surfrider Foundation)
7. Create a distinctive Gold Coast landscape
Local species give gardens a sense of place and can be very attractive. Popular Gold Coast natives include:
* Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia)
* Lomandra longifolia (Lomandra)
* Callistemon viminalis (Bottlebrush)
* Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paperbark)
* Syzygium australe (Lilly Pilly)
For the Gold Coast specifically:
If you’re near the beach, coastal natives can tolerate salt and wind much better than many imported ornamentals. If you’re in the hinterland, choosing species native to the local rainforest or eucalypt communities can improve survival rates and provide better habitat value.
Federation Walk Coastal Reserve:
Federation Walk Coastal Reserve is managed primarily as a native vegetation reserve, with restoration efforts focused on local native species and ecological communities
🌱 plant wisely, plant for the future 🌱
