Mt Cotton Rainforest Gardens | Weddings Venue | Functions

Garden History.

Over 120 years ago, the survey plans of this 28 acre/10ha property situated on the eastern side of Mt. Cotton overlooking Moreton Bay, showed drawings of palm trees and hoop pines, especially in the ravines. A considerable area had been cleared for banana growing. Mango trees planted over 140 years ago are still bearing fruit today.

Back in the early 1930’s approx. 27 inches of rain fell in one night and this created extensive slips on two sides of the mountain of which one on the eastern side, became a major landscaping project.

The original plants were purchased when my late husband, John Goleby, (as member for Redlands and a Minister in the Queensland Parliament), when we visited fetes and fairs in our electorate we invariably bought plants. We planted these to establish a garden when we moved here in 1981. In one section, 95% of the plants were sourced from fetes; hence our major site became known as “The Fete Garden” now titled “John’s Garden” in his memory.

As the area was cleared, we found the immediate surrounds, previously covered in black wattle and rubbishy plants, had even a hidden pond! Further clearing revealed terracing as a result of the major slip.

With the help of fantastic family friends, Daph & Jack Rudd “ John’s Garden “ was converted into an amphitheatre of stone terracing and plants. The 52-ton of stone in the retaining walls came from this property. Fill was brought in to create the Island that is connected by two bridges (A popular “Bridal Walk” for wedding ceremonies).

As you meander through “Carolena’s Garden” where approximately 2KM of recycled logs and 500 – 600 tons of rocks were used to retain banks. Admire the stately 140-year-old mango trees in my “Lost World”; known as “Betty’s Brook”, once again the rock walls, rock registry table and poles have been used from the property.

Another feature of the property is known as “Daph’s Retreat”. A hoop pine grove overlooking the home was overgrown with lantana vines, etc. Daph made this section her personal project, she cleared rubbish, placed burnt out logs and rocks in strategic places, created stepping pathways, planted glorious tropical plants. A tribute to her tireless work.